How to configure custom DNS settings on NordVPN

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Configure custom DNS settings in NordVPN by accessing the app settings, navigating to the DNS section, and entering your preferred DNS server addresses. Custom DNS can be used alongside NordVPN's CyberSec feature or as a replacement for improved privacy and performance.

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Prerequisites

Active NordVPN subscription
NordVPN app installed on your device
Administrative access to your device
Knowledge of preferred DNS server addresses

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open NordVPN Application

Launch the NordVPN application on your device. Ensure you're logged into your account. If you're not already connected to a VPN server, you can configure DNS settings while disconnected.

Custom DNS settings will apply to all future VPN connections once configured.

Access Settings Menu

Click on the Settings icon (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the NordVPN app interface. On mobile devices, tap the Profile tab at the bottom, then select Settings.

Navigate to DNS Settings

In the Settings menu, scroll down to find the Advanced section. Click on DNS or Custom DNS option. You may need to toggle Advanced Settings to see this option.

Some versions may have DNS settings under 'Connection' or 'Network' sections.

Enable Custom DNS

Toggle the Use custom DNS servers switch to enable custom DNS configuration. This will disable NordVPN's default DNS servers and allow you to input your preferred DNS addresses.

Enabling custom DNS may disable CyberSec feature as they can conflict with each other.

Enter Primary DNS Server

In the Primary DNS field, enter your preferred DNS server address. Popular options include:

Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
Google: 8.8.8.8
Quad9: 9.9.9.9
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222

Always use a reputable DNS provider to maintain security and privacy.

Configure Secondary DNS Server

In the Secondary DNS field, enter a backup DNS server address. This provides redundancy if the primary server becomes unavailable. Use a secondary server from the same provider:

Cloudflare: 1.0.0.1
Google: 8.8.4.4
Quad9: 149.112.112.112
OpenDNS: 208.67.220.220

Secondary DNS ensures continuous service if the primary DNS fails.

Save and Apply Settings

Click Save or Apply to confirm your DNS configuration. The app may prompt you to reconnect to the VPN for changes to take effect. Disconnect and reconnect to any VPN server to activate the new DNS settings.

Test your new DNS settings by visiting a DNS leak test website after reconnecting.

Verify DNS Configuration

Connect to a NordVPN server and visit dnsleaktest.com or whatsmydnsserver.com to verify your custom DNS servers are being used. The test should show your configured DNS addresses instead of NordVPN's default DNS servers.

If you see NordVPN's DNS servers instead of your custom ones, try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Custom DNS settings not saving or appearing grayed out

Ensure you have the latest version of NordVPN app installed. Restart the application and try again. On some platforms, you may need to disable CyberSec feature first before enabling custom DNS.

DNS leak test shows NordVPN's DNS instead of custom DNS

Disconnect from the VPN server completely, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect. Clear your browser's DNS cache by typing chrome://net-internals/#dns in Chrome and clicking Clear host cache.

Internet connection becomes slow or unstable after changing DNS

Try different DNS servers as some may have better performance in your location. Test with 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare) which are generally fast and reliable worldwide.

Cannot access certain websites after configuring custom DNS

Some DNS providers block certain content categories. Switch to a different DNS provider like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or disable custom DNS temporarily to test if DNS filtering is the cause.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official NordVPN website before purchasing.

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