NordVPN Smart DNS Explained

NordVPN Smart DNS is a service that allows users to access geo-restricted content by routing internet traffic through a VPN server. This is made possible by NordVPN's Smart DNS technology, which can be used independently of the VPN service.

Smart DNS works by redirecting DNS queries to a VPN server, which then forwards the request to the correct server. This allows users to access content that would normally be blocked due to their location.

For example, if you're trying to access a US streaming service from outside the US, you can use Smart DNS to route your DNS queries through a US VPN server, allowing you to access the service as if you were in the US.

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NordVPN SmartDNS is a tool that helps you access region-blocked streaming content by rerouting your DNS queries through specific servers.

It makes it look like you're in a different location without changing your IP address or encrypting your internet traffic.

This helps watch content that's only available in certain countries. It's meant for people who want access without the extra step of using a full VPN app.

NordVPN's SmartDNS won't always unblock every streaming service you throw at it, but it does support a list of popular platforms, including ABC GO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Fox Now, and Netflix Originals.

You can use NordVPN's SmartDNS on practically any device, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, as long as you can change your DNS settings.

Here are some popular streaming services that you can unblock with NordVPN's SmartDNS:

Keep in mind that NordVPN's SmartDNS only lets you unblock the US version of these services.

To enable NordVPN SmartDNS, you'll need to allowlist your original IP address, which is the one you have when your VPN is switched off. Make sure to allowlist your IPv4 address, not IPv6, as NordVPN doesn't support IPv6 yet.

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First, disconnect from NordVPN or any other VPN connection. Then, log in to your NordAccount and select the NordVPN button in the upper-left section of your dashboard. Next, click the enable button on the SmartDNS tab and activate the SmartDNS feature by clicking on the activate SmartDNS button. Note that the activation can take up to 10 minutes, and in the meantime, the status will be shown as pending.

The primary DNS server address is 103.86.96.103, and the secondary address is 103.86.99.103. You'll need these addresses to configure your devices for SmartDNS.

Here are the steps to enable SmartDNS in a nutshell:

Remember, patience is key, as the activation process can take up to 10 minutes.

NordVPN SmartDNS is a reliable service that offers both benefits and limitations. It's a double-edged sword, but the good news is that it's fast and convenient.

NordVPN SmartDNS provides several benefits, including unblocking geo-restricted content, faster streaming speeds, and the ability to work on devices that don't support VPN apps. This makes it a great option for streaming on fixed devices like TVs.

Here are some of the benefits of NordVPN SmartDNS in a nutshell:

NordVPN's SmartPlay feature is an even more powerful tool that combines the security of a VPN with the speed and convenience of SmartDNS. This means you can access content without worrying about hackers or snoops intercepting your location and other sensitive information.

NordVPN SmartDNS is a game-changer for streaming enthusiasts. It lets you access U.S.-based streaming services that would usually block users outside the country by rerouting your DNS queries through a U.S. server.

With SmartDNS, you can enjoy smooth HD or 4K streaming without buffering, especially if you have a decent connection. This is because there's no encryption involved, so your internet speed stays pretty much as it is.

One of the best things about SmartDNS is that it works on devices that don't support VPN apps, such as Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and some older streaming boxes. You can change DNS settings directly on the device and access geo-blocked content without needing to install or run anything extra.

Setting up SmartDNS is a breeze – there's no app to launch or service to connect every time you use it. Once you activate it and set your DNS manually, you're good to go, and it's convenient for users who want a "set it and forget it" option for streaming on fixed devices like TVs.

Here are the benefits of NordVPN SmartDNS at a glance:

NordVPN SmartDNS is a game-changer for streaming enthusiasts. It unblocks geo-restricted content on U.S.-based streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, making it a must-have for anyone who wants to access their favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world.

SmartDNS is particularly useful for devices that don't support VPN apps natively, such as Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Apple TV. By changing DNS settings directly on the device, you can access geo-blocked content without needing to install or run anything extra.

