SmartDNS Setup
Unlock geo-restricted streaming content without speed loss using OrbVPN SmartDNS
SmartDNS
Unlock geo-restricted streaming content without the overhead of a full VPN connection. SmartDNS selectively routes DNS queries to give you access to your favorite shows, movies, and live sports worldwide while maintaining your full internet speed.
What Is SmartDNS?
SmartDNS is a technology that selectively redirects the DNS queries responsible for determining your geographic location. Unlike a VPN, SmartDNS does not encrypt all your traffic or change your IP address. Instead, it only reroutes the specific portions of traffic needed to bypass geographic restrictions on streaming platforms.
This approach delivers a key advantage: you get full access to geo-restricted content while maintaining your native internet speed, since there is no encryption overhead or traffic tunneling involved. The experience is identical to browsing without any VPN, except streaming services believe you are located in your chosen region.
SmartDNS is conceptually similar to services like Smart DNS Proxy, but integrated directly into OrbVPN with no additional configuration or subscription required.
Speed Without Compromise
Because SmartDNS only redirects DNS queries and specific geo-check traffic, your actual streaming data flows directly from the content provider to your device at full speed. There is no encryption overhead, no tunneling, and no intermediate server between you and the content delivery network.
Full Speed Streaming
No encryption overhead means your connection speed remains unchanged. Stream in 4K HDR without buffering, even on slower connections.
Global Content Libraries
Access streaming catalogs from different regions including US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, Germany, and more with a single tap.
Simple One-Tap Setup
Enable SmartDNS with a single toggle. No manual DNS configuration, no router changes, and no technical knowledge required.
Supported Streaming Services
SmartDNS is optimized for a wide range of popular streaming platforms across entertainment, sports, and live TV. New services are continuously added as they become available.
Entertainment Platforms
Netflix
Access Netflix libraries from the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, and other regions. Unlock thousands of additional titles.
Disney+
Stream Disney+ content available in different geographic markets, including region-exclusive Marvel and Star Wars releases.
Amazon Prime Video
Unlock Prime Video regional catalogs with different movie and series selections. Access Amazon Originals available only in specific countries.
HBO Max
Stream HBO originals, Warner Bros films, and exclusive content across regions. Access the full US library from anywhere.
Apple TV+
Watch Apple Originals and access the full Apple TV+ catalog, including region-specific content and early releases.
Hulu
Access Hulu's US-only streaming library from anywhere in the world, including Hulu Originals and next-day TV episodes.
Peacock
Access NBC Universal's streaming platform from outside the US. Watch live NBC content, Peacock Originals, and classic shows.
Paramount+
Stream CBS shows, Paramount films, and exclusive originals from any region. Access the full US and international libraries.
Live TV and Sports
BBC iPlayer
Watch BBC content typically restricted to UK viewers, including live BBC channels, documentaries, and dramas.
YouTube Premium
Access YouTube Premium content and regional pricing. Watch YouTube Originals available in specific countries.
DAZN
Stream live sports including boxing, MMA, football, and more. Access different DAZN regional catalogs with varying sports rights.
ITV Hub / Channel 4
Watch UK free-to-air content from ITV and Channel 4 from outside the United Kingdom.
ESPN+
Access ESPN's streaming service for live sports, UFC events, and exclusive ESPN original programming.
Crunchyroll
Access the full Crunchyroll anime library with simulcasts and region-exclusive titles from Japan.
Hotstar
Watch Disney+ Hotstar content including cricket, Bollywood, and regional Indian entertainment.
50+ More Services
Including Stan, Crave, Now TV, Sky Go, ZDF, ARD, Canal+, RaiPlay, NRK, SVT Play, and many more regional services.
How to Enable SmartDNS
In-App Setup (Recommended)
The simplest way to enable SmartDNS is directly within the OrbVPN app.
Open DNS Settings
Launch OrbVPN and navigate to Settings, then tap on the DNS section to access DNS management options.
Enable SmartDNS
Toggle the SmartDNS switch to the on position. The app will configure the optimized DNS servers automatically on your device.
Select Your Streaming Region
Choose the region whose content you want to access. For example, select 'United States' to unlock US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and ESPN+. Select 'United Kingdom' for BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Channel 4.
Start Streaming
Open your streaming app and browse the newly available content library. No app restart is typically required. Content from your selected region will be available immediately.
No VPN Connection Required
SmartDNS works independently of the VPN connection. You do not need to connect to a VPN server to use SmartDNS, which means zero impact on your internet speed. You can even use SmartDNS and VPN simultaneously if you want both streaming access and encryption.
Regional DNS Configuration
SmartDNS supports multiple streaming regions. You can switch between regions at any time to access different content libraries.
United States
Unlocks Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, ESPN+, Paramount+, and other US-only streaming services.
United Kingdom
Unlocks BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, Now TV, Sky Go, and UK Netflix catalog.
Canada
Unlocks Crave, CBC Gem, Canadian Netflix, and other Canada-exclusive content.
Australia
Unlocks Stan, 10 Play, SBS On Demand, and Australian Netflix catalog.
Japan
Unlocks Japanese Netflix, Crunchyroll Japan catalog, AbemaTV, and Japanese streaming exclusives.
Germany
Unlocks ZDF, ARD Mediathek, RTL+, and German Netflix catalog. Also works for Swiss and Austrian streaming services.
Switching Regions
To switch your SmartDNS region, open the DNS settings and tap on the currently selected region. The region picker displays all available options with the number of supported streaming services in each region. Switching is instant and does not require disconnecting from anything.
Multiple Regions
SmartDNS supports one active region at a time. To access a service from a different region, switch your SmartDNS region in settings. The change takes effect immediately without restarting any apps.
