How do I change the DNS in the new Apple TV 4th Generation?

I Have set up my (new) Generation 4 iTV and want to switch vack and forth between the Canadian DNS and the US DNS. Can someone please give me the step by step procedure for doing this? With thanks.

Posted on Nov 14, 2015 10:56 AM

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18 replies

Jan 31, 2016 7:25 PM in response to Winston Churchill

I notice that you keep repeating this message about changing DNS on an Apple TV is not recommended etc. on every post about this topic, but you don't give any reasons.


For some people it is the only way to access content in their home country when they are overseas - and it does work, so I don't know what your issue or problem is. Please explain the technical reasons behind your statement.

Jan 31, 2016 9:05 PM in response to whitespacewd

Using another DNS will lead to issues with streaming and other performance issues. There is no control over what server is used and it is usually a public one so it will be inundated with traffic. It is also known to cause disconnection from the network. It may work for a given time, but issues will eventually come. As far as some people's reason for doing so, if that content isn't licensed overseas then it isn't authorized to be viewed and such discussion is not permitted here.

Feb 1, 2016 3:38 AM in response to whitespacewd

whitespacewd wrote:


I notice that you keep repeating this message about changing DNS on an Apple TV is not recommended etc. on every post about this topic, but you don't give any reasons.


For some people it is the only way to access content in their home country when they are overseas - and it does work, so I don't know what your issue or problem is. Please explain the technical reasons behind your statement.

I don't have to explain anything to you, however I've already given my reasons which you seem to have failed to read which is, because it's...

It's known to cause slow and failed downloads.


To access content from another country is to break the terms under which you license it from Apple. Do you really think I would want to assist you to do that.

Aug 28, 2016 4:51 AM in response to Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill wrote:


whitespacewd wrote:


I notice that you keep repeating this message about changing DNS on an Apple TV is not recommended etc. on every post about this topic, but you don't give any reasons.


For some people it is the only way to access content in their home country when they are overseas - and it does work, so I don't know what your issue or problem is. Please explain the technical reasons behind your statement.

I don't have to explain anything to you, however I've already given my reasons which you seem to have failed to read which is, because it's...

It's known to cause slow and failed downloads.


To access content from another country is to break the terms under which you license it from Apple. Do you really think I would want to assist you to do that.

Even though this post is a few months old it is still something to comment about. Terms and conditions under which a user is using a product should be according the laws of the country in which it is used. Currently licenses that restrict use of a certain product in another country, may not be so lawful as they seem. Especially in this case of copyright protectionism.


The condition under which the European Union has been set up and to which all laws and regulations in Europe must comply, guarantees free movement of persons, goods and services. Currently the Apple restrictions are in sharp contrast with the principles of the Euroepean Union and are therefor unlawful within the jurisdiction of the EU.


But also when you come to think of it. Why should I not be allowed to use a product in the country where I bought it and in the next country that I plan to visit. What when you live in summer in Europe and in the winter in some tropical region in Asia? Can a company restrict me even when the laws of a country won't? Is it normal that you step in your car to cross a border and at the border you'll have to buy a new one because some weirdo decides he holds licences to certain parts of your car that restricts it's use? Well, at least in Europe you should not worry about it.

Aug 28, 2016 5:01 AM in response to Peter Almere

As you will be aware, the producers of movies in particular restrict access to their products by geographical areas, often in order to release to different areas over a period of time. So streaming a movie may be available in one country but not another. Just as with DVDs (which you are not allowed to play in public, only for home use) you are licensed to view the item under the terms set by the copyright owner, which you agree to by purchasing or renting the item.


Apple has to comply with these conditions - remember, they don't own the material they make available. Hence the restriction that you can only purchase from the iTunes Store in the country you are in, and using a credit card registered to an address in that country (obviously this applies to items purchased or rented using an Apple TV.) Attempting to access a movie which is not available in your country is against the Terms of Use, and since this is an Apple forum we are not allowed to discuss ways of illicitly getting round here.

Aug 28, 2016 5:08 AM in response to Peter Almere

But also when you come to think of it. Why should I not be allowed to use a product in the country where I bought it and in the next country that I plan to visit

That isn't what is being said.


Apple aren't stopping you watching a movie you bought in one country in another. (Take it on your laptop and you will be fine)


What they are doing is stopping you watching a movie you download from 'Paul' when your payment for your license to watch it has gone to 'Peter'. Rights belong to different people in different countries, I don't know what you do for a living but I suspect you'd be pretty miffed if someone else got paid for the work you did.

Aug 28, 2016 5:14 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1

Hi Roger, In Europe the conditions should be according to our laws. If they are not; they have no validity. Currently users in Europe that obtained a service in one country and relocate to another, are not restricted by such laws. This only became official policy within the last year. But the regulators plan to enforce this principle within the whole of Europe in the future. Because right now it is not yet enforced except for those, as mentioned, who bought their licenses in another EU country. But I am almost sure that apple, or someone else can not enforce their restrictions when I buy online something in another EU country. They may not even prevent me to do so. That last thing is very important. Because in Europe Apple has regulations that may restrict you to buy in another Apple store. This is 100% prohibited. No matter what.


It is because of this principle of free movement that Britain Brexited. The EU considers this the cornerstone of the foundation of the Union.

Aug 28, 2016 5:21 AM in response to Peter Almere

I would have thought that attempting to rent a movie from the Apple Store in another country from the one you are in doesn't actually come under 'users in Europe that obtained a service in one country and relocate to another' - but, again, it's not Apple who decides what is available where, but the copyright owners. Apple is obliged to implement their restrictions in order to be able to add their product to its Store at all.


So the interesting question is, if (say) Paramount release a new Star Trek movie in the USA, but do not release it in Europe until later as a commercial decision, does that constitute a breach of some law?


Personally, I find the restrictions on movies irritating, particularly when I can't buy certain American Blu-Rays in the UK even of quite old films; but my opinion is unfortunately irrelevant.

Aug 28, 2016 5:22 AM in response to Winston Churchill

Hi Winston!


If you read the iTunes licence it says that you can't use the apple store from another country. Or use the product that you bought in one country in another. So it is not Paul is using Peter's download. It is Apple trying to prevent Peter from the use of what he rightfully bought.... Or Apple trying Peter who lives is France to but something from the apple store in Germany, and preventing him to re-download this product that he bought when he crosses the border.


When I live in one EU country I can't download a lot of items from another country. This may be due to third party restrictions, but it is still unlawful.

Aug 28, 2016 5:31 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1

Roger Wilmut1 wrote:




So the interesting question is, if (say) Paramount release a new Star Trek movie in the USA, but do not release it in Europe until later as a commercial decision, does that constitute a breach of some law?



I am afraid that they can restrict it. But not when released in a European country to play in another EU country. Even though this DOES happen. But luckily we see now more and more worldwide regulations (e.g. Netflix)


So Winston was right as far it concernes worldwide use of DNS services. But I doubt if it is unlawful in Europe. International companies often have a very American idea of the world and have no idea about regulations. And in time this will change HBO plays their content almost worldwide. Others will follow but they need a little pressure.....!

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How do I change the DNS in the new Apple TV 4th Generation?

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