Roku Smart DNS Services Compared
Note: The following guide details how to gain access to US apps and US content from outside of the United States.
The Roku streaming media player is a set-top box device, which allows users to stream internet content from the likes of Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO GO and the WWE Network directly onto their television. Unfortunately, some of these apps are only available if you are located in the United States.
Access to the services and their content is restricted through automatic region detection technology. However, by making use of a Smart DNS service, it is possible for non-American users to change their internet region and work around this problem. That said, Smart DNS setup on Roku is somewhat more complicated than with other devices.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Roku
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Roku
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Note: It is important to set up the Smart DNS service before you attempt to create a US Roku account.
When you register for an account with a Smart DNS service, you will be provided with new DNS settings. As the DNS settings cannot be changed on the Roku player, they will need to be configured on your router instead. A general guide for doing so can be found below, although the exact steps may vary depending on your router model.
- Disconnect your Roku device from the internet.
- Using a computer or any other internet-enabled device on your network, open your router administration page. This is usually http://192.168.0.1/, http://192.168.1.1/ or http://192.168.2.1/, but if they do not work, consult your router's user manual.
- If required, enter your username and password. Common usernames include "root" and "admin", while common passwords are "1234" and "password". Again, you may need to consult your manual if these do not work and you are unsure of your login credentials.
- Find the option to change DNS settings. This is often located within 'Network Settings' or something similar. Enter the settings given to you by your Smart DNS provider.
- Click 'OK', 'Confirm' or 'Save'.
- Restart your router before continuing.
IP Address Entry
Next, you must register your IP address with your Smart DNS provider. Often, this can be done by signing in to your client area on any device connected to your router. From there, simply follow the instructions provided and click on an activation link. In other cases, however, the address will need to be added manually.
If this is the case, since your Roku should still be disconnected from your network, you should use a computer or tablet. Google "my ip address" and write the number down. Visit your Smart DNS service's main website and read their instructions for adding the address to their database, or "whitelist". The IP addresses of other devices on the same network should automatically be "white listed" as well and this will include your Roku player.
The Smart DNS service should now be ready to use. Sign in to your account and make sure the region is set to USA before proceeding.
Create New Roku Account
The next step involves creating a new US Roku account and instructions for doing so are listed in steps below. This can be done from any device benefiting from the Smart DNS technology you have just set up. However, your Smart DNS region must be set to USA or the registration process will not work.
- Visit https://owner.roku.com and click the 'Sign In' link.
- Press 'Create Account' and select 'USA' as your country when asked.
- Enter the email address and password you wish to use, as well as a PIN for authorising Roku Store purchases.
- Enter your credit card details.
- Use the real street address associated with that credit card, but do not use your real city or postcode.
- Instead, generate a zip code based on your postcode. To do this, take the numbers from your postcode and add 0s to the end until it becomes a 5-digit zip code. For example, if your postcode is Z1X 2L1, you would take the numbers 121 from it and add two 0s for the zip code 12100.
- Use this tool to check that the zip code you generated is valid. If not, keep taking the zip code up by one number (so for the previous example, 12101, 12102, etc.) until you find a valid one. Take a note of the city associated with that zip code.
- Use the zip code and city to complete the registration process.
Finish Roku Setup
Finally, it is time to restart your Roku device. If your Roku has previously been set up with another account, you must do a factory reset. This can be achieved by going to 'Settings', then 'Factory Reset' and following the on-screen instructions. Once it has been reset, you can sign in using your new US Account.
From there, you should be able to successfully download US apps and access the US content libraries on global apps.