NordVPN's SmartDNS servers are based in the US, which means its streaming scope is limited to American-based services. However, this also means that it can unblock Netflix Originals, Disney+, and other popular US-based streaming services.

Here are some of the major streaming services that are supported by NordVPN SmartDNS:

If you're looking for a more comprehensive streaming solution, you might want to consider NordVPN's SmartPlay feature, which combines the benefits of SmartDNS with the security and privacy of a VPN. This way, you can access content without worrying about hackers or snoops intercepting your location and other sensitive information.

To set up NordVPN SmartDNS, you need an active NordVPN subscription, which you can obtain by taking advantage of their amazing discounts.

Make sure your original IP address is registered with NordVPN, and that you've allowedlist it on your account dashboard. You can log in to your NordVPN account at nordvpn.com to do this.

To enable the SmartDNS feature, follow these simple steps: allowlist your original IP address, disconnect from NordVPN, log in to your NordAccount, select the NordVPN button, click the enable button on the SmartDNS tab, and activate the SmartDNS feature. The activation can take up to 10 minutes, and your primary and secondary DNS addresses are 103.86.96.103 and 103.86.99.103, respectively.

You can set up SmartDNS on various devices, including smart TVs, Apple TVs, and gaming consoles. For most smart TVs and consoles, you'll need to enter the NordVPN SmartDNS addresses into your device's network settings, which can be done by following these steps: open network settings, choose manual or custom setup, enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses, and save your settings.

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To set up NordVPN SmartDNS, you'll need to configure your device's network settings. This involves entering the NordVPN SmartDNS addresses into your device's network settings, which varies slightly depending on the device.

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For most smart TVs and consoles, you'll need to open Network Settings, choose Manual or Custom Setup for the DNS configuration, and enter the NordVPN SmartDNS addresses.

To enable the SmartDNS feature, you'll need to allowlist your original IP address, disconnect from NordVPN, and log in to your NordAccount. From there, you'll select the NordVPN button, click the enable button on the SmartDNS tab, and activate the SmartDNS feature.

Setting up SmartDNS on macOS involves going to System Preferences > Network, selecting your active network, and clicking on Advanced. You'll then switch to the DNS tab, add the NordVPN SmartDNS addresses, and click OK and Apply to save the changes.

On Windows, you'll need to go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right-click on your active network connection, and select Properties. You'll then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and choose Use the following DNS server addresses, entering the SmartDNS addresses provided by NordVPN.

Before you begin the NordVPN SmartDNS setup, there are a few things to check. You need an active NordVPN subscription, your original IP address must be registered with NordVPN, and SmartDNS only works with U.S. streaming services.

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To set up SmartDNS on your device, you'll need to:

Here are the NordVPN SmartDNS addresses you'll need to enter:

NordVPN's Smart DNS service can be set up on Windows devices using the NordVPN app, which is available for download from the official website or the Microsoft Store.

To start, ensure you have a NordVPN account and the latest version of the NordVPN app installed on your Windows device.

The NordVPN app allows you to connect to NordVPN servers, but for Smart DNS, you need to disable the VPN feature and enable the Smart DNS feature instead.

To do this, open the NordVPN app, go to the Settings, and toggle the switch next to "Smart DNS" to the "On" position.

Smart DNS works by altering your DNS settings to point to NordVPN's DNS servers, which then forward your internet requests to the nearest available server.

This setup is usually done automatically, but you may need to configure your Windows device manually by going to the Network and Sharing Center, clicking on Change adapter settings, and selecting the adapter you want to modify.

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If you have a media streaming device that runs on Fire OS or Android TV, you're in luck - you can download NordVPN's fully-featured app directly from Amazon's or Google's App Store.

For devices that don't support VPNs natively, such as Apple TV, you'll need to set up NordVPN's SmartDNS.

