How to change DNS settings on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Apple TV

Here’s how you can change your DNS settings on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices.

Note: if you’re changing your DNS to access streaming services. I  recommend using Smart DNS Proxy ($4.90/month with 14-day free trial) – it works with BBC iPlayer (including downloads)… as well as ITV Hub, 4oD, US Netflix and Amazon Prime.

How to set up DNS on a Windows

1. Click on Start Menu
2. Type “network” and press enter
3. Select Network and Sharing Center
4. Find your internet connection and click “Wireless Network Connection” or “Wired Network Connection”.
5. Properties
6. Uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
7. Check “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
8. Click Properties
9. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
10. Enter your Smart DNS provider’s DNS server addresses
11. OK

That’s it

Force close any web browser you have open, restart your PC, and when you open it again, you’ll be able to stream and download programmes from anywhere in the world.

How to set up DNS iPhone (or iPad)

1. Settings
2. Wi-Fi
3. Click “i” (on the network you’re connected to)
4. Configure DNS
5. Manual
6. “+ Add Server”
7. Enter your provider’s DNS address for the UK
8. Save

That’s it.

Force close the BBC iPlayer app, and when you open it again, you’ll be able to stream and download programmes from anywhere in the world.

How to set up DNS Android

1. Settings
2. Wi-Fi & Internet
3. Click on the “Wi-Fi” text – not the ON/OFF switch
4. Make a note of your current “IP address” and “Gateway address”  
5. Now click the Edit (pencil) icon
6. Advanced options
7. Change IP settings to “Static”
8. Enter the IP and Gateway addresses you noted earlier
9. Change DNS 1 to your provider’s DNS address for the UK
10. Change DNS 2 to your provider’s DNS address for the UK (Optional)
11. Save

That’s it.

Force close the BBC iPlayer app, and when you open it again, you’ll be able to stream and download programmes from anywhere in the world.

How to set up DNS on a Mac

1. Apple Icon (top left of screen) 
2. System Preferences
3. Network
4. Select Wi-Fi in the left-hand panel
5. Click Advanced…
6. Go to the DNS tab
7. Click “+” below the ‘How to set up DNS’ panel
8. Enter your Smart DNS’ UK address
9. Click OK
10. Click Apply

That’s it.

How to set up DNS on Apple TV

1. Go to Apple TV Settings
2. General
3. Network
4. Wifi/Ethernet
5. Click on your network
6. Configure DNS
7. Manual
8. Enter your DNS
9. Restart Apple TV

That’s it.

Force close your browser, reset your Mac, and when you open it again, you’ll be able to stream and download programmes from anywhere in the world.

Read next: Which VPNs work with US Netflix?