Unlocking the Power of Surfshark VPN DNS Servers: Your Guide to a Faster, More Private Internet

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about those mysterious “DNS settings” or why your internet sometimes feels sluggish, or maybe you’re just looking for a solid way to stream your favorite shows without regional blocks, then you’ve landed in the right place. We’re going to break down everything about Surfshark VPN’s DNS servers – think of it as a crucial part of your internet’s “phone book” – and how they work to make your online life better, safer, and faster.

You see, for many of us, the internet just “works.” We type in a website address, and poof, it appears. But behind that simple action is a complex system, and a big part of it involves DNS. With Surfshark, you’re not just getting a VPN. you’re also getting access to their robust DNS infrastructure, which is a real game-changer for your online privacy and performance. We’ll explore Surfshark’s own privacy-focused DNS servers, dive into their clever Smart DNS feature for unlocking content, and walk through how to tweak these settings on your devices. By the end, you’ll clearly understand how Surfshark empowers you to take control of your internet experience, ensuring your data is protected and your browsing is smooth, without unnecessary complexities.

What Exactly is DNS, and Why Should You Care?

Alright, let’s start with the basics: DNS, or Domain Name System. Imagine the internet as a massive city, and every website has a unique address, kind of like a street address. But instead of “123 Main Street,” these are long, complicated numbers called IP addresses like 192.168.1.1. Now, trying to remember those numbers for every single website you visit would be a nightmare, right?

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That’s where DNS comes in. It’s basically the internet’s phone book. When you type in a website name like “youtube.com” into your browser, your device sends a request to a DNS server. That server then looks up “youtube.com” in its massive directory, finds its corresponding IP address, and sends that IP address back to your device. Your device then uses that IP address to connect to the website. Simple, right?

Here’s the kicker: your Internet Service Provider ISP usually provides your default DNS servers. This means your ISP sees every single website you try to visit because all your DNS requests pass through their servers. Think about it – that’s a lot of data about your online habits, and some ISPs might log this information, use it for targeted advertising, or even sell it to third parties. Not exactly a privacy paradise.

This is why choosing a better DNS server, like Surfshark’s, is so important. When you use a third-party DNS like Surfshark’s, you’re taking control. You get to benefit from enhanced privacy because your browsing data isn’t logged or tracked. You might also notice better speed and reliability because these custom DNS servers are often faster and have a more robust global infrastructure than your ISP’s potentially overloaded ones. Plus, some DNS providers offer additional security features, like blocking phishing attempts or malware sites. It’s about making your internet experience faster, safer, and more private.

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Surfshark’s Own DNS Servers: Your Privacy-Focused Option

So, what does Surfshark bring to the table in the world of DNS? Well, they’ve actually launched their very own privacy-oriented public DNS service, and it’s a big deal for anyone serious about their online privacy. Unlike those default ISP DNS servers that might be snooping on your browsing, Surfshark’s public DNS servers operate under a strict no-logs policy. This means they don’t collect, store, or share your browsing history, data transfers, or any other internet activity. It’s a genuine commitment to keeping your online life private.

Not only do these servers prioritize your privacy, but they’re also designed for stable and consistent connections, thanks to Surfshark’s global infrastructure. This can translate to a smoother and faster browsing experience. The best part? Surfshark’s public DNS service is completely free and available to everyone, not just VPN subscribers. They even support secure DNS protocols like DNS over HTTPS DoH, DNS over TLS DoT, and DNS over QUIC DoQ to add an extra layer of encryption to your DNS queries, protecting them from interception.

When you connect to Surfshark VPN, the app automatically routes your DNS requests through Surfshark’s own secure DNS servers. This is a crucial feature because it helps prevent something called a “DNS leak,” which we’ll talk more about later. Essentially, when you’re connected to the VPN, all your DNS requests are sent through that encrypted tunnel, ensuring your ISP can’t see what sites you’re visiting. Disney Plus Not Working with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Fix Guide

Now, for those times you might want to manually configure your devices or router with Surfshark’s public DNS servers even without the VPN running, for basic privacy and speed benefits, here are the specific addresses:

• IPv4 Address: 194.169.169.169
• IPv6 Address: 2a09:a707:169::
• DoH Endpoint: https://dns.surfsharkdns.com/dns-query

These are the numbers you’ll be plugging in if you decide to take manual control of your DNS settings, which can be super useful for devices that don’t support the full VPN app.

