iOS Smart DNS Services Compared
The iPhone and iPad both make use of the iOS operating system, which offers support for a range of apps, including streaming media services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus. However, access to some of these services is restricted to specific countries, through an automatic region detection process.
This region detection is based upon internet settings, making manual switching from within the apps impossible. As a result, many iPhone and iPad users are unable to access the services, or are stuck with a limited range of content to choose from. One way to work around this problem is by making use of a Smart DNS service. Another way is through a VPN - you will find all information about that on IPadvpn.net or IPhoneVPN.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on iOS
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for iOS
- 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
- 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,
- 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,
- 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,
- 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
- 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
Smart DNS
With Smart DNS, a device's DNS settings are sent through a proxy server, which is usually located in another country. The main consequence of this DNS re-routing is that the user's internet activity is made to appear as if it is originating from the server, rather than the actual device they are using.
This technology can, therefore, be used to work around geographical blocking on websites like Netflix. For instance, by connecting to a Smart DNS server in the United States, a customer in the United Kingdom can trick Netflix's automatic region detection process, which will think the user is in the US and load the US content library.
Smart DNS was designed for use with video streaming websites and offers a number of advantages over VPN, including easy setup, widespread compatibility and no loss of internet speed. In addition, DNS re-routing only occurs when using supported websites or apps, meaning all other online activity remains unaffected.
Step-By-Step Smart DNS Setup
When you register for a Smart DNS service, you should be given new DNS settings and instructed to adjust the settings on your device. Fortunately, on iPhones and iPads, this process is incredibly simple and can be achieved by following the four basic steps below:
- On your device's home page, go to 'Settings'.
- Select the 'Wi-Fi' option, then click on the name of the network you are connected to. Enter your password if prompted.
- Click on the 'DNS' field, delete its contents and input the DNS settings given to you by your Smart DNS provider.
- Save the settings.
Upon the successful completion of these steps, it is important to restart your iPhone or iPad device. After doing so, you can use your device's web browser to sign in to your Smart DNS service and check that the setup was successful. However, it should be noted that one more step is required before you can make use of Smart DNS. If you want to use VPN insted, youll find the best VPN services on IPadVPN
IP Address Entry
After adjusting the DNS settings on your device, the next step involves registering its IP address with the Smart DNS service provider. In some cases, this can be done by visiting the provider's website, logging in to your client area and then clicking on a link. Yet, in other instances, it may need to be entered manually.
If this is the case, the IP address can be found by going to 'Settings', then 'Wi-Fi' and selecting the name of the network you are currently connected to. Write down the IP address displayed, then go to your Smart DNS provider's website and follow their individual instructions for adding the address to the database.
Unless you have a static IP address, it is likely that the address will change occasionally. If and when this occurs, the process will need to be repeated. Upon completing IP address entry, you are ready to make use of the Smart DNS service with your streaming apps! Region settings can be adjusted from within your Smart DNS client area.
iTunes and App Store Setup
The final step of the setup process is completely optional, and involves changing your iTunes and App Store region. In doing so, you can gain access to apps available in different countries. However, it should be noted that you will require a valid credit card and billing address from the region you choose.
If you are able to provide a valid billing address, simply follow the steps below to switch your iTunes region:
- From your home page, go to 'Settings', then 'iTunes and App Purchases'.
- Tap 'Apple ID', then click on 'View Apple ID'.
- Select 'Country / Region', followed by 'Change Country or Region'.
- Use the menu to select the region of your choice, then 'Agree' to the Terms of Service.
- You will be asked to review payment details. Enter a valid billing address from the region you selected, then tap on 'Next' to complete the setup.