Android Smart DNS Services Compared
The Android operating system is utilised by a wide range of devices and provides support for the Google Play store. This, in turn, gives users access to a vast number of streaming media applications, including Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus, allowing them to watch films, television shows, documentaries and more.
However, while an impressive number of apps are available, access to some of these apps is restricted to people living in certain areas of the globe. Furthermore, with services like Netflix, the content library made available to you is based upon your location, and some regions have a far wider range of content to choose from.
Unfortunately, in most cases, your region cannot be changed manually from within the apps. This is because automatic region detection technology is deployed, and it finds your location based upon your internet settings. Yet, by making use of a Smart DNS problem, it is possible to get around this problem.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Android
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Android
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromecast,
- Google TV,
- iOS,
- Kindle Fire,
- LG Smart TV,
- Mac OS X,
- Nexus Player,
- NOW TV Box,
- Panasonic Smart TV,
- Philips Smart TV,
- PS 4,
- PS3,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Sharp Smart TV,
- Sonos,
- Sony Smart TV,
- Toshiba Smart TV,
- WDTV,
- Wii,
- Wii U,
- Windows,
- Windows 10,
- Windows Phone 8,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
30 Days Moneyback Guarantee
- 1 Month: $4.95/Mo
- 6 Months: $4.58/Mo
- 12 Months: $4.16/Mo
- 24 Months: $3.29/Mo
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromebook,
- Chromecast,
- Google TV,
- iOS,
- Kindle Fire,
- LG Smart TV,
- Linux,
- Mac OS X,
- NOW TV Box,
- Panasonic Smart TV,
- Philips Smart TV,
- PS 4,
- PS3,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Sharp Smart TV,
- Sony Smart TV,
- Toshiba Smart TV,
- WDTV,
- Wii,
- Wii U,
- Windows,
- Windows 10,
- Windows Phone 8,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
- 1 Month: $4.90
- 3 Months: $12.90
- 12 Months: $39.90
- 24 Months: $49.90
- Life Time: $150
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Amazon Fire TV Stick,
- Android,
- Android TV,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromebook,
- Chromecast,
- iOS,
- Linux,
- Mac OS X,
- NOW TV Box,
- PS 4,
- PS Vita,
- PS3,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Windows,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
- 1 Month: $4.86
- 3 Months: $11.86
- 12 Months: $34.96
- Android,
- Android TV,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromecast,
- iOS,
- Mac OS X,
- NOW TV Box,
- PS 4,
- PS3,
- PS4,
- Raspberry Pi,
- Roku,
- Windows,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
Offers VPN and SmartDNS Plans
31 Days Money Back Guarantee
7 Day Trial
- 7 Day Trial: $0.99
- 1 Month: $10.95
- 6 Months: $8.33/Mo
- Offers VPN & SmartDNS Plans combined!
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- Chromebook,
- iOS,
- LG TV,
- Linux Ubuntu,
- Mac OS X,
- NOW TV Box,
- PS3,
- PS4,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Sony Android TV,
- Windows,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
- 1 Month: $4.89
- 3 Months: $12.59
- 12 Months: $38.49
- 24 Months: $66.49
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- iOS,
- Linux,
- Mac OS X,
- PS3,
- PS4,
- Roku,
- Smart TV,
- Windows,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
7 Day Trial
- 1 Month: $6.99
- 3 Months: $5.99/Mo
- 12 Months: $4.99/Mo
Smart DNS
Smart DNS technology involves redirecting a user's DNS queries to a proxy server, which is typically located in another part of the world. The result of this is that the user's internet activity is made to seem as if it is stemming from that proxy server, rather than from the physical location of the device they are using.
As a consequence, this re-routing is able to trick the region detection process on the majority of apps. So, to give an example, if a UK-based Netflix customer connects to a US-based Smart DNS server, their internet activity will seem as if it is coming from the US and Netflix will automatically load up its US content library.
Smart DNS does not require software to be installed and does not cause any significant reduction in internet speeds. In addition, DNS queries are only affected when using a supported app or visiting a supported website, meaning all other browsing and online communications are kept completely separate.
Step-By-Step Smart DNS Setup
Once you have signed up for the Smart DNS service of your choice, you should be allocated new DNS settings. These settings must then be added to your Android device, which can be accomplished by following the step-by-step instructions written below:
Android 2.3+
- On your device, go to 'Settings' and then 'Wireless and Networks'.
- Select 'Wi-Fi Settings' and on the next page, click 'Menu' followed by 'Advanced'.
- Use a static IP and copy the 'Current IP Address' into the 'IP Address' field. Make a note of the IP address as well, as it may be needed later.
- Set Gateway as router IP. Then set Netmask (usually 255.255.255.0).
- In the 'DNS 1' and 'DNS 2' fields, enter the DNS settings given to you by your Smart DNS provider.
- Go to 'Menu', then select 'Save' to complete the process.
Android 4.0+
- Go to 'Settings', then click on 'Wi-Fi', being careful not to toggle the on/off switch.
- Tap and hold on the preferred wireless network until a box appears, then select 'Modify Network'.
- Check the 'Show Advanced Options' box at the bottom of the screen.
- Set 'IP Settings' to 'Static' and make a note of the IP address, as it may be needed later.
- In the 'DNS 1' and 'DNS 2' fields, enter the DNS settings given to you by your Smart DNS provider.
- Click 'Save' to complete the process.
After finishing the setup process, it is important to restart your device. Once rebooted, you can sign in to your Smart DNS client area and check that it is connected properly. However, there is one more step to complete before you will be able to successfully utilise the region switching technology. If you want to use VPN instead, youll find the best providers on VPN for Android. VPN is advisable if you want to secure and encrypt your traffic, for example when you want nobody to find out that you are actually enjoying Daydream VR Porn. You can also use VPN to circumvent geoblockings of TV shows and the like, for that matter you need to look for a VPN service with servers in the country it is about, like if you want to see Thai shows, then you need to access a server located there.
IP Address Entry
The final step of the setup process involves registering your IP address with your Smart DNS provider, in order to gain access to the service. With some providers, this process is as simple as signing in to your client area and clicking on an activation link. Yet, with some others, the address needs to be manually added to their database.
Thankfully, you already took a note of your IP address when adjusting the DNS settings. If the Smart DNS service you have opted for needs your IP address to be added manually, simply go to their main website, log in and follow their instructions, making sure to enter the address in the required field.
Each time your device's IP address changes, this process will need to be repeated. Once the address has been verified, you are ready to make use of Smart DNS and benefit from an increased range of services and content. Region settings and a number of other options can be adjusted from within your client area.