Xbox 360 Smart DNS Services Compared
Despite being best-known as a games console, allowing users to play either online or offline, Microsoft's XBox 360 is actually an all-round home entertainment device, offering support for DVDs, music and more. In addition, the console provides access to various streaming media apps, including Netflix, Youtube and Amazon Instant Video.
However, access to some streaming apps is restricted to people living in certain regions, while others offer a larger content library in one country than in another. Most make use of automatic region detection, based on internet settings, meaning that users cannot manually change their region and gain access to this content.
One popular solution to this issue is the use of a Smart DNS service, which allows customers to adjust their internet settings, enabling manual region switching and increasing the range of content available to them.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Xbox 360
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Xbox 360
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Smart DNS
Smart DNS, as a technology, was specifically created for use with streaming video and works by sending a device's DNS queries via an overseas proxy server. As a result of this re-routing, the user's internet activity appears as if it is coming from the location of the server, rather than the device's actual physical location.
For example, if a user in the United Kingdom uses a Smart DNS service to connect to a server in the United States, websites will think the user is in the United States. This technique can be used to trick streaming media websites, including Netflix, resulting in either access to the service, or an expanded range of content available.
The technology offers numerous advantages over alternatives like VPN, including no significant reduction of internet speeds and no need for software. Furthermore, the re-routing only occurs on supported websites and services, ensuring that all other internet activity remains unaffected by the process.
Step-By-Step Smart DNS Setup
It is important to find a Smart DNS provider which provides support for the streaming services and regions you want to access. After doing this and registering for an account with them, you will be provided with DNS settings, which must be input onto the XBox 360. This can be done by following the instructions below:
- From the XBox 360 dashboard, select 'Settings' and then 'System'.
- Choose 'Network Settings' and then select either the name of your wireless network, or 'Wired Network' if your console is connected via an Ethernet cable.
- Go to 'Configure Network' and on the 'Basics' tab, select 'DNS Settings'.
- Choose 'Manual' and enter both the 'Primary DNS' and 'Secondary DNS' settings given to you by your service provider.
- Double check that the settings you have entered are correct, then press 'Done'. On the next screen, when prompted, press the 'B' button on your controller to test the XBox Live connection.
If the test is successful, save the settings and then restart your XBox 360 console. Once it has successfully rebooted, the main part of the setup process is complete. However, there are still a few more things you need to do before you can make use of the Smart DNS service.
IP Address Entry
The next step of the setup process involves registering the device's IP address with the Smart DNS service you have chosen. In some instances, this can be done by signing into your Smart DNS client area, using the XBox 360's internet browser, and then clicking on a link. Yet, in other cases, manual IP entry may be necessary.
In the event that manual entry is needed, you will have to find your IP address. To do this from the dashboard, go to: Settings > System Settings > Network Settings > Wired/Wireless > Configure Network. Make a note of the IP address listed, go to your Smart DNS provider's website and read their instructions for adding it to the database.
It should be noted that IP addresses can change regularly and the IP address entry process will need to be repeated each time this happens. You are now ready to use Smart DNS on your XBox 360. Your region can be changed by using the XBox internet browser to log in to your Smart DNS account. If you want to use a VPN instead, check out VPN XBOX
Change XBox 360 Region
An optional final step involves changing the region settings on the XBox 360 console itself. The benefit of doing this is that it may open up access to a range of apps which were not otherwise available. You can set your region by doing the following:
- On the dashboard, select 'Settings', then go to 'System'.
- Choose 'Console Settings' and then 'Language and Locale'.
- Select 'Locale' and then pick the region of your choice.