Here's a quick rundown of the supported devices and how to set up SmartDNS on each:

Remember to ensure both your media streaming device and the device you'll use to set up SmartDNS are on the same network.

SmartDNS-supported streaming services are quite impressive. You can access a variety of popular platforms with NordVPN's SmartDNS.

Here's a list of some of the notable services that are supported:

SmartDNS also works on certain devices, including LG TV and Apple TV, making it easy to stream your favorite shows.

NordVPN's SmartDNS has some limitations, though. It's primarily designed for American-based services, as the servers are based in the US. This means you might not be able to access international streaming services.

If you're looking for alternatives to NordVPN's SmartDNS, there are other options available for media streaming.

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NordVPN SmartDNS can be used on media streaming devices that don't support VPNs natively, such as Apple TV.

To set it up, your media streaming device and the device you'll use to set up SmartDNS must be on the same network, like your home Wi-Fi.

First, access your Nord account on your computer or smartphone, providing your username and password to see Nord's dashboard.

Select 'NordVPN' on the left, in the 'Services' section, and click on 'Activate' in the 'SmartDNS' section to register and whitelist your IP address.

Then, navigate to your device's Internet settings, typically located within the Settings app.

On tvOS (Apple TV), go to Settings > General > Network > Wi-Fi > (select your network), then pick Configure DNS > Manual.

Enter the primary (103.86.99.103) and secondary DNS (103.86.96.103), which you'll also see on your Nord dashboard, and double-check if you've entered the correct numbers.

Your media streaming device should now be configured with NordVPN SmartDNS.

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If you're experiencing issues with NordVPN's SmartDNS, there's a group of quick actions to take that will help you determine the cause of the issue.

First, check if you're using an IPv6 address, because NordVPN SmartDNS doesn't work on IPv6 addresses.

If you're not sure whether you have an IPv6 address, you can use a website to check, and if it says 'No IPv6 Address Detected', that means NordVPN SmartDNS should work fine.

Your next course of action should be to check your DNS settings, because unless you've entered your primary and secondary DNS correctly, you won't be able to use the Internet.

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If you're looking for an alternative to NordVPN's SmartDNS, there are several options available. ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer is a great choice, as it allows you to unblock Netflix US, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max.

ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer is close to identical to NordVPN's SmartDNS, making it a seamless transition for those already familiar with the service. You can activate it using the VPN's website, and it works on devices that don't support VPNs natively.

Surfshark's SmartDNS is another option, which you can activate using the VPN's website after accessing your account's dashboard. With Surfshark's SmartDNS, you can unblock Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, although its reach is somewhat limited compared to ExpressVPN.

If you're looking for a SmartDNS that can unblock the British version of Netflix, CyberGhost is a great choice. Its SmartDNS can also unblock Netflix US and Hulu, making it a solid alternative to NordVPN's SmartDNS.

Here's a comparison of the three alternatives:

NordVPN Smart DNS is incredibly fast, beating the VPN's performance on supported devices due to the removal of encryption.

The lack of encryption, however, makes SmartDNS vulnerable to keeping your location and personal information secure.

NordVPN's SmartDNS eliminates the overhead of encryption, resulting in incredibly fast speeds, even from the opposite side of the world.

You can expect fast speeds with NordVPN's SmartDNS, but it's essential to remember that it doesn't encrypt your data, which can be a concern for those prioritizing security.

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN services out there.

NordVPN's performance is impressive, especially when compared to its own SmartDNS. SmartDNS easily beats the VPN's performance thanks to the removal of the extra step in your connection: encryption.

You can fine-tune your VPN connection with NordVPN's high level of customization, which includes switching between VPN protocols and picking from 5,000+ standard and specialized servers.

Even with in-depth customization, you'll never reach the same incredibly fast speeds as you'll get with NordVPN's SmartDNS.

NordVPN's SmartDNS doesn't use a VPN protocol to route your data or encrypt your data, which eliminates that "overhead" and keeps your Web connection's speed fast.

