How to Change DNS Settings on Smart TV

There is nothing more frustrating than stuttering and broken images on your Smart TV . People have tried a number of different fixes to solve this problem on their Smart TVs and found that after changing the Smart TV DNS settings, things have improved dramatically.

How to change DNS on Smart TV

Changing DNS settings on your Smart TV may seem daunting, but it's actually quite simple once you know where to look.

1. Grab your remote and press the Settings button . Go to the Network settings panel and select your current Wi-Fi network (or Ethernet if you're on a wired connection).
2. Now, find the IP settings. By default, this is usually set to Automatic or DHCP , but you'll want to change it to Static . You'll need to provide the specific IP address that your Smart TV will use on your network.
3. In the DNS server fields, enter 1.1.1.1 as your primary DNS (it's Cloudflare's fast, privacy-focused server).
4. Once you've filled in those numbers, save your changes and restart your TV. That's it! You've now switched your Smart TV to use a faster, more reliable DNS server.

See if streaming apps tend to load faster and videos start playing with less lag. If you want to go back, just switch the setting from Static to Automatic .

Keep in mind that the exact menu names may vary slightly depending on your Smart TV, but the steps should be roughly the same. If you run into trouble, your TV's manual or support website can help you find the right menu. Also, while using a static IP address is convenient, it can also cause problems if you reset your router .

Using Cloudflare as your primary DNS can give you speed, security, and reliability - all with a few quick settings changes. Give it a try and see how your streaming experience improves.

Should you change your TV's DNS settings?

Should you change your TV's DNS settings? If you stream a lot and want smoother, faster performance, it's definitely worth considering. Switching to a public DNS service like Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 can make apps load faster and videos start almost instantly.

Public DNS providers like Cloudflare and Google offer more reliable connections because their networks rarely slow down, even during peak hours. There's also a security advantage: Services like Cloudflare automatically block many phishing and malware sites, adding extra protection as you browse and stream.

If you want to access content from other regions, some smart DNS services can also help you unlock shows and movies that aren't available in your country. This perk is especially appealing if you want to explore more streaming libraries.

While changing DNS settings may seem like advanced tech tinkering, it's actually one of the simplest yet most effective tweaks you can make to improve your Smart TV's performance without spending a dime on hardware upgrades or a faster Internet plan.

However, while most modern TVs and apps handle custom DNS settings well, some may not work perfectly, and some ISPs may even try to force your connection back to their own DNS servers, which can cause potential problems. It's also important to remember that using public DNS means trusting a new company with your browsing data, so you should check their privacy policies – Cloudflare, for example, is well known for its strong privacy stance.

Overall, the benefits of changing your DNS, including faster streaming, greater reliability, and improved security, usually outweigh the minor drawbacks. The process only takes a few minutes, and you can always switch back if you don't see an improvement.

Micah Soto

Update 15 May 2025