Apple TV Smart DNS Services Compared
Apple TV is a micro console device, capable of receiving data from various sources and streaming it onto a compatible HD television. Like many other Apple products, it has earned a strong reputation and enjoys significant popularity as a result, allowing people to effectively turn their ordinary television set into a smart TV.
By making use of the Apple TV appliance, customers are able to stream from various online media services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Youtube, HBO GO, FOX Now, Showtime Anytime and the WWE Network. However, a user's region can affect which of these services are available, as well as the range of content they can access.
Many of the services available on Apple TV determine a user's region automatically, through their internet settings. However, by using Smart DNS technology, it is possible to work around this automatic region detection, unlocking additional apps and expanding content libraries.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Apple TV
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Apple TV
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Smart DNS
Smart DNS was intentionally designed for the purpose of circumventing the geographical restrictions placed on online content. As a technology, it works be re-routing a user's DNS queries, sending them via a proxy server located in another part of the world. As a consequence, websites and online services are tricked into thinking the user is also in that same part of the world.
This means that a Smart DNS customer can view content which is usually exclusively available to people living in a certain region. For example, by connecting to a US server, a customer will be able to use US-only services, or access the US content library on a website like Netflix.
Advantages of Smart DNS include its easy setup process and the fact that it does not significantly impact upon internet speeds, making it a great option for streaming. Moreover, the re-routing of DNS queries only takes place on supported websites, meaning that other internet browsing is not affected by the process.
After locating and registering for a Smart DNS service which offers support for Apple TV, as well as the online services and regions you want to use, you will be given new DNS settings. These DNS settings must be input onto the device itself, and this can be achieved by following the instructions below.
- On the Apple TV device, go to 'Settings', then 'General' and select 'Network'.
- Select the type of internet connection you have and enter your wi-fi password if prompted.
- Go to 'Configure DNS' and change the setting to 'Manual'.
- Make a note of your current DNS settings, in case you ever decide to revert back. Then enter the new DNS settings provided by your chosen Smart DNS provider, and press 'Done'.
- On the next screen, simply confirm that the new DNS settings that you entered are correct in order to complete this part of the setup process.
Customers can log in to their Smart DNS account using the Apple TV web browser. Once logged in, it is often possible to change a number of additional settings, including the region you are connected to.
IP Address Entry
The next important step in setting up Smart DNS on an Apple TV is to share the device's IP address with the Smart DNS service provider. With a lot of Smart DNS services, this process is as simple as signing into your Smart DNS account using the Apple TV web browser, allowing for automatic detection. However, others require manual entry.
If your Smart DNS service requires the IP address settings to be added manually, you will need to locate the address by going to 'Settings' > 'General' > 'About'. After making note of the address, go to your Smart DNS provider's website and follow their instructions for adding the IP address to their database.
It is worth noting that your Apple TV's IP address can change from time to time, especially if your router is reset. When this occurs, the Smart DNS service will require the new IP address in order to function, so the same IP address entry process will need to be repeated.
iTunes Store Setup
The final part of the setup process requires a change in iTunes Store settings. This ensures that the user can access all of the apps available in the region of their choice. In order to change the iTunes Store settings on your Apple TV:
- Go to 'Settings', then 'General' and select 'iTunes Store'.
- Choose the region you wish to use. For example, if your Smart DNS service is set to connect to a US server, select 'United States'.
- Return to the main menu, go to 'Settings' and then choose 'Sleep Now'.
- Unplug the Apple TV device by removing the power cord.
- After waiting at least 10 seconds, reconnect the device and allow it to boot back up.
The setup process is now complete. Users can log in to their Smart DNS account through the Apple TV web browser at any time, in order to change region settings. However, it is crucial to also change the iTunes Store settings each time.