Connecting to NordVPN's SmartDNS servers, even from the opposite side of the world, will result in very fast Web connection speeds.

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NordVPN's encryption technology is a game-changer for online security.

The lack of encryption in SmartDNS services leaves your location and personal information vulnerable to prying eyes.

Encryption ensures that your data is scrambled and unreadable to anyone who tries to intercept it.

To set up NordVPN SmartDNS on your TV, you'll need to connect it to the same network as your device. You can do this by navigating to your TV's settings and selecting Network Connection.

Your TV must be connected to the same network as the device you'll use to access your Nord account. This includes your computer or smartphone.

To activate SmartDNS, log in to your Nord account on your computer or smartphone and click on the Activate button in the SmartDNS section. This will whitelist your IP address on your specific network.

You'll need to input your primary and secondary DNS addresses on your TV. For most smart TVs, you can find these settings in the Internet or Network-related settings. If you're using an LG TV, you can watch NordVPN's tutorial video for detailed step-by-step instructions.

To enter the DNS addresses, navigate to your TV's settings and select the Manual tab. Then, enter the primary DNS address (103.86.96.103) and the secondary DNS address (103.86.99.103).

Alternatively, you can use a media streaming device like Amazon's Fire TV Stick or Nvidia's Shield TV, which run on Fire OS or Android TV. In this case, you can download the NordVPN app from Amazon's or Google's App Store.

Here are the steps to follow:

If you want to set up NordVPN SmartDNS on your gaming console, you'll need to have both your console and the device you'll use to activate SmartDNS connected to the same network.

You'll need to access Nord's login page using your computer or smartphone, and provide your credentials to get to your Nord Account dashboard.

The process is relatively straightforward, but make sure your console and the device you're using are on the same network. This is crucial for the setup to work properly.

Here's a step-by-step guide to set up NordVPN SmartDNS on your gaming console:

Some consoles, like Xbox, have slightly different settings. To set up NordVPN SmartDNS on Xbox, follow these steps:

NordVPN offers SmartDNS at no extra cost, so you don't have to pay extra for this feature.

Your regular subscription fee provides you with robust VPN services and unlocks the versatile SmartDNS feature, giving you access to geo-restricted content on various devices.

NordVPN happens to be one of the most affordable VPN services on the market.

NordVPN offers SmartDNS at no extra cost, making it a fantastic value for the price.

Your regular subscription fee provides you with robust VPN services, and also unlocks the versatile SmartDNS feature, giving you access to geo-restricted content on various devices.

The VPN is one of the most affordable VPN services on the market, making it a great option for those on a budget.

NordVPN Smart DNS is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

The service supports iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access geo-restricted content on their mobile devices.

NordVPN Smart DNS also works with Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV, making it easy to stream content on your living room TV.

This means you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies on any device, at any time.

The service can be configured on your router, allowing multiple devices to connect to the VPN at once.

This is especially useful for families with multiple devices, as it eliminates the need to configure each device individually.

NordVPN Smart DNS also supports multiple simultaneous connections, so you can use it on all your devices without any issues.

NordVPN's SmartDNS is a convenient feature that offers several benefits. It unblocks geo-restricted content, allowing you to access libraries unavailable in your region.

One of the main advantages of SmartDNS is its speed, which is faster than VPNs. This is because it avoids the encryption overhead of VPNs, resulting in lower latency and faster internet speeds.

SmartDNS also offers greater flexibility and convenience, as it can be configured on devices without native VPN applications. This includes routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices.

Setting up SmartDNS is easy, with no complex configurations required. You only need to adjust your device's DNS settings, and NordVPN provides easy-to-follow guides to help you do so.

Here are some of the key benefits of NordVPN's SmartDNS:

With SmartDNS, you can enjoy ultra-fast performance and stream in 4K even with a 20-25Mbps web connection. This is because SmartDNS doesn't introduce throttling or slowdowns, unlike VPNs.