How I Use This VPN Alternative to Access Geo-Restricted Content

Accessing geo-restricted content can be frustrating, especially when traveling or trying to watch region-locked media. While VPNs are the most popular solution, I prefer using Smart DNS Proxy as a simpler and more efficient way of accessing locally unavailable content.

Why I Prefer Using Smart DNS Proxy Over a VPN

Smart DNS Proxy is a simpler and more efficient solution because it only redirects DNS queries instead of routing all traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This allows me to watch high-quality videos online without buffering, as my traffic doesn’t have to go through the extra steps of encryption.

It also doesn’t mask my IP address, preventing issues like security flags on banking sites or annoying CAPTCHAs. I can access geo-restricted content while keeping seamless access to other online services.

Unlike VPNs, which require software installation and may not work on smart TVs or gaming consoles, Smart DNS Proxy can also be set up directly on routers and media players, allowing you to access popular TV streaming services with your preferred device. Plus, since it only alters DNS queries instead of rerouting traffic, it’s harder for streaming services to detect and block, ensuring more reliable access.

How I Use Smart DNS Proxy to Access Geo-Restricted Content

Setting up Smart DNS Proxy is simple and works across multiple devices. I’m using Windows 11, but Smart DNS Proxy has guides for macOS, smart TVs, consoles, and more.

Step 1: Create a SmartDNS Account

You’ll first want to create a Smart DNS Proxy account with your email. They offer a free two-week trial (no need to enter your credit card details) with full access to their services, except for Netflix, which is only accessible on a paid subscription. So, unless you primarily watch on Netflix, you don’t need an immediate subscription.

Step 2: Configure DNS Proxy on Your Device

1. Start by opening View Network Connections by navigating to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections
2. Right-click the adapter and choose Properties, then scroll down to reveal the IPv4 and IPv6 options.
3. Untick Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) to ensure SmartDNS Proxy is only working with IPv4.
4. You then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
5. Now tick Use the following DNS server addresses. Then, visit SmartDNS’s list of available DNS servers. Pick any two servers where you think the content you want to watch isn’t blocked, and copy the IP addresses. Now, return to your IPv4 configuration panel and paste both IP addresses into the provided box.

Note that your device will default to using the DNS server you’ve placed under Preferred DNS server, and will only use the Alternative DNS server if the preferred server isn’t available. After setting up network configurations, restart your computer to ensure that all changes are set.

Sometimes, Google Chrome blocks Smart DNS Proxy when accessing content online. To ensure you don’t have this problem, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Security. Scroll down to Advanced and disable Use secure DNS. This should fix problems with Chrome blocking sites due to the proxy DNS.

Step 3: Activate and Verify DNS Proxy Service

1. After restarting your computer, open your web browser and go to the My Account page on Smart DNS Proxy.
2. Click Update, then select Activate/ReActivate to register your IP address with the system.
3. To verify that SmartDNS is active, check the Setup page—if it shows a green check mark, your DNS proxy is working correctly.

After activation, open your favorite streaming service and test by accessing region-locked content. If the content is still locked, make sure to check that IPV6 and secure DNS are disabled. You may also want to change your DNS server region, as it’s possible that the region you are proxying from also blocked the specific content you want to access.

Limitations of Using Smart DNS Proxy

VPNs and other proxy services are similar but not the same. DNS proxy services are streamlined to be faster and simpler than VPNs but have limitations:

• No Encryption: Unlike VPNs, SmartDNS doesn’t encrypt internet traffic, making it unsuitable for securing sensitive data. If privacy is a concern, a VPN is still the better choice.
• Works Only with Compatible Platforms: SmartDNS is designed to work with streaming platforms and region-locked websites, but it won’t help bypass network-level censorship (e.g., in restrictive countries).
• May Require Frequent IP Verification: Some ISPs frequently change IP addresses. When this happens, you’ll need to re-activate your IP with the Smart DNS Proxy, which can be inconvenient.

If all you need is a way to watch your favorite shows or access websites blocked in your region, a proxy DNS service like Smart DNS Proxy is a great option. It’s fast, reliable, and works on devices that don’t support VPNs. That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—if security and privacy are your main concerns, a VPN is still the better choice. But if speed and convenience matter most, Smart DNS Proxy is worth trying out.