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Smart DNS - Chromecast

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Configuring PIA’s Smart DNS on a Chromecast.  

Important Note: Whenever changing settings on your devices, it is always crucial to record the original settings before making any changes. In the event you need to reverse the changes made, you will have a reference point to refer to if needed.  

As Chromecast does not offer a way to change DNS configurations natively, you will need to make DNS changes at the router level to use PIA’s Smart DNS.   

Generating Smart DNS address.

Navigate to the PIA VPN DNS configuration page. Enter your PIA VPN credentials if asked, then click Sign In. 

  1.  Acquire your PIA Smart DNS IP address. 
  2.  Click "Add new device".
  3.  Select the device from the drop down menu and press "Select". 
  4.  Next, select the location where you want to set up a VPN connection. 
  5.  You will then receive your Smart DNS address.

The concept behind using Chromecast with Smart DNS Proxy is the same across all router models: 

1. Install Smart DNS Proxy DNS IPs on your router. By doing so, this enables Smart DNS Proxy for DNS on your router. 

2. Static Routing should be enabled on your router. (Google DNS is used by default on Chromecast, which cannot be modified. We use static routing to force your router to redirect Google DNS IPs to Smart DNS Proxy.) 

The instructions below will detail how to use PIA Smart DNS through your router for Chromecast: 

1. Set your router's DNS to Smart DNS Proxy by logging into the Admin Panel of your router. 

  1. In your web browser, type http://192.168.1.1. The admin interface of some routers may load at http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.2.1. Unless you have changed the default username and password, the default credential is "admin". (The default logins for some routers may vary so be sure to look up your router to be sure.)

  2. Change DNS to the following Smart DNS Proxy IPs in the DNS section of your Router Panel.
     
    (If you are having difficulty changing or locating where the DNS settings are, a quick search for your router online is recommended.) 

  3.  Click Apply. 

2. Next, add the Static Routes. 

  1. Click on Advanced.

  2. Make a note of your router's IP address. It's under the section Router Information - LAN Port - IP Address.

  3. From the left pane, choose Static Routes.

  4. Then choose Add.

  5. The following items should be added to the Route List:
    Destination IP Address: 8.8.8.8
    IP Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
    Gateway IP: Enter your Router IP address you noted for step “2b”
    Metric: 2

  6. Click Apply. 

  7. Repeat step “2e” with following information:
     
    Destination IP Address: 8.8.4.4
    IP Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
    Gateway IP: Enter your Router IP address you noted for step “2b”
    Metric: 2

  8. To complete the process, you will need to reset your router.  

Once your Chromecast is connected to your network, Google DNS will be routed to Smart DNS Proxy IPs that have been established as your router's default DNS. 

Do you need assistance? For urgent support, contact PIA’s VPN Support Team.