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Setup Tutorials

How to set up Smart DNS on TP-Link Routers

In this tutorial we will show you how to set up Smart DNS on TP-Link Routers 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.

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 router 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.

Depending on the router model and firmare you are using, there are a few different interfaces. Find your interface from the menu below and follow its steps.

  1. Log in to your router. Go to “Advanced” (3), then to “Network” (4) and click on “DHCP Server” (5).
    How to set up Smart DNS on TP-Link router (interface 1): Step 1/
  2. Tick the “Enable DHCP Server” checkbox (6) for “DHCP Server” if it is not enabled already.
  3. Enter the CactusVPN DNS addresses in the “Primary DNS” and “Secondary DNS” fields (7). You can find them in Settings -> DNS Servers in Your Account on our website.
  4. Click on “Save” (8).
  5. Reboot your router.
  1. Log in to your router. Go to “Working Mode” (3), tick the “Standard Wireless Router” checkbox (4) and click on “Save” button (5).

    How to set up Smart DNS on TP-Link router (interface 2): Step 1/

  2. Go to “DHCP”, then to “DHCP Settings” (6).

    How to set up Smart DNS on TP-Link router (interface 2): Step 2/

  3. Tick the “Enable” checkbox (7) for “DHCP Server” if it is not enabled already.
  4. Enter the CactusVPN DNS addresses in the “Primary DNS” and “Secondary DNS” fields (8). You can find them in Settings -> DNS Servers in Your Account on our website.
  5. Click on “Save” (9).
  6. Reboot your router.
  1. Log in to your router. Click on “DHCP” (3) and select “DHCP Settings” (4).
    TP-Link Smart DNS Setup: Step 2

  2. Tick the “Enable” checkbox (5) for “DHCP Server” if it is not enabled already.
  3. Enter the CactusVPN DNS addresses in the “Primary DNS” and “Secondary DNS” fields (6). You can find them in Settings -> DNS Servers in Your Account on our website.
  4. Click on “Save” (7).
  5. Reboot your router.
  1. Log in to your router, go to “Interface Setup” (8) and select the “LAN” tab (9).
    TP-Link Smart DNS Setup: Step 3

  2. From the “DNS Relay” drop-down menu (10), select “Use User Discovered DNS Server Only”.
  3. Enter the CactusVPN DNS addresses in the “Primary DNS” and “Secondary DNS” fields (6). You can find them in Settings -> DNS Servers in Your Account on our website.
  4. Click on “Save” (12).
  5. Reboot your router to be sure the changes will take effect.

That’s all!

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