How to set up Smart DNS on Netgear Routers

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

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.

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:

Validate a specific IP address

Use this option when you need to validate an IP address different to your current IP address. For example, enter your home IP while you are at work.

Validate IP using a web address

Using this method you do not have to sign in to your account each time you need to validate the IP. Add this link to your browser favorites/bookmarks and your IP address will be validated every time you load this URL into your browser.

Important! Do not share this link! It is unique for every CactusVPN user. If you share it, other people will have access to your Smart DNS service and you will not be able to use it.

Part II. Change your router DNS addresses

This has to be done only once.

1. Log in to your router and click on “Basic Settings” (3).
2. Check the “Use These DNS Servers” checkbox (4) under “Domain Name Server (DNS) Address”.
3. Enter the CactusVPN DNS Address in the “Primary DNS” field (5). You can find them in Settings -> DNS Servers in Your Account on our website.
4. Click on the “Apply” button (6).
   
   

   

That’s all!