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Setup Tutorials

How to set up Smart DNS on macOS

In this tutorial we will show you how to set up Smart DNS on macOS but first let’s see what are our requirements and recommendations.

Requirements

In order to set up the Smart DNS you will need:

  1. A CactusVPN account. If you don’t have one you can try our services for free.
  2. Your DNS addresses. You can find them in Settings -> DNS Servers in Your Account our website.

Recommendations

To skip the manual setup and for more features we recommend to use the CactusVPN App for macOS.

If you still want to set up Smart DNS manually, go step-by-step through following instructions:

Part I. Validate Your IP Address

If you have already validated your IP address go straight to the “Part II. Change your DNS addresses” of this tutorial.

  1. Sign in to your account on our website and go to Settings -> Validate Your IP Address.
  2. Click on Validate IP button.
Windows XP Smart DNS Setup: Step 1

If you see the “Validated” green label near your IP address, go straight to the “Part II. Change your Windows DNS addresses” of this tutorial

Remember! You have to validate your IP address each time it changes. If your Smart DNS service is not working, just try to validate your IP address again.

You also have other two options to validate an IP address:

Part II. Change your Mac DNS addresses

This has to be done only once.

It is important to save your original DNS settings before making any changes. You might need them in case you will want to switch back to your original settings.
  1. Go to “System Preferences” (3).

    Mac-OS Smart DNS Setup: Step 2
  2. Click on “Network” (4) from the “Internet and Wireless” group (5).

    Mac-OS Smart DNS Setup: Step 3
  3. Select your current internet connection and click “Advanced” (6).

    Mac-OS Smart DNS Setup: Step 4
  4. Go to “DNS” tab (7).

    Mac-OS Smart DNS Setup: Step 5
  5. Under the “DNS Servers” area (8) click on the “+” (9) and enter our DNS addresses. You can find them in Settings -> DNS Servers in Your Account on our website. It is important that no other DNS servers should be listed. Click “OK”.

    Mac-OS Smart DNS Setup: Step 6
  6. Click “Apply” (10).

    Mac-OS Smart DNS Setup: Step 7
  7. Test if the Smart DNS is set up correctly.

That’s all!

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