{"article":{"id":52858448795035,"url":"https://piavpnsupport.zendesk.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/52858448795035.json","html_url":"https://helpdesk.privateinternetaccess.com/hc/en-us/articles/52858448795035-How-to-Set-Up-Smart-DNS","author_id":51109526594715,"comments_disabled":false,"draft":false,"promoted":true,"position":0,"vote_sum":0,"vote_count":0,"section_id":52630214791195,"created_at":"2026-07-10T16:00:22Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T16:06:51Z","name":"How to Set Up Smart DNS","title":"How to Set Up Smart DNS","source_locale":"en-us","locale":"en-us","outdated":false,"outdated_locales":[],"edited_at":"2026-07-10T16:06:51Z","user_segment_id":null,"permission_group_id":501146,"content_tag_ids":[],"label_names":[],"body":"

Smart DNS lets you use compatible online services on devices that cannot run the PIA app, such as many smart TVs and game consoles. Unlike a VPN, it changes only your device's DNS settings instead of routing all internet traffic through a VPN server.

Setting it up takes two stages: generating a Smart DNS address in your PIA account, then entering that address in your device's network settings.

Note: Smart DNS does not encrypt your internet traffic or hide your device's IP address the way a VPN does.

Generate Your Smart DNS Address

Start by signing in to the PIA control panel, where you can generate a Smart DNS address for your device and chosen location.

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  1. \n

    Select Smart DNS in the sidebar.

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    \"Smart

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    2. \n
  2. \n

    Open the Select Device menu, choose your device, then confirm with Select.

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    \"Device

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    3. \n
  3. \n

    Open the Select Location menu, choose your country, then confirm with Select.

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    \"Location

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    4. \n
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    Note the Smart DNS address shown on screen. You will need it when changing your device's network settings.

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    \"Generated

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    5. \n

Configure Smart DNS on Your Device

The second stage happens on the device itself, and the exact steps depend on the platform. In most cases, you will open the device's network settings, change its DNS setting from automatic to manual, enter the Smart DNS address, and save.

Some devices also need a restart before the change takes effect. The menu names differ between platforms, so follow the guide that matches your device:

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