Smart DNS doesn’t work?

VPN
1

EDIT - Solved!

Thanks to this awesome community!

##########

I’ve been trying to use smart DNS on my devices (trying to watch games on the MLB app and I’m in a restricted region)

My smart dns used to work fine with my previous ISP. Come to find out it looks like starlink blocks custom DNS servers.

I have a smart DNS service subscription and with it they provide smart dns addresses to use to unblock geolocated content. I know these addresses work because I can switch back to my other ISP and it works fine. It appears starlink blocks the use of smart dns all together.

Is there any known work around for this?

2

If you are using a VPN then Starlink has no idea what DNS servers you are using. Your VPN client is handling that.

3

Mine has been working fine. I had a third party router flashed with dd-wrt connected where the API script auto updates the IP address everytime it changes. I then upgraded to an Asus router with Merlin. I had to set up a no-ip account and link it to smartdnsproxy but it still works as expected with auto update.

4

My Apple TV isn’t using a VPN.

Unfortunately I can’t use a vpn on my Apple TV or I’d just go that route.

I can however change DNS servers. Smart dns masks geolocation as well.

Bypassing wjth a vpn using my iPad or laptop works just fine. I’d rather watch on my tv though. Only method I have is to use smart DNS. I only use nord vpn on my personal devices (phone, tablets, PC, MacBooks etc.

I really hope apple allows the use of a vpn on their Apple TV devices one day. Would save me a lot of headache.

5

Really? That’s interesting. Can’t get mine to work with starlink.

Is yours through nord vpn?

6

I don’t understand how you could be using the VPNs DNS on a device that is not using the VPN.

A workaround could be a router that has VPN support build in. That way the ATV device could use the VPN.

7

I’ve used Express VPN (currently using) they have mediastreamer DNS servers I just set them in the Starlink app in custom dns and hard cycled all my devices no issues at all.

Previously used smart dns proxy and that worked fine too. Also unlocator that also worked fine. Haven’t tried NORD but can’t see it being any different it’s just DNS redirects it has nothing to do with CG-NAT.

8

Smart DNS is an extra feature nord vpn gives you to use to manually edit your dns.

This is essentially what I am doing. Nord vpn provides this service at no additional charge to their vpn subscribers. This website explains in detail what smart dns service is.

It’s not intended to be used on top of your vpn (however you could if you chose to)

9

Ahh I see the problem.

They white list IP addresses. My previous ISP was the whitelisted IP address for smart dns. I just had to update it to my new starlink IP address.

Smh

:man_facepalming:

10

Since it’s a proxy service, I wonder if Starlinks CGNAT is getting in the way. Have you contacted Nord VPN for help?

11

Yeah I figured because CG-NAT literally has nothing to do with DNS so I couldn’t see how it wouldn’t work. As long as you have a public facing IPV4 address to whitelist on the your smart dns service there is nothing at all stopping it from working

12

Glad it worked for you. Have the same issue. Using Getflix DNS. I can’t use apps such as Amazon prime (error28). Could u explain how you were able to work around. I really want to use Starlink but it’s frustrating

13

Yeah - they said the exact same thing.

I was afraid of this. I wasn’t sure if starlink used CGNAT but this confirms my fears. Sigh…. Oh well.

I can always use a VPN on my laptop or tablet and bypass geographical restrictions. I hate watching the games on my laptop lol :joy:

14

Just updated it and gave it a test.

I am now watching an out of network MLB game live on my TV!

Thanks everyone for their input!

You guys rock. Y’all just had to get the gears :gear: turning in my brain :joy:

15

Starlink uses dynamic IP addresses rather than static.

My smart DNS made me provide my IP to them.

Each time starlink changes your IP address I had to go update my IP to the new one in my nord vpn dashboard.

16

Use screen share from your mac.

17

As I said, another option would be to get a 3rd party router that supports Nord VPN. Then you could use your ATV.

18

Another option is to get a router that can handle a VPN. I have setup my router to connect to Nord and then everything behind it looks like it is in that country. Be advised that it can slow down your connection.