What Is NordVPN SmartDNS & How Does It Work?

Last Updated on June 2, 2025 by Editorial

NordVPN SmartDNS is a feature that lets you access streaming content that’s usually blocked in your region, without encrypting your internet traffic. It works by rerouting your DNS queries through servers in specific locations, tricking websites into thinking you’re in a different country.

Unlike a VPN, SmartDNS doesn’t change your IP address or slow down your connection. This is because it skips VPN encryption entirely. Additionally, it works for streaming devices that don’t support VPN apps, like smart TVs or game consoles.

In short, you may not be getting the privacy benefits of a VPN, but you will get faster speeds, which is perfect for streaming. If you want to uncover more about NordVPN SmartDNS, read this to the end.

What is NordVPN SmartDNS?

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.

Why SmartDNS Matters

SmartDNS is useful for streaming services that are sensitive to speed and location. Devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Apple TV often don’t support virtual private network apps, so SmartDNS gives them a simple way to bypass location restrictions. 

However, since it doesn’t encrypt your connection, your streaming traffic is visible to anyone with the means to snoop on you. On the plus side, it means faster loading and no buffering for most streaming platforms.

Where Does NordVPN SmartDNS Work?

Right now, NordVPN SmartDNS is limited to a few U.S.-based platforms. It doesn’t offer a wide range of locations like the full VPN service does. The only streaming platforms you can unblock include the following.

• Amazon Prime (US region)
• Disney Plus (US region)
• Fox Now / Fox News (US region)
• MAX (US region)
• Netflix Originals
• Paramount+
• Peacock TV
• Fubo TV

How to Set Up Nordvpn SmartDNS

Getting started with NordVPN SmartDNS is simple once you know what’s needed. Here’s how to set it up step by step.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the NordVPN SmartDNS setup, there are a few things to check. These steps help make sure everything works smoothly during configuration.

• You need an active NordVPN subscription. Take advantage of these amazing NordVPN discounts to start.
• Your original IP address (the one you have when the VPN is switched off) must be registered with NordVPN. This can be done from your NordVPN account dashboard.
• SmartDNS only works with U.S. streaming services, so you’ll need to make sure the service you want is supported.
• Your device must allow manual DNS settings—this is common with most smart TVs, Apple TVs, and gaming consoles.

Steps to Enable SmartDNS

Once the basic requirements are in place, enabling NordVPN SmartDNS on your account only takes a minute.

• Log in to your NordVPN account at nordvpn.com.

• Go to NordVPN from the left panel and find the SmartDNS tab.

• Click the Enable button. This will link your current IP address to the SmartDNS service. Tap on the “Activate SmartDNS” button to complete the process.

Be aware that the activation can take up to 10 minutes, so you need to exercise patience and don’t click on anything else.

Configuring Your Device

After activation, you’ll need to enter NordVPN’s DNS addresses into your device’s network settings. This part varies slightly depending on the device.

For most smart TVs and consoles:

• Open Network Settings on your device.
  
• Choose Manual or Custom Setup for the DNS configuration.
  
• Enter the following NordVPN SmartDNS addresses:
  
  • Primary DNS: 103.86.96.103
  • Secondary DNS: 103.86.99.103
    
• Save your settings and restart your device.

Once done, your device will route DNS traffic through NordVPN’s servers. You can now enjoy NordVPN SmartDNS streaming on supported platforms without using a VPN app. This setup is especially handy for NordVPN SmartDNS for smart TVs and similar devices, where app installation isn’t an option.

SmartDNS vs. SmartPlay vs. NordVPN

If you’re comparing NordVPN SmartDNS, SmartPlay, and the standard VPN service, you’re not alone. These tools sound similar, but they work differently and serve different needs. We have already covered what SmartDNS is in great detail.

SmartPlay is a mix of SmartDNS and VPN technology. It’s built into NordVPN’s apps, so you don’t have to set it up manually. When you connect to a VPN server, SmartPlay works in the background to make streaming smoother and more reliable. Unlike NordVPN SmartDNS, SmartPlay uses encryption since it runs inside the VPN tunnel.

On the other hand, the standard NordVPN service is focused on privacy, security, and internet freedom. It encrypts your traffic, hides your IP address, and gives you full control over your location. It’s slower than SmartDNS but better for security. You can use it on most devices, but it might not work as easily on smart TVs unless you set it up on your router.

More on what this VPN service can do in our detailed NordVPN review.

Here’s a table summarizing their differences and similarities.

