How to Set Up Smart DNS on Apple TV

Smart DNS provides an easy way to use compatible online services on Apple TV 4K without routing the device’s traffic through a VPN.

Note: Smart DNS doesn’t change the device’s IP address or encrypt its internet connection like a VPN does. 

This guide explains how to find the correct Smart DNS details and enter them manually on Apple TV 4K. The process has two main steps: 

  1. Generate Your Smart DNS IP Address.
  2. Configure Smart DNS on Apple TV 4K.

Generate Your Smart DNS IP Address

First, you need to generate a Smart DNS after logging into your PIA control panel. 

  1. Click Smart DNS on the sidebar.

    PIA control panel showing the Smart DNS set up screen

  2. Open the dropdown menu under Select Device, and click Apple TV.

    Dropdown menu with list of devices available for PIA Smart DNS

  3. Click Select.

    Select option highlighted after picking a Smart DNS device

  4. Open the dropdown menu under Select Location, then choose the country you want to use.

    List of locations available for PIA Smart DNS

  5. Click Select.

    Select button highlighted after picking Smart DNS location

  6. Note your Smart DNS IP.

    Fully set up Smart DNS with available Smart DNS IP

Configure Smart DNS on Apple TV 4K

Now, switch over to your Apple TV 4K. 

  1. Open Settings from the Apple TV home screen.
  2. Select Network.
  3. Under Connection, select Wi-Fi.
  4. Choose the Wi-Fi network currently connected to your Apple TV.
  5. Scroll down and select Configure DNS.
  6. Choose Manual.
  7. Enter the Smart DNS IP address you noted earlier.
  8. Follow the on-screen prompts to save the new settings.
  9. Return to Settings and select System.
  10. Select Restart to apply the changes.