SmartDNS vs Full VPN
Understanding the differences between SmartDNS and a full VPN connection helps you choose the right tool for each situation.
SmartDNS
Zero speed impact. No encryption. Only DNS queries are redirected. Your real IP address is visible. Works on any device including smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming sticks that cannot run VPN apps. Ideal for streaming, gaming, and speed-sensitive applications.
Full VPN
All traffic is encrypted and tunneled. Your IP address is replaced with the VPN server IP. Provides full privacy and security. May reduce speeds depending on server distance and encryption overhead. Best for privacy, security on public Wi-Fi, and censorship circumvention.
Feature Comparison
Speed
SmartDNS: 100% of your native speed. VPN: Typically 70-95% of native speed depending on protocol, server distance, and encryption overhead.
Privacy
SmartDNS: Your IP address remains visible to websites. VPN: Your IP address is hidden behind the VPN server IP.
Geo-Unblocking
SmartDNS: Unblocks streaming services by redirecting geo-check DNS queries. VPN: Unblocks everything by changing your apparent IP location.
Encryption
SmartDNS: No traffic encryption. VPN: Full AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption on all traffic.
Device Compatibility
SmartDNS: Works on any device that uses DNS, including smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. VPN: Requires a VPN app or router-level configuration.
Use Together
You can enable both SmartDNS and VPN simultaneously. SmartDNS handles streaming geo-unblocking while VPN provides encryption and privacy for everything else.
Best of Both Worlds
For the ultimate setup, enable SmartDNS for your streaming apps and use Split Tunneling to exclude streaming traffic from the VPN. This gives you encrypted privacy for sensitive browsing and full-speed streaming simultaneously.
Device-Level Configuration
While the OrbVPN app handles SmartDNS automatically, you can also configure SmartDNS at the device or router level for devices that cannot run the OrbVPN app.
Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
Apple TV
Navigate to Settings, then Network, then Wi-Fi. Select your network and configure DNS to Manual. Enter the OrbVPN SmartDNS addresses shown in your app settings.
Fire TV / Fire Stick
Go to Settings, then Network. Select your Wi-Fi network and scroll to Advanced. Change DNS to the OrbVPN SmartDNS addresses from your app.
PlayStation / Xbox
Open Network Settings and choose Manual DNS configuration. Enter the primary and secondary OrbVPN SmartDNS addresses.
Samsung / LG Smart TV
Access Network Settings on your TV and change DNS settings from Automatic to Manual. Enter the SmartDNS server addresses.
Router-Level Configuration
For whole-network SmartDNS coverage, configure your router to use OrbVPN SmartDNS servers. This applies SmartDNS to every device on your network without individual device configuration.
Access Router Admin Panel
Open your browser and navigate to your router's admin page, typically at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with your router credentials.
Find DNS Settings
Navigate to the WAN or Internet settings section. Look for DNS server configuration, which may be under Advanced or Network settings.
Enter SmartDNS Addresses
Replace the existing DNS servers with the OrbVPN SmartDNS addresses shown in your app under Settings then DNS then SmartDNS Server Addresses.
Save and Restart
Save the settings and restart your router. All devices on your network will now use SmartDNS for streaming access.
Router DNS Changes Affect All Devices
Changing DNS at the router level applies SmartDNS to every device on your network. If you only want SmartDNS on specific devices, configure DNS on those individual devices instead.
Troubleshooting SmartDNS
If you encounter issues with SmartDNS, try these common solutions.
Streaming Service Not Unblocking
Clear your browser cache and cookies, then restart the streaming app. Some services cache your previous location data. If using a mobile app, force-close it and reopen.
Slow DNS Resolution
Ensure SmartDNS is the only DNS configuration active. Disable Custom DNS if it is also enabled to avoid conflicts. Check that no other DNS service or ad blocker is overriding your DNS settings.
DNS Conflicts with Other Services
If you have manually configured DNS on your device or router, or use services like Pi-hole or AdGuard, revert to automatic DNS settings and let OrbVPN manage SmartDNS.
SmartDNS Not Activating
Toggle SmartDNS off and on again. If the issue persists, restart the OrbVPN app. On iOS, check that the DNS profile is installed under Settings then General then VPN and Device Management.
Works on Phone but Not Smart TV
When using SmartDNS on a smart TV or streaming device, ensure the device DNS is configured to the OrbVPN SmartDNS addresses. Some devices override DNS settings after updates.
Service Detects SmartDNS
Some streaming services actively detect DNS-based unblocking. If SmartDNS stops working for a particular service, switch to a full VPN connection with a server in the desired region for more reliable access.
SmartDNS Server Status
If multiple streaming services stop working simultaneously, the SmartDNS servers may be undergoing maintenance. Check the OrbVPN service status page for any ongoing incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SmartDNS slow down my internet?
No. SmartDNS only redirects DNS queries and specific geo-check requests. Your actual content streams directly from the provider at full speed with no encryption overhead.
Is SmartDNS secure?
SmartDNS does not provide encryption. It is designed for streaming access, not privacy. For secure browsing, use SmartDNS together with the VPN, or use a full VPN connection instead.
Can I use SmartDNS and VPN together?
Yes. SmartDNS and VPN work independently and can be active simultaneously. SmartDNS handles geo-unblocking while the VPN encrypts your traffic.
Does SmartDNS work on all devices?
SmartDNS works on any device that uses DNS for name resolution. This includes smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming sticks.
Stream Without Borders
Unlock your favorite streaming services worldwide with SmartDNS. No speed loss, no buffering, just instant access to global content libraries at your full internet speed.