Simplify setup with Custom DNS
Apply custom DNS settings across NordLayer Virtual Private Gateways (VPGs) to simplify deployment, speed up onboarding, and enforce consistent network policies.
- Toggle-ready security powered by trusted NordVPN technology
- Protection for companies of any size, from SMB to enterprise
- Backed by unmatched 24/7 customer support
- Easy integration with existing systems and workflows
14-day money-back guarantee
SEAMLESS DNS SETUP
What is Custom DNS?
Custom DNS is a feature that eliminates the need to manually reconfigure DNS settings when setting up a new business VPN. Instead of slowing down onboarding and draining IT resources, it streamlines deployment and lets your team focus on high-value tasks. With NordLayer’s Custom DNS, you simply import your preferred DNS settings once, and they’re automatically applied to your chosen gateway with zero friction.
Seamless protection
All your security layers, finally working together
NordLayer connects cutting-edge features into one simple platform. That means less system switching. Less time wasted. Just world-class security that works from day one.
Get the Core plan for the Custom DNS feature
Get a real-time look at how NordLayer protects businesses
Explore features like Custom DNS, a dedicated IP, VPN Split Tunneling, and more, all in real-time with our interactive Control Panel demo.
HOW NORDLAYER WORKS
How Custom DNS works
Without it, devices rely on request processing via a public DNS server, which handles large volumes of requests. A third-party DNS utilizes private servers to handle only your business requests.
With NordLayer
- Increased speed and performance
- Safely route through a third-party DNS to public servers
- Route your custom DNS to proxy servers
Without NordLayer
- Public DNS servers have a larger volume of requests to process
- Reliant on congested public infrastructure
- Far less secure than a private DNS server
GETTING STARTED
Apply your Custom DNS settings to NordLayer
Log in to your NordLayer Control Panel
Access your admin dashboard
Choose a server with a dedicated IP
Select a Private Gateway to apply your DNS settings
Add your trusted DNS settings
Input your preferred DNS servers and rules
Apply and enforce automatically
Once saved, VPN-connected users will now follow your DNS rules automatically
USE CASES
When should you use Custom DNS?
Choosing to remain with DNS servers provided by your ISP may not be beneficial to your business, especially when switching to an alternative DNS through a third-party provider would create space for service enhancements.
Improved online safety
Set an extra security layer with a private DNS to prevent common and unknown threats to your online safety like harmful websites and phishing attacks.
Faster request processing
Using a correct DNS setup is commonly faster and more efficient in processing requests, resulting in better performance for enterprise devices connected to the internet.
Business continuity
Optimized performance and increased reliability should mean less disruption to your team’s workflows and no need for managers to work around downtime.
Increased server reliability
Third-party services can provide better services and improved infrastructure for less chance of DNS server downtime.
Protect your business with NordLayer
Start routing your traffic to a custom DNS or contact NordLayer’s Security specialist!
14-day money-back guarantee
CREDIBILITY
The choice of leading companies worldwide
Fastest support of any service or vendor I've used. They're always there, just a click away in their website instant chat, and the support folks are knowledgeable and resolve queries quickly.
- Paul H
Simple to install and operate, no funny business, and so fast that our teams don't notice they are using it.
- Chris
We were looking for an easy way to securely connect our remote workforce to our infrastructure. This is it. Awesomely quick, friendly, and efficient support. Got us up and running in no time.
- Ludovic
NordLayer by numbers
11,000+
Businesses protected
10 min
Average time to deploy
30+
Global server locations
Additional info
Frequently asked questions
NordLayer uses public DNS servers when a custom DNS is not configured. Our solution facilitates connections to these servers ensuring protection against unwanted sites or users over the internet.
Setting up a private DNS for business use takes - on average - around five minutes, which includes switching over from your current DNS. For further information or guidance on doing this, please contact our support team.