Changing Your DNS Settings with Surfshark VPN: A Step-by-Step Guide

While Surfshark’s VPN app usually handles your DNS automatically when connected, there are times you might want to manually change your DNS settings. Maybe you want to use Surfshark’s public DNS even when the VPN isn’t active, or you’re configuring a device that doesn’t have a dedicated Surfshark app. Changing your DNS can lead to benefits like better connection stability, bypassing some local network restrictions, or even protecting you from certain malicious websites.

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Here’s a quick run-through for some common devices. Remember to have Surfshark’s DNS server IPs handy: IPv4: 194.169.169.169 and IPv6: 2a09:a707:169::.

On Windows

Changing DNS on Windows is pretty straightforward:

1. Open Network & Internet Settings: Click the Start menu, then go to Settings the gear icon. Navigate to Network & Internet.
2. Access Adapter Options: Under the “Advanced network settings” section, click on Change adapter options.
3. Find Your Connection: Right-click on your active network connection e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet and select Properties.
4. Edit IPv4/IPv6 Settings: In the Properties window, find and select Internet Protocol Version 4 TCP/IPv4 from the list, then click Properties. If you also want to set IPv6, you’ll do the same for Internet Protocol Version 6 TCP/IPv6.
5. Enter DNS Addresses: Select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
   • For Preferred DNS server, enter 194.169.169.169.
   • If you’re also setting IPv6, for Preferred IPv6 DNS server, enter 2a09:a707:169::.
   • You can leave the secondary DNS blank or use another reputable public DNS if you wish, but Surfshark recommends their own for privacy.
6. Save and Restart: Click OK to save your DNS settings, then close all windows. It’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure the changes take full effect.

On macOS

For Mac users, the process is quite similar:

1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu top-left corner and select System Settings.
2. Go to Network: In the sidebar, click on Network.
3. Select Your Connection: Choose your active network connection e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet and click Details.
4. Navigate to DNS Tab: Go to the DNS tab.
5. Add DNS Servers: Click the + button under “DNS Servers” to add new addresses.
   • Enter 194.169.169.169 for IPv4.
   • Click + again and enter 2a09:a707:169:: for IPv6 optional.
6. Save and Apply: Click OK, then click Apply to save your new DNS settings. You might need to restart your Mac or turn Wi-Fi/Ethernet off and on for changes to apply fully.

On Android

Changing DNS on an Android phone or tablet:

1. Open Settings: Go to your device’s Settings app.
2. Network & Internet: Tap on Network & Internet or Connections this varies by device.
3. Wi-Fi Settings: Select Wi-Fi and long-press on your currently connected network. Tap Modify network or Advanced settings.
4. Change IP Settings: Change the IP settings from DHCP to Static.
5. Enter DNS: Scroll down to the DNS fields.
   • For DNS 1, enter 194.169.169.169.
   • For DNS 2, enter 2a09:a707:169:: optional, or use a backup DNS.
6. Save: Tap Save to apply the changes.

On Your Router

Changing DNS settings directly on your router is fantastic because it applies the changes to all devices connected to that router. This is super handy for smart TVs, gaming consoles, or other devices where you can’t easily change DNS settings individually. Surfshark vpn down

1. Access Router Admin Panel: Open a web browser on a device connected to your router. Type your router’s IP address into the address bar common ones are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
2. Log In: Enter your router’s admin username and password. If you haven’t changed them, these are often on a sticker on the router itself or in its manual.
3. Find DNS Settings: Look for sections like WAN Settings, Internet Settings, or Network Settings. The DNS options are usually labeled Primary DNS and Secondary DNS.
4. Input Surfshark DNS:
   • Enter 194.169.169.169 as the Primary DNS.
   • Enter 2a09:a707:169:: as the Secondary DNS or leave blank if only IPv4 is supported/needed.
5. Save and Reboot: Save your changes. Many routers require a reboot for the new settings to take effect.

Remember, if you’re using the Surfshark VPN app, it generally manages DNS for you, preventing leaks and ensuring your traffic goes through their secure servers. Manual DNS changes are mostly for when the VPN isn’t active or for specific devices.

