How to Use Smart DNS with Surfshark
Introduction to Using Smart DNS with Surfshark
Smart DNS is a technology used to unblock geo-restricted content and improve your streaming experience without significant drops in speed. Surfshark, a renowned player in the VPN market, offers an easy-to-use Smart DNS service for users who want to enjoy international content seamlessly. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up and using Smart DNS with Surfshark on various devices.
What is Smart DNS?
Smart DNS is a tool designed to help bypass geo-restrictions imposed by streaming services. It does this by changing the DNS (Domain Name System) settings on your device so that you can access content that is limited to certain regions. Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS does not encrypt your traffic, which preserves your original internet speed.
Why Choose Surfshark’s Smart DNS?
- ✓ Fast Streaming Speed: No encryption means you maintain high speeds suitable for streaming.
- ✓ Easy Setup: Surfshark’s Smart DNS is straightforward to configure on any device.
- ✓ Solid Compatibility: Works with TVs, gaming consoles, and more, which might not support VPN apps directly.
- ✓ Unlimited Devices: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
Setting Up Surfshark’s Smart DNS
To begin using Surfshark’s Smart DNS service, you need to activate the service via your Surfshark account and then apply the settings to your preferred device.
Step 1: Activate Smart DNS in Surfshark Account
- Log into your Surfshark account.
- Navigate to the ‚My Account‘ section and select ‚Smart DNS‘.
- Click on ‚Activate Smart DNS‘. It may take a few minutes to activate, and you will see two DNS server addresses appear on your dashboard once it’s ready.
Step 2: Configure Smart DNS on Your Device
Configuring Smart DNS settings varies slightly between devices. Below, we guide you through setting up on some popular platforms:
For Smart TVs (e.g., Samsung, LG):
- Go to the network settings page.
- Choose ‚Network Status‘ and then ‚IP Settings‘.
- Select ‚DNS Setting‘ and switch it to ‚Enter Manually‘.
- Type in the Surfshark DNS server address you got from your account and save the settings.
For Gaming Consoles (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation):
- Access the network settings and choose to set up Internet Connection manually.
- Change the DNS settings to ‚Manual‘ and input the Surfshark DNS addresses.
- Follow prompts to finish setting up and restart your console.
For Apple TV:
- On the main menu, go to ‚Settings‘ then ‚Network‘.
- Select the network you are connected to, then go to ‚Configure DNS‘ and switch it to ‚Manual‘.
- Input the DNS address provided by Surfshark and confirm.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some quick fixes for usual issues that might arise after setting up Smart DNS on your device:
- ✓ Ensure the DNS addresses are correctly inputted and saved.
- ✓ Restart your device to resolve issues with changes not taking effect.
- ✓ Check whether the geo-restriction of the content provider has changed policies.
- ✓ Confirm that your IP address is registered in your Surfshark account under the Smart DNS settings.
Additional Resources
For more information, visit:
- Surfshark Official Smart DNS Page: This page offers detailed information about the features of Surfshark’s Smart DNS.
- Surfshark Support Center: Here you can find FAQs and troubleshooting assistance specific to Surfshark products.
- VPN Mentor’s Review on Surfshark: An extensive review that examines the pros and cons of using Surfshark, including its Smart DNS service.
Conclusion
Surfshark’s Smart DNS service is an excellent solution for users aiming to enjoy geo-restricted content with minimal speed loss. Setting up is straightforward, se rvicing a wide range of devices, from smart TVs to gaming consoles. For better streaming experience and ease of access, Surfshark is a solid choice.
When choosing the best option:
- For Streaming: Use Surfshark Smart DNS on your smart TVs and streaming devices for fast, uninterrupted access to international content.
- Everyday Use: Enable Smart DNS on devices where VPN applications are not supported, such as some gaming consoles.
- Travel: On portable devices, combining Surfshark VPN and Smart DNS can help secure and unblock content anywhere.
FAQs
We hope this guide has been helpful to you in setting up and using Surfshark’s Smart DNS. We encourage you to share your experiences, ask questions, or provide feedback in the comments section below. Your input helps us improve and provide more valuable content.