NordVPN DNS settings

What are NordVPN DNS server addresses?

NordVPN runs its own DNS servers to resolve domain names while you’re connected to the VPN. The official NordVPN DNS server addresses are:

• 103.86.96.100
• 103.86.99.100

Using these servers ensures that DNS queries are handled by NordVPN’s infrastructure, which helps keep your DNS requests within the VPN tunnel and can mitigate DNS leaks. NordVPN also provides guidance on DNS leak testing to verify your configuration.

Why you might want to change or enforce NordVPN DNS settings

• Enhanced privacy: Directing DNS requests through NordVPN reduces exposure to third-party DNS resolvers.
• Leak protection: If your device defaults to a local or ISP DNS, you might be leaking information about your activity even when the VPN is connected.
• Consistent behavior across networks: Some networks enforce captive portals or use DNS hijacking; NordVPN DNS can help maintain consistent resolution behavior.

Important note: Your VPN connection should generally override DNS settings when NordVPN is managing DNS. In some setups, NordVPN’s DNS will be used automatically, but in others you may need to explicitly configure or verify.

How to change NordVPN DNS settings on common platforms

Below are practical steps to set NordVPN DNS on several popular devices. If your device has a specific app or OS version, the exact wording may differ slightly, but the overall process is similar.

Windows

• Open Settings > Network & internet > your active connection (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet).
• Scroll to DNS settings and choose to configure manually.
• Enter the NordVPN DNS addresses: 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100.
• Save and reconnect the VPN to ensure DNS changes take effect.

MacOS

• Open System Settings (or System Preferences) > Network.
• Select your active network and click Details.
• Go to DNS and add 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100.
• Apply, then reconnect your VPN to apply the DNS flow through NordVPN.

IOS (iPhone/iPad)

• Open Settings > Wi‑Fi > your network > Configure DNS > Manual.
• Add the NordVPN addresses: 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100.
• Save and verify by performing a DNS leak test while connected to NordVPN.

Android

• Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi > gear icon next to your network.
• Scroll to IP settings > Static (or edit DNS directly depending on OS).
• Enter 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100 as DNS servers.
• Exit and reconnect to NordVPN to ensure DNS queries route through the VPN.

Routers

If you route all traffic through a VPN-enabled router, you can configure DNS on the router:

• Access the router’s admin panel.
• Find the DNS settings (often under WAN or LAN).
• Set primary and secondary DNS to 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100.
• Save and reboot if required. Ensure the router’s VPN client is active.

Note: Some routers support DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT). NordVPN’s DNS addresses can be used in standard DNS fields, but DoH/DoT configurations may require additional steps or separate DNS names. NordVPN dedicated IP price: what you need to know about cost and value

How to test for DNS leaks after configuring NordVPN DNS

Testing ensures your DNS queries are indeed resolving through NordVPN and not leaking to your ISP or local networks.

• NordVPN DNS leak test: Use NordVPN’s DNS leak test page, which guides you through verifying that requests resolve via NordVPN’s DNS servers.
• Third-party tests: Use reputable DNS leak test sites and run the test with the VPN connected. Ideally, the test should show the NordVPN DNS IPs (103.86.96.100, 103.86.99.100) or the test should indicate no public DNS resolution leaks.
• Kill switch and IPv6: If your setup uses IPv6, ensure IPv6 DNS isn’t leaking. Some users disable IPv6 in settings or enable the VPN’s IPv6 kill switch if available.

If a leak is detected, double-check:

• The DNS entries you configured on each device.
• Whether any apps bypass system DNS settings.
• The VPN’s own settings to ensure DNS requests are forced through the VPN.

DNS comparison: NordVPN DNS vs. public DNS while using NordVPN

In short, NordVPN DNS is designed to keep DNS queries within the VPN’s privacy framework, which can improve overall privacy when properly configured. Public DNS options can be used, but require careful handling to avoid leaks.

Troubleshooting common issues

• DNS not changing after configuration: Some devices cache DNS settings. Reboot the device or flush the DNS cache after applying changes.
• VPN connection drops but DNS remains active locally: Re-enable the DNS setting or toggle the VPN to ensure DNS alignment with the VPN session.
• Slow DNS resolution: If you experience latency, test with and without NordVPN DNS to assess performance differences. Some users may prefer to keep NordVPN DNS for privacy and accept small latency, while others may opt for a faster public resolver if privacy needs are met through VPN.
• IPv6 leaks: If your network primarily uses IPv6, ensure that IPv6 DNS is also set through NordVPN or disable IPv6 to prevent leaks.

Best practices for NordVPN DNS settings

• Always pair DNS settings with a VPN that can enforce DNS routing. NordVPN’s DNS is designed to work within its ecosystem. Enabling it helps ensure queries resolve inside the VPN.
• After changing DNS settings, run a DNS leak test to confirm the change. Regular checks are a good habit, especially after OS updates or network changes.
• For devices with multiple network profiles (work, home, public), unify DNS settings where possible so you don’t accidentally fall back to a non‑NordVPN DNS on one profile.
• If you worry about IPv6 leaks, either disable IPv6 on the device or make sure NordVPN’s DNS setup handles IPv6 consistently across your network.
• Document your changes. Keep a small note of which devices have NordVPN DNS configured so you can troubleshoot quickly if something breaks.

Final recommendation

If your priority is privacy and consistent DNS behavior within the NordVPN ecosystem, use NordVPN’s DNS server addresses (103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100) and configure them across your devices. Verify with NordVPN’s DNS leak test to confirm that DNS requests are resolved through NordVPN’s network. For most users who want the best balance of privacy and reliability, enabling NordVPN DNS and performing regular leak checks provides a straightforward, robust approach. If you need ultra-fast DNS for non-sensitive browsing, you may experiment with a trusted public DNS, but ensure you have a reliable DNS leak protection in place and understand the privacy trade-offs.