Setup VPNUK SmartDNS iOS

How to Set Up VPNUK Smart DNS on iOS (iPhone & iPad)

VPNUK Smart DNS allows you to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms, social media, and other services without using a VPN. Unlike a VPN, Smart DNS does not encrypt your connection, providing faster speeds while still allowing access to region-locked content.

This guide will walk you through setting up VPNUK Smart DNS on iOS (iPhone & iPad).

1. Registering Your IP on the VPNUK Smart DNS Service

Before configuring your iPhone or iPad DNS settings, you must check in your current IP address with VPNUK Smart DNS.

  1. Log in to the VPNUK Members Area with your account username and password.
  2. Navigate to ‘SmartDNS Management’.
  3. Click ‘Check In New Address’.

2. Setting Your IP Address

  1. Click ‘Set My IP’ to automatically detect your current public IP address.
  2. IMPORTANT: If your IP address changes (e.g., switching between Wi-Fi networks, mobile data, or travelling), you must re-check in the new IP address for Smart DNS to continue working.
  3. (Optional) Add a description (e.g., “Home Wi-Fi”, “Office Network”) for reference.
  4. Click ‘Check In’ to register your IP.

3. Get Your VPNUK Smart DNS Server IP

  1. Scroll down to ‘SmartDNS Server Settings’.
  2. Copy or note down the Smart DNS server IP address you would like to use.

4. Configure Smart DNS on iOS (iPhone & iPad)

1. Open Wi-Fi Settings

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi and select your active Wi-Fi network.

2. Configure DNS Settings

  1. Scroll down and tap ‘Configure DNS’.
  2. Select ‘Manual’ instead of Automatic.
  3. Delete any existing DNS servers (if present).

3. Enter the VPNUK Smart DNS Server IP

  1. Tap ‘Add Server’ and enter your VPNUK Smart DNS IP address.
  2. (Optional) Add a secondary Smart DNS IP for redundancy.
  3. Tap ‘Save’ to apply the settings.

IMPORTANT: Smart DNS only works when connected to a Wi-Fi network. It will not work over mobile data (4G/5G) unless you configure your router’s DNS settings.

5. Restart Your Internet Connection

  1. Turn Wi-Fi off and back on for the settings to take effect.
  2. Open a browser and test access.

Smart DNS Cache Troubleshooting on iOS

If you cannot access certain sites or see a Listener page, clear your DNS cache.

Flush DNS Cache on iOS

  1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
  2. Toggle Airplane Mode ON for 10 seconds, then turn it OFF.
  3. Restart your iPhone or iPad.

If the issue persists, restart your router and try again.

Smart DNS: Pros & Cons

Benefits of VPNUK Smart DNS

Faster than VPNs – No encryption overhead, meaning better streaming performance.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions – Access content from multiple regions effortlessly.
Works on Any Device – Supports iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, Windows, macOS, and Smart TVs.
No Login Required – Once set up, Smart DNS works automatically.
Multi-Region Streaming – Watch content from different countries without changing servers.

Limitations of Smart DNS

No Encryption – Unlike a VPN, Smart DNS does not secure your data.
Manually Check In IPs – If your IP address changes, you must update it in the Members Area.
Limited Anonymity – Smart DNS does not hide your real IP address, unlike a VPN.