Custom DNS Servers
Custom DNS Servers
Configure your preferred DNS resolvers for maximum speed, privacy, and control. Choose from popular providers like Cloudflare and Google, or enter your own custom server addresses.
Why Use Custom DNS?
Your ISP's default DNS servers are often slow, unencrypted, and used to log your browsing activity. By switching to a custom DNS provider, you gain faster resolution times, stronger privacy, and protection against DNS-based attacks.
Faster Resolution
Top-tier DNS providers maintain globally distributed servers that resolve domains in milliseconds.
DNS Privacy
Encrypted DNS protocols (DoH, DoT) prevent your ISP from seeing which websites you visit.
Security Benefits
Many DNS providers include built-in protection against malware, phishing, and other threats.
Popular DNS Providers
OrbVPN includes preset configurations for the most popular and reliable DNS providers. Select one with a single tap.
Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
One of the fastest DNS resolvers in the world. Strong privacy policy with no logging of your IP address.
Google (8.8.8.8)
Reliable and globally distributed DNS service backed by Google's infrastructure. Supports DNSSEC.
Quad9 (9.9.9.9)
Security-focused DNS that blocks known malicious domains. Operated by a nonprofit foundation.
OpenDNS (208.67.222.222)
Cisco-backed DNS service with optional content filtering and phishing protection built in.
AdGuard DNS
Privacy-focused DNS that blocks ads and trackers at the resolver level. No logging policy.
Custom Server
Enter any DNS server IP address for complete control. Use your organization's internal resolver or any provider.
How to Configure Custom DNS
Open DNS Settings
Launch OrbVPN and navigate to Settings > DNS. The DNS configuration screen provides access to all resolver options.
Select Custom DNS
Toggle the Custom DNS option to enable manual DNS configuration. This disables the default system DNS resolver.
Choose a Provider
Select from the preset list of popular providers (Cloudflare, Google, Quad9, etc.) or tap 'Custom' to enter your own server addresses.
Enter Server Addresses
If using custom servers, enter the primary DNS server IP address. Optionally add a secondary server for redundancy in case the primary is unavailable.
Save and Test
Tap Save to apply your DNS configuration. OrbVPN will verify connectivity to the selected servers and confirm the settings are active.
Primary and Secondary DNS
Always configure both a primary and secondary DNS server. If the primary server goes down or is unreachable, your device will automatically fall back to the secondary server, preventing DNS resolution failures.
Encrypted DNS Protocols
OrbVPN supports modern encrypted DNS protocols that prevent third parties from intercepting your DNS queries.
DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
Encrypts DNS queries using the HTTPS protocol. Queries are indistinguishable from regular web traffic, making them resistant to blocking and monitoring.
DNS over TLS (DoT)
Encrypts DNS queries using TLS on a dedicated port. Provides strong encryption with slightly lower overhead than DoH.
Recommended Setting
For most users, DNS over HTTPS (DoH) with Cloudflare is the best balance of speed, privacy, and reliability. It is fast, private, and works on virtually all networks without being blocked.
Advanced Configuration
For users who need fine-grained control over DNS behavior, OrbVPN provides several advanced options.
Multiple DNS Entries
Configure up to four DNS server addresses (two primary, two secondary) for maximum redundancy and failover.
DNS Caching
OrbVPN caches DNS responses locally to reduce lookup times for frequently visited domains.
Per-Network DNS
Set different DNS servers for different Wi-Fi networks. Use one configuration at home and another at work.
DNS Leak Protection
When VPN is active, all DNS queries are routed through the encrypted tunnel to prevent leaks to your ISP.
Troubleshooting
Websites Not Loading
Verify your custom DNS server address is correct. Try switching to a known working provider like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) to isolate the issue.
Slow DNS Resolution
Choose a DNS provider geographically closer to your location. Cloudflare and Google both have extensive global networks.
DNS Conflicts
Disable any other DNS configuration on your device or router. Only one DNS configuration should be active at a time.
Corporate Network Issues
Some corporate networks block external DNS. Contact your IT department or use DNS over HTTPS to bypass restrictions.
Optimize Your DNS
Take control of your DNS configuration with OrbVPN. Faster lookups, stronger privacy, and complete control over how your device resolves domain names.