How to Set Up Smart DNS on Chromebook

Smart DNS allows a Chromebook to use compatible online services without routing its internet traffic through a VPN server. Since PIA doesn’t offer a native Chromebook app, Smart DNS provides an alternative way to configure the device. 

Note: Unlike a VPN, Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt internet traffic or replace the Chromebook’s IP address.

This guide covers how to generate the required Smart DNS details and add them to a Chromebook. The setup involves two main steps:

  1. Generate the Smart DNS IP address.
  2. Configure Smart DNS on the Chromebook.

Generate the Smart DNS IP address 

Start by signing in to the PIA control panel and generating the Smart DNS details for the Chromebook.

  1. Select Smart DNS from the sidebar.

    PIA control panel showing the Smart DNS option

  2. Open the Select Device menu and choose Chromebook.

    List of device available for Smart DNS in the setup menu

  3. Click Select to confirm the device.

    Select button highlighted with Chromebook selected for Smart DNS setup

  4. Open the Select Location menu and choose the required country.

    Dropdown menu showing the locations available for Smart DNS

  5. Click Select again.

    Select button shown after choosing United Kingdom as a location

  6. Copy or make a note of the Smart DNS IP address. You will need it when changing the Chromebook’s network settings.

    Set Up Smart DNS on Chromebook-6.png

Configure Smart DNS on the Chromebook.

Now, switch over to your Chromebook. 

  1. Open the Chromebook Launcher.

    Chromebook launcher with the search field available

  2. Type Settings into the search bar and open the Settings app.

    Settings shown after searching for it in Chromebook Launcher

  3. Click Network, followed by Wi-Fi.

    Chromebook settings screen with the network and Wi-Fi buttons shown

  4. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to set up Smart DNS for.

    List of detected Wi-Fi networks, with the connected one at the top of the list

  5. Click Network.

    Network button shown in individual Wi-Fi connection settings

  6. Scroll down to Name servers and select Custom name servers.

    Custom name servers toggle with fields to enter a custom DNS

  7. Enter the Smart DNS noted earlier into the top line, then press the Tab key on your keyboard.

    Smart DNS number entered into the custom name server

  8. In your web browser, navigate to What’s My IP Address. If set up correctly, your location will match your Smart DNS location.

    PIA showing United Kingdom, the location of the selected Smart DNS

Note: Since Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic like a VPN does, you will still get an “Unprotected” warning.

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