Demystifying Surfshark Smart DNS: Geo-Unblocking Without Full VPN Encryption

We’ve talked about what DNS is and how Surfshark’s VPN and public DNS servers work. Now, let’s chat about a slightly different, but super useful, Surfshark feature: Smart DNS.

You know how sometimes you want to watch a show or access a service, but it’s “not available in your region”? That’s geo-restriction, and it’s a common hurdle for streamers. While a VPN is excellent for bypassing these blocks by encrypting your traffic and changing your IP address, some devices, especially Smart TVs and gaming consoles, don’t have built-in VPN app support. This is exactly where Surfshark Smart DNS shines. Unlocking Your Steam Deck’s Full Potential with Surfshark VPN

What is Smart DNS? Simply put, Smart DNS is a service that modifies your device’s DNS settings to unblock region-restricted content without encrypting your entire internet connection or masking your IP address. Instead, it cleverly reroutes only specific DNS queries related to geo-blocked services through proxy servers located in different geographies. This makes it appear as if you’re accessing the content from that region, letting you bypass those pesky geo-blocks.

How Smart DNS Differs from a VPN

It’s really important to understand that Smart DNS is not a VPN, and they serve different primary purposes.

• Encryption: A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server. Smart DNS, on the other hand, does not encrypt your data.
• IP Masking: A VPN hides your real IP address, making you virtually untraceable. Smart DNS does not mask your IP address. your ISP can still see your online activity.
• Speed: Because Smart DNS doesn’t have the overhead of encryption, it can often provide faster speeds than a VPN, making it ideal for streaming high-definition content.
• Privacy & Security: A VPN offers comprehensive online privacy and security, protecting you from snooping, malware, and other threats. Smart DNS offers minimal privacy or security benefits. its main goal is geo-unblocking.
• Device Compatibility: VPNs usually require dedicated apps. Smart DNS, by just changing DNS settings, works on a much wider range of devices that might not support VPN apps directly, like many Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and some streaming boxes.

When to Use Smart DNS

You’ll want to reach for Surfshark Smart DNS primarily when:

• You’re looking to access geo-restricted streaming content like Netflix libraries from other countries, Hulu, Disney+, etc..
• You’re using a device that doesn’t have native VPN support, such as a Smart TV, gaming console PlayStation, Xbox, or Apple TV.
• Speed is your top priority for streaming, and you’re less concerned about full encryption or IP masking for that specific activity.

How to Activate Surfshark Smart DNS

Activating Smart DNS with Surfshark is super straightforward, but you need an active Surfshark subscription first. It’s included in the price, which is pretty sweet!

1. Log Into Your Surfshark Account: Go to the official Surfshark website and log into your account dashboard.
2. Find Smart DNS Section: In your dashboard, navigate to the Smart DNS section.
3. Activate Smart DNS: Click the “Activate Smart DNS” button.
   • Important: Make sure you are disconnected from your VPN at this point! Smart DNS needs to be activated for your real IP address. Surfshark’s website will automatically detect your current IP.
4. Verify Activation: Click “Activate Smart DNS” again to confirm. It might take a few minutes for the service to activate.
5. Get Your Smart DNS Addresses: Once activated, Surfshark will provide you with the specific Smart DNS server addresses you’ll need to input into your device. Keep these handy!
   • Heads up: Smart DNS is usually tied to a single IP address. If your home IP address changes which can happen with dynamic IPs from your ISP, or if you use Smart DNS from a different network, you might need to go back to your Surfshark account dashboard and click “Change IP” to re-activate it for your new IP.

Setting Up Smart DNS on Various Devices

Once you’ve activated Smart DNS in your Surfshark account and have your addresses, it’s time to set it up on your device. The process varies a little, but it generally involves going into your network settings and manually changing the DNS. Surfshark dd-wrt

On Smart TVs Samsung, LG, Android TV

Smart TVs are a prime candidate for Smart DNS because they often don’t support VPN apps.

1. Go to Network Settings: Turn on your Smart TV and navigate to its network settings.
2. Select Connection: Choose your current network connection either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
3. Manual DNS Input: Find the option to set the DNS server manually.
4. Enter Smart DNS: Input the Smart DNS addresses that Surfshark provided in your account dashboard. You’ll typically have a primary and secondary field.
5. Save & Restart: Save your settings and then restart your Smart TV. After it restarts, you should be configured to use Surfshark Smart DNS.

