Fix IPTV DNS Configuration Issues
When IPTV has trouble loading channels or playlists due to DNS resolution problems, changing DNS servers can significantly improve performance and bypass certain ISP restrictions.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ Channels take long to load but play fine once started
- ▸ Playlist refresh fails intermittently
- ▸ Some channels work but others timeout before loading
- ▸ IPTV worked but stopped after ISP changes
- ▸ Different behavior on same network between devices
Why This Happens
- ▸ ISP DNS servers are slow or blocking IPTV domains
- ▸ DNS cache contains stale or incorrect entries
- ▸ DNS resolution timing out before connection established
- ▸ ISP redirecting DNS queries for throttling
- ▸ Incorrect DNS configured on device or router
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Change DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google)
Flush DNS cache on your device and router
Restart router after changing DNS settings
Set DNS on device rather than relying on router
Try both primary and secondary DNS servers
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Set custom DNS
Settings > Network > [Your Network] > Hold select button > Advanced > Change DNS 1 to 1.1.1.1 and DNS 2 to 1.0.0.1
Tip: Cloudflare DNS is fastest and most private
Alternative DNS
Try Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or Quad9: 9.9.9.9
Tip: Different DNS may work better in your region
Restart after change
After setting DNS, restart Firestick completely for changes to take effect
Tip: DNS change requires restart
Clear app cache
After DNS change, clear IPTV app cache to remove old DNS-resolved addresses
Tip: Old cached IPs may still be used
Test DNS
Try loading IPTV. If still issues, try changing DNS on router level instead
Tip: Device DNS overrides router DNS
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Access network settings
Settings > Network > [Your WiFi network] > Advanced Options > IP Settings > Static
Tip: Static IP required to set custom DNS
Set DNS servers
DNS 1: 1.1.1.1, DNS 2: 8.8.8.8. Keep IP, Gateway, and Prefix same as before
Tip: Mix Cloudflare + Google for redundancy
For Ethernet
Settings > Network > Ethernet > IP Settings > Static > Set DNS servers
Tip: Same process for wired connections
Verify DNS change
Install 'DNS Checker' app from Play Store to verify your DNS is being used
Tip: Confirms DNS change worked
Router-level DNS
For easier management, set DNS on router so all devices use it automatically
Tip: One change affects entire network
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Samsung TV DNS
Settings > General > Network > Network Status > IP Settings > DNS setting > Enter manually > 1.1.1.1
Tip: Exact path varies by model year
LG TV DNS
Settings > Network > WiFi Connection > Advanced Settings > Edit > DNS Server > 8.8.8.8
Tip: LG requires reconnecting to network
Router DNS (easiest)
Log into router (192.168.1.1) > Internet/WAN settings > DNS > Change to 1.1.1.1
Tip: Affects all devices at once
Test after change
After changing DNS, restart TV and test IPTV channel loading speed
Tip: Initial load should be faster
Flush DNS cache
Restart router and TV to clear any cached DNS entries
Tip: Old DNS results may persist until cleared
Pro Tips
- ★ Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is fastest globally, Google (8.8.8.8) is most reliable
- ★ Setting DNS on router is easier than configuring each device individually
- ★ If ISP DNS is blocking IPTV servers, third-party DNS bypasses this
- ★ DNS over HTTPS (DoH) prevents ISP from seeing your DNS queries at all
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ DNS changes don't help - issue may be with provider's server directly
- ▶ Provider may need to give you alternate server addresses
Frequently Asked Questions
What DNS should I use for IPTV?
Best DNS for IPTV: (1) Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 - fastest, most private, (2) Google 8.8.8.8 - reliable, well-maintained, (3) Quad9 9.9.9.9 - includes malware blocking. Avoid your ISP's default DNS as it may be slower and potentially throttling or blocking IPTV domains.
Should I change DNS on device or router?
Router is better - one change affects all devices. But device-level DNS overrides router settings if you want different DNS for specific devices. For IPTV streaming devices, you might want to set DNS directly on the device to ensure it's definitely being used.