How to Set Up FirewallDNS on Android TV
By [FILL IN], [FILL IN] · Last updated
Android TV and Google TV devices vary widely between manufacturers. Some allow DNS changes through static IP settings, some support Private DNS, and many have no DNS setting at all.
No DNS setting on many models
Many Android TV and Google TV devices have no DNS setting at all, and others only offer one when you switch the network to a static IP address. If your device has no DNS option, set DNS on your router instead — see our router guides. Router guides
Requirements
- A FirewallDNS account with your public IP address registered in the dashboard
- Your FirewallDNS addresses, shown under [VERIFY: dashboard menu name where these values are shown]
- Your TV's current IP address, gateway and network prefix length (from your router or the TV's network status screen)
No account yet? See pricing.
Step by step
1.Open Settings, then Network & Internet.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 1 on Android TV [VERIFY] 2.Select your Wi-Fi network (or Ethernet) and look for IP settings.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 2 on Android TV [VERIFY] 3.If there is no IP settings or DNS option, stop here: your device has no DNS setting. Use your router instead.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 3 on Android TV [VERIFY] 4.Change IP settings from DHCP to Static.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 4 on Android TV [VERIFY] 5.Enter the TV's IP address, gateway and network prefix length when prompted (the current values are usually suggested).
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 5 on Android TV [VERIFY] 6.When asked for DNS 1, enter [VERIFY: FirewallDNS primary DNS address]. For DNS 2, enter [VERIFY: FirewallDNS secondary DNS address].
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 6 on Android TV [VERIFY] 7.Save and restart the TV.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 7 on Android TV [VERIFY]
How to verify it works
- Open a streaming app and the Play Store.
- Open the query log in your FirewallDNS dashboard and confirm that new lookups from your network appear within a few seconds.
How to revert
- Settings > Network & Internet > your network > IP settings > DHCP.
Troubleshooting
- There is no DNS option
- Your device does not support it. Set DNS on your router instead.
- The TV loses its connection after setting a static IP
- The IP address may conflict with another device. Revert to DHCP and reserve an address in your router.
- Some apps ignore the DNS setting
- Some apps use hard-coded DNS. Block outbound DNS to other servers on your router.
FAQ
Why doesn't my TV have a DNS setting?
Many manufacturers remove it. Router-level DNS is the reliable alternative.
Does Private DNS work on Android TV?
Only on some models where the option is exposed. It is not standard.
Is a static IP risky?
Only if it conflicts with another device. Reserve the address in your router's DHCP settings.
Will this block YouTube ads?
No. YouTube serves ads from the same domains as videos.
What about Sony, Philips or TCL TVs?
Menu names differ by brand. Look for network, IP or advanced settings.