Custom DNS Settings

You can customise the DNS servers used while connected to VPNUK. This is useful for preventing DNS leaks, using VPNUK SmartDNS, or simply using a preferred DNS provider.

VPNUK SmartDNS

SmartDNS is included free with every VPNUK account. It allows you to access geo-restricted content (UK TV, US streaming etc.) without routing all traffic through the VPN — useful on TVs and consoles.

Find your SmartDNS server addresses in the Members Area. Enter them as your primary and secondary DNS in your device's network settings.

Recommended Public DNS Providers

Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS
Cloudflare	`1.1.1.1`	`1.0.0.1`
Google	`8.8.8.8`	`8.8.4.4`
Quad9	`9.9.9.9`	`149.112.112.112`
OpenDNS	`208.67.222.222`	`208.67.220.220`

Setting Custom DNS in OpenVPN Config

Add the following lines to your .ovpn config file to push custom DNS servers:

dhcp-option DNS 1.1.1.1
dhcp-option DNS 1.0.0.1

DNS leak or DNS question?

Contact our team — we can recommend the right DNS configuration for your setup.

Submit a Support Ticket