Before you begin
Have your USip service username and password from the “Your Account is Ready” email, a working internet connection and permission to change network settings. Keep a note of the original DNS settings.
Smart DNS is different from a VPN. It does not create a VPN tunnel or provide VPN encryption. You do not need OpenVPN Connect. An IP lookup showing your usual country does not by itself mean Smart DNS has failed.
Streaming accounts and subscriptions are separate. DNS settings do not install apps or change subscription eligibility.
USip needs to recognise the internet connection used by the device.
Configure the device directly or use the router when appropriate.
Verify setup and playback on the device you want to use.
1. Choose device or router setup
| Setup location | When to use it |
|---|---|
| TV or console | Use this when the device lets you enter DNS addresses manually.Keep the change limited to that device’s network settings. |
| Router | Use this when the device has no manual DNS option, or when you want compatible devices to use the router’s DNS settings.Router changes may affect other devices on the network. |
A device connected to mobile data, a guest network or a different router may use a different public IP. Plan the setup for the connection the TV or console will actually use.
2. Register your public IP with USip
- Connect your phone or computer to the same home network as the TV or console. On a phone, use Wi-Fi, not mobile data. Turn off its VPN during registration.
- Open the USip setup wizard and choose your device.
- Select “I am on the same home network →”.
- At “Register your home connection”, enter your Service username and Service password from the welcome email, then choose Register connection.
USip registers your connection’s public IP automatically; you do not enter the TV’s local IP. If your public IP changes after a network change, power cut or router restart, register again.
3. Enter the USip DNS addresses
Use primary DNS 199.217.105.18. USip’s current instructions say to leave secondary DNS blank or use 0.0.0.0. If your device rejects both, ask Support rather than substituting another DNS provider.
Change DNS only. Preserve the existing IP address, gateway, subnet, proxy and MTU settings. Save or apply the change.
Router setup: USip says to save the settings and not restart the router. Reconnect the TV if needed. If your router requires a restart and its public IP changes, register the connection again.
TV, router and console settings
Samsung TV
All Settings → Connection → Network → Network Status → IP Settings → DNS Setting → Enter Manually → DNS Server. Older models may put Network under General.
LG webOS TV
All Settings → General → Network → your active Wi-Fi or wired connection. Open Advanced Wi-Fi Settings or Edit, change DNS Server and select Connect. Paths vary by webOS version.
Apple TV hardware
Settings → Network → your active connection → Configure DNS → Manual. Enter the USip address, choose Done and restart Apple TV.
PlayStation 5
Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection → your connection → Advanced Settings → DNS Settings → Manual. Preserve the other working settings.
Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One
Settings → General → Network settings → Advanced settings → DNS settings → Manual. Follow the prompts for your console version.
Nintendo Switch / Switch 2
System Settings → Internet → Internet Settings → your saved network → Change Settings → DNS Settings → Manual. Save and test the internet connection.
TP-Link router example
Wireless routers: Advanced → Network → Internet → Advanced Settings → DNS addresses. DSL models may use Advanced → Network → LAN Settings. Menus depend on model.
ASUS router example
WAN → Internet Connection → WAN DNS Setting. Depending on firmware, use Assign → Manual Setting, or turn off automatic DNS. Save/apply the DNS change.
Menus vary by version. Manufacturer pages may show example DNS addresses; use USip’s address above. A console’s DNS menu does not guarantee streaming-app support, and DNS cannot restore a discontinued app.
4. Check setup on your device
- Confirm the device uses the registered network and the saved DNS address is
199.217.105.18. - Restart or reconnect the TV/console if needed, then reopen its streaming app.
- Allow up to 15 minutes after setup before testing.
- Try playback in the service with your eligible account or subscription.
Your public-IP country does not need to change to the US. For Smart DNS, check the saved DNS settings, registration and the service itself. Support varies by service and device.
Troubleshooting
It worked before, but stopped
Check whether your public IP or internet connection changed. Revisit registration and confirm the current address. Also check that the device still uses your chosen DNS settings.
The device does not have a DNS option
Check whether DNS can be configured on your router. If your router is managed by your internet provider or an administrator, ask them about manual DNS settings.
The app is missing or playback is unavailable
DNS does not install apps or change subscription eligibility. Check the service’s supported devices and your account. A particular app or title may still be unavailable.
The device has no internet after the change
Recheck the DNS addresses for typing errors. Restore the previous settings if the connection is still unavailable, then contact USip Support.
Still need help?
Send Support the device model, software version, whether DNS is set on the device or router, the service name and exact error. Confirm whether your public IP registration is current.
Return to your previous DNS settings
Restore the original DNS values or automatic DNS if that was the previous setting. Save and reconnect the device if needed. Restoring router DNS may affect other connected devices.
Smart DNS FAQs
Is USip Smart DNS a VPN?
No. Smart DNS uses DNS settings and does not create a VPN tunnel or provide VPN encryption. The OpenVPN Connect setup guides are for USip VPN, a different connection method.
Should I set DNS on the TV or on the router?
Use the TV’s manual DNS option if available and you want to configure only that device. Router setup is useful when a device has no manual DNS option. Router changes can affect other connected devices.
Which IP address do I register?
The wizard automatically registers your connection’s public IP. Open it from the same home network as the TV or console, with the registering phone or computer’s VPN off. You do not enter the TV’s private local IP.
What if my public IP changes?
Update the USip registration so it matches your current internet connection. Recheck it after switching networks or when a previously working setup stops working.
Does an IP lookup need to show the United States?
No. Your normal public-IP country can remain visible with Smart DNS. Check your DNS configuration, current IP registration and the service on the device instead.
Does this make every streaming app work on every console?
No. App availability, supported devices and subscription eligibility vary by service. The console instructions explain DNS settings; they are not streaming compatibility guarantees.
Can I undo the DNS change?
Yes. Restore the original DNS values or the previous automatic setting, save, then reconnect or restart as required. Keep a record of the original settings before starting.