How to Configure Smart DNS on Xbox (Series X, Series S and One)
Learn how to configure Smart DNS on Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One with step by step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and setup guidance.
Networking Editorial
Quick Answer
Xbox consoles do not support native VPN applications. If your provider offers Smart DNS, you can configure it directly from your console network settings by entering the DNS addresses supplied by your provider.
- Open Settings.
- Go to General, then Network settings.
- Select Advanced settings.
- Choose DNS settings.
- Switch from Automatic to Manual.
- Enter the Primary and Secondary DNS addresses from your Smart DNS provider.
- Restart the console.
Supported Xbox Models
Manual DNS configuration is available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X. The menu structure is nearly identical across all supported consoles.
Prerequisites
Before beginning, make sure you have an active Smart DNS subscription and the DNS server addresses provided by your service. Many providers also require you to register your current public IP address before Smart DNS becomes active.
If your goal is to encrypt all internet traffic rather than only improve streaming compatibility, consider using a router based VPN instead. See our WireGuard setup guide in /guides/wireguard router setup or compare protocol trade offs in /guides/wireguard vs openvpn.
Configure Smart DNS on Xbox
- Press the Xbox button and open Settings.
- Go to General, then Network settings.
- Open Advanced settings.
- Select DNS settings.
- Choose Manual.
- Enter the Primary DNS address supplied by your provider.
- Enter the Secondary DNS address.
- Save changes and restart the console.
Verify Your Configuration
After restarting the console, launch the streaming service you intend to use. If regional content is still unavailable, verify that your public IP is registered with your Smart DNS provider and confirm that DNS addresses were entered correctly.
Common Issues
- Content is still unavailable: confirm your public IP has been registered with your Smart DNS provider.
- DNS settings are not applied: restart both the Xbox and your router.
- Streaming service still detects your local region: wait a few minutes for DNS propagation, then restart the application.
- Connection problems after changing DNS: switch back to Automatic DNS to confirm the issue is related to Smart DNS configuration.
Smart DNS vs Router VPN
| Feature | Smart DNS | Router VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | No | Yes |
| Changes Public IP | Typically No | Yes |
| Streaming Compatibility | Excellent | Excellent |
| Privacy Protection | Limited | High |
| Typical Setup | Xbox Network Settings | Router Configuration |
| Performance Impact | Minimal | Depends on router hardware |
When Should You Use WireGuard Instead?
Smart DNS is designed primarily for streaming compatibility and does not encrypt your internet traffic. If your objective is privacy, securing public WiFi, or protecting every device on your network, a router based WireGuard VPN is usually the better option.
Ready to configure WireGuard? Generate your configuration file with our local builder at /tools/wireguard builder.
Does Xbox support VPN applications?
No. Xbox consoles do not support installing VPN applications directly. To use a VPN, you usually need a compatible router or another device that shares a VPN connection.
Can Smart DNS unblock streaming services?
Many Smart DNS providers support popular streaming services, although compatibility depends on the provider and the individual streaming platform.
Does Smart DNS change my IP address?
No. Smart DNS changes how certain DNS requests are resolved but generally does not replace your public IP address like a VPN does.
Does Smart DNS affect gaming latency?
Usually no. Since Smart DNS does not encrypt your traffic, most gaming traffic follows the normal network path with little or no measurable impact on latency.
How do I restore the original DNS settings?
Return to Network settings, then Advanced settings, then DNS settings and switch from Manual back to Automatic. Restart the console after making the change.
When should I choose a VPN instead of Smart DNS?
If privacy, encrypted traffic, or securing all devices on your network is important, a VPN is usually the better choice. Smart DNS is mainly intended for streaming related DNS routing.