Reviewed and updated by the DNS Speed Test research team. We benchmark DNS resolvers from multiple locations worldwide to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations.
Why Change DNS on Smart TV
Smart TVs run apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Every time you open an app or press play, your TV makes DNS lookups to find streaming servers. A slow DNS server means longer loading times, buffering, and lower quality streams.
The DNS servers assigned by your ISP are often overloaded and not optimized for streaming traffic. Changing to a fast public DNS like Cloudflare or Google can reduce app launch times and improve video quality on your Smart TV.
Most Smart TVs allow you to change DNS through the network settings menu. The exact steps vary by brand, but the process is straightforward on Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs.
Before You Start
Choose your DNS provider. These are the best options for Smart TVs:
Cloudflare — 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Fastest streaming performance.
Google — 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Reliable and widely supported.
AdGuard DNS — 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15. Blocks ads in streaming apps.
Write down your DNS addresses before starting. You will need to enter them on the TV using the remote control, which can be slow with an on-screen keyboard.
Change DNS on Samsung Smart TV
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote.
Navigate to Settings (the gear icon).
Select General then Network.
Select Network Status then IP Settings.
Scroll down to DNS Setting.
Change from Get automatically to Enter manually.
Enter your primary DNS address. For Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1.
Enter your secondary DNS address. For Cloudflare: 1.0.0.1.
Select OK and then Connect to apply.
On newer Samsung TVs running Tizen OS, the path may be Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings. If your TV does not show the DNS option, make sure you are connected to a network first. Samsung TVs only show DNS settings when an active connection exists.
Change DNS on LG Smart TV
Press the Settings button on your LG remote (gear icon).
Select All Settings at the bottom.
Navigate to Network.
Select Wi-Fi Connection or Wired Connection depending on your setup.
Select Advanced Settings or Edit next to your connected network.
Set Set Automatically to Off.
Enter your primary DNS address. For Google: 8.8.8.8.
Enter your secondary DNS address: 8.8.4.4.
Select Connect to apply changes.
On LG WebOS TVs, the DNS settings are inside the network detail screen. If you are using a wired connection, make sure the Ethernet cable is plugged in before accessing the network menu. LG TVs with WebOS 6.0 and later have a slightly different menu layout but the DNS option is in the same location.
Change DNS on Sony Bravia TV
Press the Home button on your Sony remote.
Go to Settings (gear icon).
Select Network & Internet.
Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on your connection.
Scroll down and select IP Settings or Advanced Settings.
Set DNS to Manual.
Enter your primary DNS address. For Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1.
Enter your secondary DNS address: 1.0.0.1.
Press Enter to save and apply.
Sony Bravia TVs run Google TV or Android TV. The exact menu names vary between models and firmware versions. On some older Sony models, you may need to go to Settings > Network > Advanced > IP Settings to find the DNS option. If you see a warning about IP address changes, ignore it and continue with the DNS fields only.
Best DNS Servers for Smart TV
Provider
Primary / Secondary
Why Use It
Cloudflare
1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1
Fastest streaming, privacy
Google
8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4
Great for YouTube and Google apps
AdGuard
94.140.14.14 / 94.140.15.15
Blocks ads in streaming apps
Quad9
9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112
Blocks malware and phishing
Verify Your DNS Settings
After saving, your Smart TV will reconnect to the network. Go back to the network status or IP settings screen to confirm the DNS addresses match what you entered. If the TV still shows the old DNS, repeat the process and make sure you saved before exiting.
Open a streaming app like Netflix or YouTube and check if load times improved. You can also test your connection using a computer on the same network at 1.1.1.1/help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find DNS settings on my Smart TV?
Some budget Smart TVs or older models lock DNS settings to automatic. If you do not see a DNS or IP settings option in the network menu, your TV may not support manual DNS configuration. In that case, you can change DNS on your router instead, which affects all devices on the network.
Does changing DNS improve 4K streaming on my Smart TV?
Yes. Faster DNS reduces the time it takes for your TV to connect to streaming servers. This can improve initial load times and reduce buffering during playback, especially for 4K and HDR content that requires connecting to CDN edge servers quickly.
Will changing DNS on my TV affect other devices?
No. The DNS change only applies to the Smart TV. Other devices on your network will continue using their own DNS settings. If you want to change DNS for all devices, change it on your router instead.
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