Setting up VPNUK SMART DNS on Windows

How to Set Up VPNUK Smart DNS on Windows

VPNUK Smart DNS is a powerful way to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms, social media, and other online services without the need for a VPN. Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS does not encrypt your connection, meaning faster speeds for streaming and browsing. Follow this guide to set up VPNUK Smart DNS on your Windows PC.

1. Registering Your IP on the VPNUK Smart DNS Service

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

2. Setting Your IP Address

1. If you don’t know your current IP address, click ‘Set My IP’.
   • This will automatically detect and display your public IP address.
2. IMPORTANT: If your IP address changes (e.g., switching Wi-Fi networks, using mobile hotspots, or travelling), you must re-check in your new IP address.
   • Example: If you set up Smart DNS at home but later connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot, you must check in the new IP before Smart DNS will work.
3. You can add a description (e.g., “Home Wi-Fi” or “Work Network”) for reference.
4. Click ‘Check In’ to register the 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.
   • You will need this for the next step.

4. Configure Smart DNS on Windows

1. Open Network & Sharing Centre

1. Right-click the networking icon in the system tray (bottom right of the screen).
2. Select ‘Open Network & Sharing Centre’.

2. Change Adapter Settings

1. In the left-hand menu, click ‘Change Adapter Settings’.
2. Locate your active connection:
   • If using Wi-Fi, select Wireless Network Connection.
   • If using Ethernet, select Local Area Connection.

3. Open Network Properties

1. Right-click your active connection and select Properties.
2. Find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and select it.
3. Click Properties.

4. Enter the VPNUK Smart DNS Server IP

1. Select ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’.
2. Enter the VPNUK Smart DNS IP as the Preferred DNS Server.
3. Optionally, enter a secondary Smart DNS IP as the Alternate DNS Server.
4. Click OK, then Close.

5. Restart Your Internet Connection

1. Disable and re-enable your internet connection for the settings to take effect.
2. Alternatively, restart your computer.
3. Open a browser and test access to geo-restricted content.

Smart DNS Cache Troubleshooting

Sometimes, cached data can interfere with Smart DNS functionality. If you are seeing a Listener page or cannot access certain sites, clear your browser’s cache.

Safari

1. Go to Safari → Preferences.
2. Enable ‘Show Developer Options’.
3. Click ‘Developer’ → ‘Clear Caches’ and disable caching.

Internet Explorer / Edge

1. Open Control Panel → Internet Options.
2. Under Browsing History, set ‘Check for newer versions of stored pages’ to ‘Every time I visit the page’.
3. Click Apply, then OK.

Firefox

1. Go to Tools → Options → Advanced → Cached Web Content.
2. Click ‘Clear Now’ and limit cache size to 1MB.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and go to: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select ‘Cached Images and Files’, then click ‘Clear Data’.