What Is NordVPN SmartDNS & How Does It Work?

Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by Editorial

NordVPN SmartDNS is a feature that helps you access all kinds of content not available in your geographical region. It’s designed to work on devices like smart TVs, routers and game consoles that are not compatible with the NordVPN app.

While the NordVPN SmartDNS feature is only limited to United States locations and lacks encryption, it makes up for these with amazing streaming speeds. You won’t have to worry about lags or buffering when streaming content.

In this post, we’ll look at how the NordVPN SmartDNS works, its pros and cons, and the difference between SmartDNS and SmartPlay. I will also show you how to set it up, provide key troubleshooting tips, and highlight some reliable alternatives you can switch to.

What Is NordVPN SmartDNS?

NordVPN SmartDNS is a handy feature that allows you to bypass regional content limitations on your smart TV, router or console.

While a VPN is set up to encrypt your data by routing it through a VPN server which gives you anonymity, NordVPN’s SmartDNS doesn’t cloak your IP address or encrypt your connection. So it can only change your IP location but can’t protect you online.

The SmartDNS focuses on content access rather than security.

How Does NordVPN’s SmartDNS Work?

Nord’s SmartDNS allows you to access select media streaming services that may be otherwise blocked from your viewership due to geographical restrictions. This access is limited to a select number of streaming services in the U.S.

The SmartDNS feature is powered by special proxy servers run by NordVPN and found in the United States. The NordVPN SmartDNS relies on your device’s settings to add a new DNS server and reroute your online activity through NordVPN’s Smart DNS.

When you use Nord’s SmartDNS, your data flows through the VPN’s servers, but your IP address remains the same. Only data related to your geolocation is changed, making it unreadable to websites that you access.

Some of the streaming services you can access using the SmartDNS feature are:

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

Another limiting aspect of NordVPN SmartDNS is that you can’t change your location or pick another DNS server.

Let’s say you would like to access content on Showtime but are geo-blocked if you’re not in the United States. The NordVPN SmartDNS allows you to camouflage your actual location to that of its US-based servers, making it seem like you’re streaming from the US.

This is how your traffic will flow from your device to the website you want to unblock:

Your Device > SmartDNS Server > Showtime Website

Your traffic is then relayed back to you like this:

End Website > Your Device

Your data goes through NordVPN’s proxy (SmartDNS) server once you try to visit Showtime, for example. Since Showtime will see that your traffic comes from the US, you’ll unblock its US library.

Once you start streaming your content, that data will flow back directly to your device, letting you experience the full speed of your connection. You don’t need to redirect it through NordVPN’s SmartDNS on its way back, as there’s no encryption involved.

SmartDNS vs. SmartPlay – What’s the Difference?

NordVPN SmartDNS and NordVPN SmartPlay are two useful services offered by NordVPN to circumvent geo-restrictions and give you even greater content access. Both come with your NordVPN subscription.

But how do you tell them apart?

Let’s look at how they differ:

SmartPlay combines the encryption of a VPN and the content access of a DNS to provide you with the best of both worlds. It works in the background in NordVPN’s apps, so you can use VPN to unblock media streaming services.

NordVPN SmartPlay works best for media streaming and provides access to any streaming platform in the world. All you need to do is pick a server from any of Nord’s 7,400+ servers, and access is all yours. Accessing SmartPlay requires you to install the NordVPN app in order to use it.

SmartDNS, on the other hand, comes in handy for unblocking media streaming services that check your location based on your DNS. It’s only accessible through your device’s settings, not NordVPN’s app. All you need to do is adjust your device’s DNS settings.

What Are the Pros and Cons of NordVPN SmartDNS?

NordVPN’s SmartDNS is quite the standout option due to a number of benefits – but not without some limitations. Let’s go ahead and explore these pros and cons.

Pros

• The SmartDNS boasts very high speeds, a nifty benefit that ensures you don’t experience speed throttling or slowdowns. You also get to enjoy streaming in 4K, even with a 20-25 Mbps connection.

• This feature will work on your device even if it is incompatible with the VPN. Thus, you can unblock sites and stream content on your smart TV or game console hassle-free.

Cons

• The feature’s main disadvantage is a lack of security. It doesn’t offer encryption provided by a VPN, so it exposes you to data breaches on the internet.

• Nord’s SmartDNS only allows you to access content limited to a handful of US-based streaming sites.

How to Set Up & Use NordVPN SmartDNS?

Now, the fun part – let’s explore how to set up the NordVPN SmartDNS on the three most used devices: Smart TVs, media streaming devices (like a Fire Stick), and game consoles.

On Smart TVs

To set up the SmartDNS on your smart TV, make sure that it allows you to customize DNS settings and install media streaming apps. Here is how you do it:

• Ensure your smart TV is connected to the same (Wi-Fi) Web connection as the device you’ll use to access your Nord account (your computer or smartphone, for example).

• On your computer or smartphone, use any Web browser (e.g. Safari, Chrome, Edge) to log in to your Nord account. Enter your credentials and access your dashboard.

• Select ‘NordVPN’ in the ‘Services’ section. Then click on the ‘Activate’ button in the ‘SmartDNS’ section. Doing so will whitelist your IP address on your specific network (that’s why your TV and your computer/smartphone must be on the same network).

• Turn to your smart TV and navigate to its Internet- or Network-related settings. That’s where you can adjust your TV’s primary and secondary DNS addresses. For more precise info, I recommend doing a Google search based on the exact model of your TV.

