How to Set Up and Use NordVPN’s Smart DNS Service

Introduction to NordVPN’s Smart DNS Service

Smart DNS services provide an invaluable tool for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing a global content library. NordVPN, a leader in the virtual private network (VPN) industry, offers a Smart DNS feature that enables seamless streaming without the need for a VPN connection. This feature is particularly useful for devices that do not natively support VPN software.

What is Smart DNS?

A Smart DNS service operates by redirecting the part of your traffic responsible for revealing your geographical location to a proxy server. It does this without affecting your IP address, thus allowing you to access geo-restricted content. Importantly, Smart DNS does not encrypt your traffic, which means it does not offer the same level of security as a VPN.

Advantages of Using NordVPN’s Smart DNS

• ✓ Unblocks geo-restricted content seamlessly
• ✓ No significant impact on internet speed
• ✓ Compatible with a wide range of devices
• ✓ Easy to set up and use

Setting Up NordVPN’s Smart DNS

Setting up NordVPN’s Smart DNS service is straightforward. Below, we provide step-by-step instructions tailored for various devices.

General Setup for Smart DNS

Before setting up Smart DNS on any device, you need to activate the service for your IP address using your NordVPN account. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Log into your NordVPN account.
2. Navigate to the Dashboard.
3. Find the Smart DNS section and click on the activate button.
4. Note down the Smart DNS addresses provided by NordVPN.

Setting Up Smart DNS on Windows

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on “Change adapter settings”.
3. Right-click your active Internet connection (WiFi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
4. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then Properties.
5. Click Use the following DNS server addresses. Enter the NordVPN Smart DNS addresses and click OK.

Setting Up Smart DNS on MacOS

1. Open System Preferences and go to Network.
2. Select your active Internet connection and click Advanced.
3. Go to the DNS tab, click the + icon, and add the NordVPN DNS addresses.
4. Click OK, then Apply.

Setting Up Smart DNS on iOS

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the information (i) icon next to your network.
3. Scroll down to Configure DNS and tap Manual.
4. Add the NordVPN DNS addresses and save the changes.

Setting Up Smart DNS on Android

Android does not directly allow the change of DNS servers for mobile networks. However, you can change DNS servers for Wi-Fi networks:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and select your Wi-Fi network.
2. Tap Advanced > DHCP > Static.
3. Enter the NordVPN Smart DNS addresses in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields and save your settings.

Using NordVPN Smart DNS on Other Devices

NordVPN’s Smart DNS can also be configured on a myriad of other devices such as Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even routers. Each device might have a different configuration interface, but the principle remains the same: replace the default DNS settings with the addresses provided by NordVPN.

Limitations and Considerations

While NordVPN’s Smart DNS is powerful, it has limitations:

• Does not encrypt your traffic
• Does not change your IP address
• Potential periodic need to update IP activation due to dynamic IPs from ISPs

Conclusion and Best Use Cases for NordVPN’s Smart DNS

Whether you’re looking to stream your favorite shows on Netflix, access region-locked YouTube content, or want to keep your streaming speeds fast without a VPN, NordVPN’s Smart DNS is an excellent choice. Here are some best use cases:

• ✓ Use on devices that do not support VPN applications such as some Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
• ✓ When you want to maintain high-speed internet connections while streaming content.
• ✓ For users who primarily need a bypass from geo-restrictions without needing the anonymity and security of a VPN.

For detailed step-by-step guides on setting up Smart DNS across various devices, you can refer to NordVPN’s Support Page. This website contains all the help you’ll need regarding setup, troubleshooting, and effective use of all NordVPN services.

FAQ

We invite you to share your experiences, corrections, or any questions related to setting up and using NordVPN’s Smart DNS. Your feedback helps us provide more accurate and updated information. Feel free to leave comments below!