Mastering Your Internet Experience: A Complete Guide to Unblocking Us DNS Settings

In an increasingly globalized digital age, enjoying content that is available in specific regions can become a challenge. Streaming services often restrict access based on geographic locations, and this is where DNS services like Unblock Us come into play. This guide will help you understand how to configure Unblock Us DNS settings to unlock your internet experience fully.

What is Unblock Us?

Unblock Us is a domain name system (DNS) service that enables users to access geo-restricted content on various platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. While it operates similarly to a virtual private network (VPN), it uniquely functions by redirecting DNS queries to its servers, allowing you to appear as if you’re accessing content from a different location, such as the U.S.

How Does Unblock Us Work?

Unlike traditional VPNs that mask your IP address by encrypting all your internet traffic, Unblock Us changes the DNS settings on your device. This is how it works:

1. DNS Query Modification: When you try to access a website, your device queries a DNS server to fetch its IP address. By changing your DNS settings to Unblock Us, you redirect these queries to their servers.
2. Proxy Server Routing: Instead of giving you the actual IP address of a site, Unblock Us returns the IP of a proxy server located in the U.S. Consequently, when you access services like Netflix, it sees the proxy’s IP instead of your own, allowing you to bypass regional restrictions.
3. Selective Routing: Unblock Us allows for seamless browsing. When accessing unsupported sites, it returns the actual IP address, ensuring other browsing does not experience a slowdown.

Setting Up Unblock Us DNS Settings

Getting started with Unblock Us is relatively straightforward. Follow these steps to configure your DNS settings:

1. Sign Up for an Account

Head to the Unblock Us website and create an account. They offer a free trial for potential customers to test the service before subscribing. After the trial, you can choose monthly plans for a fee (approximately $4.99 per month).

2. Configure DNS on Your Device

• Windows:

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Click on your connection (Ethernet/Wi-Fi).
  4. Select Properties, then double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the Unblock Us DNS addresses (for example: 64.145.73.5 and 209.107.219.5).

• iOS:

  1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap on your connected network, scroll to DNS and select Configure DNS.
  3. Switch to Manual, remove any current DNS servers, and tap Add Server to enter Unblock Us DNS addresses.

• Router Configuration (For all devices on the network):

  1. Log in to your router’s settings (commonly through 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  2. Locate the DNS settings in the network configuration section.
  3. Change the primary and secondary DNS addresses to those provided by Unblock Us.

3. Verify Your Setup

After configuring, visit the Unblock Us website to confirm that your DNS settings are verified. You will typically see a “Verified” message, indicating that the setup was successful.

Tips for Optimal Use

1. Device Compatibility: Unblock Us works with various devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Check their website for detailed setup guides tailored to each device.
2. Region Selector: For Netflix users, Unblock Us allows switching between different Netflix regions easily—just select the desired region on their site.
3. Speed Considerations: Users often report that browsing speeds remain comparable to normal DNS resolutions, as Unblock Us only reroutes specific traffic necessary for geo-unblocking.

Limitations of Unblock Us

While Unblock Us is effective for many streaming services, it isn’t infallible. Some platforms, like Netflix, may employ robust detection mechanisms that could block access for users employing certain DNS services. Always keep abreast of service performance and be prepared, perhaps, to use an alternative if necessary.

Conclusion

Unblock Us serves as an excellent solution for accessing geo-restricted content without the need for complex VPN setups. With this guide, you can master your DNS settings and enjoy a better streaming experience. Whether you’re looking to watch international shows or access services while traveling, Unblock Us can help you navigate around those pesky digital borders.