Windows Phone 8 Smart DNS Services Compared
Windows Phone 8 is a mobile operating system, created by Microsoft, which is featured on devices produced by the likes of Nokia, HTC and Samsung. Mobile phones using Windows Phone 8 are able to access the internet and make use of various online apps, including video on demand services like Netflix.
Some streaming media apps, however, are only available to customers living in certain parts of the world. Meanwhile, sites like Netflix decide which of their content libraries to load up based on a customer's location. As the location is determined automatically, through a user's internet settings, it cannot be adjusted manually.
Yet, by using a Smart DNS service, this automatic region detection process can be circumvented. Customers are able to change their internet region as they wish, gaining access to content which was previously blocked on geographical grounds.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Windows Phone 8
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Windows Phone 8
- 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,
- 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,
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- 1 Month: $4.95/Mo
- 6 Months: $4.58/Mo
- 12 Months: $4.16/Mo
- 24 Months: $3.29/Mo
Smart DNS
When making use of a Smart DNS service, a user's connection to a supported website or app is diverted through a proxy server, usually in a different country. The result of this redirection is that the user's web connection is made to seem as though it is originating from the physical location of that proxy server.
This means that when a website or app attempts to detect a customer's region, their location is traced back to the server instead. So, for instance, a European user can connect to a North American server and make it seem as if they are in North America. As a consequence, Netflix, or a similar site, would load its American content.
In much the same way, the technology can be used to access content which is exclusive to one region. DNS redirection only occurs when using a pre-approved list of websites and services, meaning all other internet activity remains completely unaffected. Smart DNS does not require software installation and does not cause slowdown.
Step-By-Step Smart DNS Setup
Once you have registered for a Smart DNS service, you should be given new DNS settings to use during the setup process. Users of Windows Phone 8.1 or above should be able to configure the DNS settings on their device itself, and setup instructions for doing so can be found below.
However, a known bug with Windows means that many users will be unable to change the settings on their device. To make use of Smart DNS in this situation, you will need to adjust the settings on your router instead.
Windows Phone 8.1+
- Go to 'Settings' and choose 'Wi-Fi'.
- Press and hold on the network you are connected to, then select 'Edit' from the menu that appears.
- In the 'DNS' field, enter the settings given to you by your Smart DNS service provider.
- Press 'Done' to complete this part of the setup process.
- Restart your phone, then continue to the 'IP Address Entry' section below.
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Router
The exact setup process will depend on your router model. Therefore, this should only be used as a general guide.
- Using any device connected to your network, open the router administration page. Common addresses include: http://192.168.0.1, http://192.168.1.1 and http://10.0.1.1, although you may need to consult your user manual.
- If asked to do so, sign in. Common usernames are "admin", "default" and "root". Common passwords include "password", "default" and "1234". Again, you may need to consult your user manual.
- Find 'DNS Settings', often contained within 'Network Settings'. If possible, deselect "automatic" and then enter the settings given to you by your Smart DNS service.
- Click on 'OK', or 'Apply Changes'.
- Restart your router and all devices connected to it. Then continue to the next stage of the setup process.
IP Address Entry
The last step involves adding your IP address to your Smart DNS service's "white list", or approved database. This can often be done by signing in to your main Smart DNS account and clicking on a verification link. However, some other services will ask for the address to be manually input.
If this is required, you can find your device's IP address by going to 'Settings', selecting 'Wi-Fi', pressing and holding on your network and selecting 'Edit'. If you have configured your router instead, you can usually use its IP address, or the IP address of any device connected to it.
Once you have found the IP address, make a note of it, head to your Smart DNS provider's web page and follow their instructions for adding it to the database. Each time your IP address changes, this will need to be repeated. You are now ready to make use of Smart DNS and can log in to your Smart DNS client area to adjust region settings.