NextDNS has not updated its client applications on multiple platforms (iOS/iPadOS/macOS) for several years. Those client applications did have the ability to stop the blocking (or not), but now it's just a toggle that does nothing.

Most of the time when I visit test.nextdns.io it shows as "unconfigured" even though the NextDNS client is installed and configured with a NextDNS profile (and approved in Settings as a VPN provider on these OSes). Sometimes it will work on its own.

I wouldn't recommend NextDNS unless the user is comfortable installing a (somewhat) permanent Profile on these devices with no temporary "off" switch to stop blocking. For me it's important to stop the blocking once in a while.

At least on macOS, there's Little Snitch (paid application), which can subscribe to the same blocklists used by ad blockers and has a working toggle.

They do let you switch it off, it's just a bit buggy sometimes (like having to toggle twice), I know because I use it all the time. https://i.imgur.com/YpSkS93.png

I use Tailscale as my primary interface for handling this. Simple as adding your nextdns id number in the DNS settings and you are done.

Instruct your Tailscale invitees to download the app and voila, simply toggle it on or off as needed.

FWIW, in my years of using NextDNS I think I've needed to do this only twice. On Macs, the menubar app lets you enable/disable NextDNS. The average HN reader can probably automate switching to a non-blocking profile for a given length of time. https://community.home-assistant.io/t/nextdns-integration-te...