On Gaming Consoles PlayStation, Xbox

Gaming consoles also often lack native VPN support, making Smart DNS a great option for accessing different regional game stores or streaming apps.

1. Access Network Settings: Power on your console and head to its network settings.
2. Set Up Internet Connection: Choose the option to set up a new internet connection or modify existing settings.
3. Manual DNS: When prompted, select to manually configure DNS settings.
4. Input Smart DNS: Enter the Smart DNS addresses from Surfshark into the relevant fields.
5. Complete & Restart: Finish the setup process and restart your console to apply the new settings.

On Apple TV

Apple TV is another device where Smart DNS comes in very handy for unblocking content.

1. Go to Settings: From the Apple TV main menu, navigate to Settings.
2. Network: Select Network.
3. Configure DNS: Choose the network you’re currently connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then find Configure DNS and switch it to Manual.
4. Enter DNS Address: Input one of the Smart DNS addresses provided by Surfshark.
5. Confirm & Restart: Confirm your input and then restart your Apple TV to ensure the changes take hold.

Remember, if you ever experience internet connection issues after setting up Smart DNS, double-check that you activated it for your current IP address in your Surfshark account, especially if your IP changes frequently.

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DNS vs. VPN vs. Smart DNS: Which One Do You Need?

This is a question many people ask, and it’s important to clarify the roles of each. While they all touch on your internet connection, their purposes, features, and levels of protection are quite distinct. Think of them as different tools in your online toolkit, each designed for a specific job.

Let’s break down when you’d typically choose one over the others:

VPN Virtual Private Network

• Primary Purpose: Comprehensive online privacy, security, and anonymity, alongside geo-unblocking.
• How it Works: A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server in a location of your choice. This hides your real IP address and makes your data unreadable to anyone trying to snoop.
• Key Benefits:
  • Full Encryption: Protects your data from your ISP, hackers, and government surveillance.
  • IP Masking: Hides your true location and identity.
  • Bypasses Geo-restrictions: Effectively unblocks content and services worldwide.
  • Protects on Public Wi-Fi: Essential for staying secure on unsecured networks.
  • Prevents Throttling: Your ISP can’t throttle your speed if they don’t know what you’re doing.
• When to Use It: Always, if privacy and security are your top concerns. Especially for sensitive activities like online banking, handling personal information, using public Wi-Fi, or when you need robust geo-unblocking with full protection.
• Surfshark Context: Surfshark VPN provides a robust, no-logs service with strong encryption and built-in DNS leak protection, routing all your DNS requests through its secure servers when connected.

Smart DNS e.g., Surfshark Smart DNS

• Primary Purpose: Unblocking geo-restricted content and streaming services, particularly on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
• How it Works: It reroutes only your DNS queries through specialized servers in a different region, making it appear as if you’re in that location for specific websites or services. It does not encrypt your traffic.
  • Geo-unblocking on Various Devices: Works on Smart TVs, gaming consoles, Apple TV, etc.
  • Faster Streaming Speeds: No encryption overhead means potentially faster speeds for media consumption.
  • Easy Setup: Often simpler to configure on devices than a full VPN.
• When to Use It: Primarily for streaming geo-restricted content on devices where installing a VPN app isn’t possible or convenient, and when you prioritize speed over encryption for that specific task.
• Surfshark Context: Surfshark’s Smart DNS is part of their subscription, allowing you to easily access region-locked content like US Netflix on non-VPN-compatible devices.

Custom Public DNS without VPN or Smart DNS

• Primary Purpose: Basic improvements in privacy, speed, and security, and bypassing minor local network restrictions, but not for geo-unblocking or IP masking.
• How it Works: You manually configure your device or router to use a third-party DNS server instead of your ISP’s. These servers might be faster, more reliable, and offer better privacy e.g., no logging of your DNS queries.
  • Improved Privacy: Prevents your ISP from logging your DNS requests.
  • Potentially Faster Browsing: Some public DNS servers are quicker than ISP defaults.
  • Enhanced Security: Some providers block known malicious sites.
  • Bypasses Basic Censorship: Can sometimes get around simple DNS-based content blocks.
• When to Use It: If you want a slight bump in privacy and speed without the full commitment or cost of a VPN, or if you’re looking for a free, privacy-focused alternative to your ISP’s DNS.
• Surfshark Context: Surfshark offers its own free, privacy-focused public DNS servers IPv4: 194.169.169.169, IPv6: 2a09:a707:169:: that anyone can use to improve their online experience.