• Once you input your primary and secondary DNS, leave the settings menu. You are now free to use your TV like you normally would. Try installing new media streaming apps, or use those you’ve already installed.

On Media Streaming Devices

Some media streaming devices support NordVPN. If your media streaming device runs on either Fire OS (like Amazon’s Fire TV Stick) or Android TV, download NordVPN’s fully-featured app from Amazon or Google’s App Store. You can then use the SmartDNS feature on devices that don’t natively support VPNs (devices like Apple TV).

This is how you go about setting up SmartDNS on your media streaming devices:

• Ensure that your media streaming device and the device you’ll use to set up SmartDNS are on the same network, like, your home Wi-Fi.

• Use your computer or smartphone to access your Nord account. Provide your username and password, and you’ll see Nord’s dashboard.

• Select ‘NordVPN’ in the ‘Services’ section. Then click on ‘Activate’ in the ‘SmartDNS’ section. Your IP address will now register and whitelist, and Nord’s SmartDNS will go live.

• Next, navigate to your media streaming device’s Internet settings to finish the rest of the procedure on your device (check the Settings section).

• Enter the primary and secondary DNS, which you’ll also see on your Nord dashboard. Double-check if you’ve entered the correct numbers and return to your streaming device’s home screen.

Feel free to try out SmartDNS using any media streaming app.

On Gaming Consoles

Most gaming consoles will let you set up a custom DNS. Nord’s SmartDNS works on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles.

Here is how you set it up:

• Check and confirm that your console and the device you’ll use to activate SmartDNS are on the same network.

• Use your computer or smartphone to access Nord’s login page. Enter your credentials, and you’ll get to your Nord Account dashboard.

• Pick ‘NordVPN’ in the left-placed sidebar. On the right, use the button that says ‘Activate.’ Wait a couple of moments until NordVPN registers your IP address and activates SmartDNS.

• The next step will be done on your game console. Make sure to visit the settings app and find a group of options related to Web connectivity. Your goal is to find DNS-related settings.

• Change your console’s DNS addresses (both primary and secondary), return to its home screen, and try using SmartDNS.

P.S: The process I’ve shared can apply to all consoles. However, it can get a little exhausting trying to find DNS settings on your specific device. This is how you set up your DNS for XBox, PS4 and 5, and the Nintendo Switch:

This is how you set up your Xbox (One/ Series X and S):

Settings > General > Network Settings > Advanced Settings > DNS Settings > Manual > (enter your primary and secondary DNS).

For the PlayStation 4:

Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable/Use Wi-Fi > (continue until you get to DNS Settings) > Manual > (enter your primary and secondary DNS).

For your PlayStation 5:

Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable/Use Wi-Fi > Pick ‘Custom’ (when asked how to set up your connection) > (continue until you get to DNS Settings) > (enter your primary and secondary DNS).

Nintendo Switch:

Settings > Internet > Internet Settings > (pick your network) > Change Settings > DNS Settings > Manual > Select ‘Primary DNS’ and hold the ‘B’ button to delete your DNS > Enter your new DNS address > (repeat the same for ‘Secondary DNS’).

NordVPN SmartDNS Not Working? – Troubleshooting Guide

If you encounter some problems while using NordVPN’s SmartDNS, here are some simple solutions to some common issues:

Streaming Issues?

Are you having issues unblocking a media streaming site after setting up SmartDNS? Here is what you do:

• When this happens, chances are that your streaming apps are using their cache memory to determine your location. The solution is to remove that data to force your streaming apps to “read” the location of NordVPN’s SmartDNS servers.

• The easiest way to do that is by re-installing your apps. So, no matter if you use a smart TV, streaming device, or game console, go ahead and delete your streaming apps.

• Once deleted, you need to restart your device, then redownload the apps and try to access them. This way, I assure you that no cache data is left behind.

• Lastly, check the streaming service you’re typing to access. NordVPN’s SmartDNS has a limited selection of streaming services and may not work for any selection outside of the select services. 

Poor Internet Connection?

If you experience connection issues after setting up your SmartDNS, this could be a result of your device not routing your traffic through Nord’s servers. Let’s troubleshoot that:

• First, determine whether you have an IPv4 or IPv6 address. That’s the IP address assigned to your device by your Internet service provider.

• NordVPN SmartDNS doesn’t work on IPv6 addresses. You can Google to check if you have an IPv6 address (there are different websites that can help with that). If it says ’No IPv6 Address Detected’ once the test is complete, that means NordVPN SmartDNS should work fine.

• Your next step is to check your DNS settings. Ensure you’ve entered your primary and secondary DNS correctly, otherwise, you won’t be able to use the Internet.

NordVPN SmartDNS Still Won’t Work?

So you have tried all of the troubleshooting tips, but your SmartDNS still won’t work; I recommend reaching out to NordVPN’s customer care/support for further assistance.

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 alternative to the SmartDNS 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.

Conclusion

The NordVPN SmartDNS is an amazing feature included in your NordVPN subscription that could elevate your online streaming experiences to another level. You get to experience new streaming services outside your geographical reach.

I would highly recommend that you try it, at least once, on your smart TV, gaming console, or media streaming device. Always remember that for full protection and privacy online, switch to the VPN function, as the SmartDNS only guards against the streaming sites seeing your actual location.

FAQs