Setup Apple TV Smart DNS

Setting up a VPNUK SMART DNS connection on Apple TV.

How to Set Up VPNUK Smart DNS on Apple TV – Full Guide

VPNUK Smart DNS is a fast and efficient way to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms. Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS does not encrypt your traffic, ensuring faster speeds while allowing access to region-locked content.

This guide will walk you through setting up VPNUK Smart DNS on Apple TV (tvOS 17+ and earlier versions).

1. Registering Your IP on the VPNUK Smart DNS Service

Before configuring your Apple TV DNS settings, you must check in your current IP address with VPNUK Smart DNS.

  1. Log in 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. Click ‘Set My IP’ to automatically detect your current public IP address.
  2. IMPORTANT: If your IP address changes (e.g., if you restart your router, switch Wi-Fi networks, or use a different internet connection), 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 Apple TV

1. Open Apple TV Network Settings

  1. Go to Settings → Network.
  2. Select your active internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

2. Change DNS Settings

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

3. Enter the VPNUK Smart DNS Server IP

  1. Enter your VPNUK Smart DNS IP address.
  2. (Optional) Add a secondary Smart DNS IP for redundancy.
  3. Press Done and go back to the previous screen.

5. Restart Your Apple TV

  1. Go to Settings → System → Restart.
  2. Once restarted, test access.

SmartDNS Cache Troubleshooting on Apple TV

If SmartDNS is not working, cached data may be interfering with the settings. Try these solutions:

1. Flush DNS Cache on Apple TV

  1. Go to Settings → System → Restart Apple TV.
  2. Disconnect Apple TV from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  3. Try streaming again.

2. Reset Network Settings

  1. Go to Settings → Network.
  2. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then click Forget Network.
  3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and re-enter Smart DNS settings.

3. Ensure Your IP Address is Registered

  • Log in to the VPNUK Members Area and confirm your IP address is checked in.
  • If your IP has changed, re-check in the new IP address.

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 Apple TVs, Smart TVs, Windows, macOS, and gaming consoles.
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.