Feature	SmartDNS	SmartPlay	VPN
Encryption?	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Hides IP Address?	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Streaming?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Privacy/Security?	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Speeds?	✅ Very fast	⚠️ Slower than SmartDNS	⚠️ Slower than SmartDNS
Works on Smart TVs?	✅ Yes	❌ Not directly	⚠️ Needs router setup
Manual Setup?	✅ Yes	❌ Built in	❌ App-based
Ease of Use?	⚠️Fair	✅Easy	✅Easy

Benefits and Limitations of NordVPN SmartDNS

While it’s reliable, NordVPN SmartDNS is like a double-edged sword with both good and bad sides. Let’s quickly explore them.

Benefits of NordVPN SmartDNS

Here are the benefits of NordVPN SmartDNS.

• Unblocks geo-restricted content: NordVPN SmartDNS lets you access U.S.-based streaming services that would usually block users outside the country. It does this by rerouting your DNS queries through a U.S. server, making platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, and others think you’re in the right location, even though your IP address stays the same.

• Faster streaming speeds: Since there’s no encryption involved, your internet speed stays pretty much as it is. That makes SmartDNS a good fit for smooth HD or 4K streaming without buffering, especially if you have a decent connection. It avoids the overhead that usually comes with a VPN’s encryption process.

• Works on devices that don’t support VPN apps: Smart TVs, gaming consoles, Apple TV, and some older streaming boxes don’t allow VPN apps to run natively. NordVPN SmartDNS steps in here by letting you change DNS settings directly on the device. Once set, you can access geo-blocked content without needing to install or run anything extra.

• Simple setup and no background app needed: Once you activate NordVPN SmartDNS and set your DNS manually, you’re good to go. There’s no app to launch or service to connect every time you use it. This makes it convenient for users who want a “set it and forget it” option for streaming on fixed devices like TVs.

Limitations of NordVPN SmartDNS

Here are the limitations of using NordVPN SmartDNS

• No encryption or privacy protection: SmartDNS isn’t built for privacy. Your internet traffic isn’t encrypted, which means your internet service provider or anyone monitoring your connection can still see what you’re doing online. If your goal is to stay private, SmartDNS won’t cover that.

• Limited to U.S. streaming services: NordVPN SmartDNS only supports a handful of major U.S. platforms. If you’re trying to access content from other countries or smaller services that aren’t included on NordVPN’s supported list, you’re out of luck. For those, you’d need to use the VPN instead.

• Doesn’t change or hide your IP address: Since SmartDNS doesn’t change your IP, websites and services still know where you’re located. This means you won’t be able to bypass location-based blocks outside the supported streaming list. You also won’t get the added privacy benefits of IP masking that a VPN gives.

• No protection against ISP throttling: Because your traffic stays unencrypted, your internet provider can still monitor and throttle your connection based on what you’re doing. If they slow down video streams intentionally, SmartDNS won’t help. Only a full VPN connection can hide your activity from the provider.

• Not useful for bypassing censorship or firewalls: SmartDNS won’t work in countries with aggressive censorship, like the Great Firewall of China or Iran. It doesn’t tunnel your traffic or disguise your connection in any meaningful way. If you’re in one of these places, SmartDNS won’t get past the restrictions.

• Manual IP registration required: To use NordVPN SmartDNS, you need to register your current IP address with your NordVPN account. If you have a dynamic IP (which most people do), you’ll have to re-register it anytime it changes, or the DNS service will stop working for you.

NordVPN SmartDNS Alternatives for Media Streaming

Although NordVPN is a formidable competitor, there are a number of other options available for media streaming.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is renowned for its lightning-fast speeds, which make it a great option for viewing HD movies. ExpressVPN has a feature called MediaStreamer, which is close to identical to NordVPN’s SmartDNS. It works on devices that don’t support VPNs natively, letting you unblock Netflix US, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max. You can access even more content if you use Express’ VPN feature.

Surfshark

With its unlimited simultaneous device connections, Surfshark stands out and is ideal for large homes. It comes with a fairly standard SmartDNS, which you can activate using the VPN’s website on your account’s dashboard. Surfshark, however, has limited reach as you can only unblock Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Not to despair – Surfshark’s VPN apps can unblock an endless array of streaming services.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost boasts user-friendly interfaces and dedicated streaming servers. It’s an alternative to SmartDNS that allows you to unblock Netflix US and Hulu. In addition to that, you can unblock the British version of Netflix, which is something you won’t find elsewhere.

Wrapping Up

If you’re mainly after fast access to U.S. streaming platforms and use devices like smart TVs or consoles, NordVPN SmartDNS is a simple and practical tool. It does exactly what it promises: no encryption, no IP changes, just straightforward access to region-locked content.

That said, it’s not a privacy tool and won’t protect your traffic or bypass heavy internet restrictions. Think of it as a lightweight option for streaming, not a replacement for a full VPN. If security and online anonymity matter to you, pair it with NordVPN’s other features.

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