How to fix ISP DNS Hijacking – VPN or Smart DNS Proxy ?

DNS Hijacking can be a serious problem for people who use Smart DNS in order to bypass geographic restrictions. Fortunately, there are two solutions which allow you to unblock Netflix and the likes even if your ISP uses DNS Hijacking. This help guide will teach you how to bypass DNS Hijacking by configuring your router or switching over to a VPN. The same problem also applies to :

• Chromebook – Some models don’t allow for DNS Change
• Chromecast – No way to change DNS servers
• Android Lollipop – A lot of phones do not honor your DNS IP entries

DNS Hijacking: What is it?

DNS Hijacking basically means that your ISP redirects all your traffic through its own DNS servers. In most cases, this happens without the consent or even the knowledge of the user. In order to get more info about DNS Hijacking and detect whether your ISP uses such method, I highly recommend reading this article.

How to bypass DNS Hijacking – The VPN Solution

DNS Hijacking can turn Smart DNS useless. This means that you cannot use DNS codes to unblock geoblocked content such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Instant Video. VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is completely unaffected by DNS Hijacking. Therefore, you can sign up for a VPN service to unblock all your favorite streaming services from abroad. Other VPN benefits include.

• Total Data Encryption: All your traffic gets encrypted when you use a VPN. VPN also prevents hackers, ISP, and websites from eavesdropping on your online activity.
• VPN Apps and clients: VPN apps for PC/Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad greatly simplify the process of installing VPN. Install the app. Choose your preferred VPN server. Unblock and watch most georestricted channels.
• Multi-channel Unblocking: By choosing an American VPN server, for example, you get to access all US-only channels at once. Unblock Netflix, WWE Network, Hulu, Vudu, CBS All Access, Sling TV, and many more.
• IP Address Change: VPN allows you to acquire a new IP address. In some cases, this might restrict your access to certain local websites as long as your using a VPN.

Verify that the VPN service your sign up for has VPN servers in the countries where the online channels you want to unblock are located. The VPN provider I use, ExpressVPN, has around 97 VPN locations.

How to bypass DNS Hijacking – Router Configuration

If you’re not a fan of VPN, you can use Smart DNS while configuring your router to bypass DNS Hijacking. Note that your router must support DD-WRT and IP tables for this to work. What you need to do is direct your DNS requests from port 53 to port 54. That way, DNS requests will be able to evade DNS filtering.

• Add the following commands to your IP firewall.
  • iptables -t nat -A PREROUTING -i br0 -p udp –dport 53 -j DNAT –to 185.37.37.37:54
    iptables -t nat -A PREROUTING -i br0 -p udp –dport 53 -j DNAT –to 185.37.37.185:54
    

Note that the method explained above has been tested while using Unlocator’s Smart DNS service. Unlocator do also offer a Smart VPN service you can take advantage of. Try their free 7-day trial.

How to bypass DNS Hijacking – The Bottom Line

DNS Hijacking can be a real pain. Hopefully, the two solutions provided above, VPN or Router Configuration, can help you bypass DNS Hijacking.