macOS - Change DNS in the PIA App

You can change which DNS option the Private Internet Access (PIA) app uses from the app’s Network settings.

Change the DNS Option

  1. Open the PIA app. If the VPN is connected, click the power button to disconnect.
PIA app connected to the India VPN server with the power button highlighted.
  1. Select the three vertical dots, then select Settings.
PIA app menu open with Settings selected from the three-dot menu.
  1. Select the Network tab.

PIA Network settings with PIA DNS selected.

  1. Open the DNS dropdown menu, then select one of the available options:
    • PIA DNS: The default option. DNS queries are handled by PIA while you're connected to the VPN.
    • Built-in Resolver: Uses macOS's built-in DNS resolver while you're connected to the VPN instead of PIA's DNS implementation.
    • Handshake DNS: Uses a DNS resolver that supports Handshake domains. Choose this option only if you need to access Handshake domains.
    • Use Existing DNS: Uses the DNS servers already configured on your Mac instead of PIA DNS while you're connected to the VPN.
    • Custom: Lets you specify the DNS servers to use while you're connected to the VPN.
PIA Network settings with the DNS menu open and Use Existing DNS selected.

Important: For most users, PIA DNS is the recommended option. If you choose Use Existing DNS or Custom, your DNS requests may be sent to DNS servers outside of PIA, depending on your device settings or the servers you enter.

  1. Return to the main screen and tap the power button to reconnect to the VPN.
PIA Mac app connected to the India VPN server.

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