Why You Shouldn’t Mix Private DNS and a VPN

Now, a quick but important note on “Private DNS” like DNS over TLS or DNS over HTTPS if you’re using a VPN. While private DNS protocols are great for encrypting your DNS queries when you’re not using a VPN, you generally shouldn’t use them concurrently with a VPN.

Here’s why: When you use a good VPN like Surfshark, all your DNS requests are already routed through the VPN’s own secure, encrypted tunnel and resolved by the VPN’s privacy-friendly DNS servers. Adding a third-party private DNS service on top can actually create issues, potentially making it more likely for your DNS requests to leak outside the VPN tunnel, defeating the purpose of the VPN’s protection. So, let your VPN handle the DNS when it’s active! Does Surfshark Work with DraftKings? Here’s the Real Deal

In summary, for the best all-around privacy and security, a VPN is your go-to. For streaming on non-VPN devices, Smart DNS is a fantastic workaround. And for a free, basic privacy upgrade without geo-unblocking, Surfshark’s public DNS servers are a solid choice. Choose the tool that best fits your immediate online need!

Troubleshooting Common Surfshark DNS Issues

Even with the best tools, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. If you’re running into issues with Surfshark DNS or Smart DNS, don’t sweat it! Here are some common problems and straightforward solutions.

DNS Leaks

This is a big one for privacy-conscious users. A DNS leak happens when your device’s DNS requests are sent outside of the VPN’s encrypted tunnel, typically to your ISP’s DNS servers, even when your VPN is supposedly active. This means your ISP can still see the websites you visit, compromising your privacy. Surfshark VPN Device Limit: Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting *All* Your Gadgets

How Surfshark Prevents Them:
Surfshark is designed to prevent DNS leaks by blocking all external DNS requests and forcing them through its own secure, encrypted DNS servers when the VPN is connected. Each VPN server usually has its own DNS, and this setup includes leak protection for IPv4.

How to Check for DNS Leaks:
Surfshark provides an easy-to-use DNS leak test tool directly on their website.

1. Connect to your Surfshark VPN.
2. Go to Surfshark’s IP/DNS leak test page.
3. Perform the DNS leak test.
4. If everything is working correctly, you should only see Surfshark’s DNS server addresses and your VPN server’s IP address and a message indicating you are protected. If you see your actual ISP’s DNS servers or your real IP address, then you might have a leak.

What to Do if You Detect a DNS Leak:

• Reconnect the VPN: Sometimes a simple disconnect and reconnect can fix a temporary routing issue.
• Check VPN Settings: Ensure Surfshark’s “Kill Switch” feature is enabled. This feature cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks, including DNS leaks.
• Disable IPv6: While Surfshark’s apps protect against IPv6 leaks, some users report issues on certain devices. You might try disabling IPv6 on your device’s network adapter settings as a troubleshooting step, especially if you’re mostly concerned with IPv4 traffic.
• Consult Support: If the problem persists, reach out to Surfshark customer support. They can help diagnose specific issues related to your device or network.

Surfshark Smart DNS Not Working

If you’ve set up Smart DNS but still can’t access geo-restricted content or are experiencing connection problems, here are some things to look at:

