What DNS does
When an app connects to example-server.tv, your device first asks a DNS server for that name’s numeric IP address. Only then can it connect. Your router normally uses your broadband provider’s DNS servers automatically.
DNS matters at the moment a connection starts. Once a stream is flowing, DNS plays no part in its speed.
Problems a DNS change can fix
- “Server not found” or “can’t resolve host” when your internet otherwise works. The DNS service isn’t answering or gives a wrong answer.
- Channels or apps that are slow to start because DNS lookups are slow.
- An old answer cached after a server change, so the app keeps connecting to an old address. Restarting the router and device clears most caches.
Problems DNS won’t fix
- Buffering during playback, which comes from speed, Wi-Fi or the server. See how to stop IPTV buffering.
- Blocks applied by IP address or deeper filtering. Many blocks don’t use DNS at all.
- A server that’s down. No DNS setting brings back a server that isn’t answering.
Court-ordered blocks aren’t a DNS setting to work around
UK broadband providers are required by court orders to block access to certain servers and websites that infringe copyright. Some of those blocks use DNS. A licensed service has no reason to be blocked. If a service only works after you change DNS or use a VPN, treat that as a warning sign about the service, not a network problem to solve. Our ISP blocking guide explains how the orders work, and is IPTV legal in the UK covers the legal side.
Public DNS services compared
| Service | Primary address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your broadband provider | Set automatically | Usually reliable; may apply the provider’s own filters and court-ordered blocks |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | Large public DNS service focused on speed and privacy |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | Large public DNS service |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | Public DNS that also blocks known malicious domains |
Performance depends on your location and network. If you change DNS to fix lookup failures, keep the change only if it clearly helps.
Where to change it
Changing DNS on the router covers every device at home; changing it on one device affects only that device. Some broadband routers in the UK don’t allow custom DNS. In that case, change it on the device instead. Where the setting lives depends on the device: on a router, look in its internet, LAN or DHCP settings; on Android phones and tablets, Google’s Private DNS option is under SettingsNetwork & internetPrivate DNS; on Fire TV and many smart TVs, DNS can usually only be set when you join the network with manual (advanced) settings.