Setup VPNUK SmartDNS Mac

Setting up a VPNUK SMART DNS connection on MacOS.

1. Registering Your IP on the VPNUK Smart DNS Service

Before configuring your macOS DNS settings, you must check in your current IP address with VPNUK SmartDNS.

  1. Log in to the VPNUK Members Area with your account username and password.
  2. Navigate to ‘SmartDNS Management’.
  3. Click ‘Check In New Address’.

2. Setting Your IP Address

  1. Click ‘Set My IP’ to automatically detect your current public IP address.
  2. IMPORTANT: If your IP address changes (e.g., switching Wi-Fi networks, mobile hotspots, or travelling), you must re-check in the new IP address for Smart DNS to continue working.
  3. (Optional) Add a description (e.g., “Home Wi-Fi”, “Office Network”) for reference.
  4. Click ‘Check In’ to register your IP.

3. Get Your VPNUK Smart DNS Server IP

  1. Scroll down to ‘SmartDNS Server Settings’.
  2. Copy or note down the Smart DNS server IP address you would like to use.

4. Configure Smart DNS on macOS

1. Open macOS Network Preferences

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
  2. Select System Preferences → Network.

2. Select Your Internet Connection

  1. In the left panel, select your active connection:
    • Wi-Fi (if using wireless).
    • Ethernet (if using a wired connection).
  2. Click ‘Advanced’ (bottom-right corner).

3. Enter the VPNUK Smart DNS Server IP

  1. Navigate to the DNS tab.
  2. Click the “+” button to add a new DNS server.
  3. Enter your VPNUK Smart DNS IP address.
  4. (Optional) Add a secondary Smart DNS IP for redundancy.
  5. Click OK, then Apply.

5. Restart Your Internet Connection

  1. Turn off Wi-Fi and turn it back on, or unplug and reconnect your Ethernet cable.
  2. Alternatively, restart your Mac.
  3. Open a browser and test access.

Smart DNS Cache Troubleshooting on macOS

Sometimes, cached data can interfere with Smart DNS functionality. If you see a Listener page or cannot access certain sites, clear your DNS cache.

Flush DNS Cache on macOS

  1. Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal).
  2. Run the following command:
    sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  3. Press Enter, then restart your Mac.

Smart DNS: Pros & Cons

Benefits of VPNUK Smart DNS

Faster than VPNs – No encryption overhead, meaning better streaming performance.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions – Access content from multiple regions effortlessly.
Works on Any Device – Supports Smart TVs, Apple TV, macOS, Windows, and gaming consoles.
No Login Required – Once set up, Smart DNS works automatically.
Multi-Region Streaming – Watch content from different countries without changing servers.

Limitations of Smart DNS

No Encryption – Unlike a VPN, Smart DNS does not secure your data.
Manually Check In IPs – If your IP address changes, you must update it in the Members Area.
Limited Anonymity – Smart DNS does not hide your real IP address, unlike a VPN.