• Incorrect DNS Addresses: This is probably the most common culprit. Double-check that you’ve entered the Smart DNS addresses exactly as provided in your Surfshark account. Even a tiny typo can break it. If there are two addresses, try swapping them putting the secondary as primary.
• IP Address Mismatch: Remember, Smart DNS is tied to your real public IP address. If your ISP assigns you a dynamic IP address which often changes, or if you set up Smart DNS on one network and then tried to use it on another, your Smart DNS might stop working.
  • Solution: Go back to your Surfshark account dashboard, navigate to the Smart DNS section, and click the “Change IP” button to refresh and activate Smart DNS for your current IP address. Make sure you do this while not connected to your VPN.
• Device/Browser Cache: Sometimes, your device or browser might have old location data cached.
  • Solution: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. On streaming devices, try clearing the app’s cache or reinstalling the streaming app. Then, restart your device.
• Router Issues: If you set up Smart DNS on your router, ensure the router was properly rebooted after saving the settings. Also, check for any other DNS settings on the router that might be overriding the ones you set.
• Temporary Service Issues: Rarely, there might be a temporary issue with the streaming service or the Smart DNS server itself. Give it some time and try again later.
• VPN Interference: If you’re trying to use Smart DNS, make sure your VPN is completely disconnected. They don’t work together for geo-unblocking in the same way, and the VPN will override Smart DNS.
• Geographic Restrictions: Keep in mind that Surfshark Smart DNS typically unblocks US Netflix and a few other US-based services. If you’re trying to access content from a different country, you’ll need the full VPN.

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• Verify Addresses: Again, ensure you’ve typed the IPv4 and/or IPv6 addresses correctly 194.169.169.169 and 2a09:a707:169::.
• Restart Everything: A classic IT troubleshooting step for a reason! Restart your device, your router, and your modem.
• Temporarily Revert to ISP DNS: If you can’t get online at all, temporarily switch your DNS settings back to “Obtain DNS server address automatically” or use a well-known public DNS like Google’s 8.8.8.8 to see if that restores connectivity. This helps isolate if the problem is specifically with the custom DNS settings.
• Firewall/Antivirus: Occasionally, security software can interfere with network settings. Temporarily disable them just for testing! to rule this out.

By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you can usually pinpoint and fix most Surfshark DNS and Smart DNS problems, getting you back to a smooth, protected online experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Surfshark’s official public DNS server addresses?

Surfshark’s official public DNS server addresses are IPv4: 194.169.169.169 and IPv6: 2a09:a707:169::. They also offer a DoH Endpoint at https://dns.surfsharkdns.com/dns-query. These servers are free to use and prioritize privacy by not logging your activities.

Is Surfshark DNS free to use even without a VPN subscription?

Yes, Surfshark’s public DNS service is completely free and available for anyone to use, even if you don’t have an active Surfshark VPN subscription. It offers benefits like enhanced privacy and potentially faster speeds without tracking your online activities. Surfshark VPN Data Limit: Unleash Your Online Freedom (and Devices!)

How does Surfshark VPN prevent DNS leaks?

When you connect to the Surfshark VPN app, it automatically blocks all your device’s default DNS requests and routes them through its own secure, encrypted DNS servers within the VPN tunnel. This ensures your DNS queries remain private and your ISP cannot see your browsing activity, effectively preventing DNS leaks.

What is the main difference between Surfshark Smart DNS and Surfshark VPN?

The main difference is that Surfshark VPN provides full encryption for all your internet traffic and masks your IP address, offering comprehensive privacy and security. Surfshark Smart DNS, however, does not encrypt your traffic or hide your IP address. Its primary function is to reroute specific DNS queries to unblock geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPN apps, prioritizing speed for streaming.

Can I use Surfshark Smart DNS on my Smart TV or gaming console?

Absolutely! Smart DNS is particularly useful for devices like Smart TVs Samsung, LG, Android TV, gaming consoles PlayStation, Xbox, and Apple TV, which often don’t have native VPN app support. You activate Smart DNS through your Surfshark account and then manually enter the provided DNS addresses in your device’s network settings.

What should I do if my Surfshark Smart DNS isn’t working?

If Surfshark Smart DNS isn’t working, first verify that the DNS addresses are entered correctly on your device. Second, make sure your public IP address is correctly registered with Surfshark’s Smart DNS service by checking your account dashboard and clicking “Change IP” if your IP has changed. Also, clear your device’s cache and restart it. Remember to be disconnected from your VPN when activating and using Smart DNS.

Should I use custom DNS with my VPN?

Generally, no. When using a good VPN like Surfshark, your DNS requests are already routed through the VPN’s own secure and encrypted servers. Manually configuring third-party custom DNS settings while connected to a VPN can potentially lead to DNS leaks, compromising your privacy. It’s best to let the VPN app handle DNS when it’s active. Cybershark vpn