Simplify setup with Custom DNS

With NordLayer’s Custom DNS in private gateways, all DNS queries run through your own or trusted third-party servers—improving security, performance, and reliability.

  • Built on NordVPN standards
  • Easy integration
  • For SMBs and enterprises
  • 24/7 customer support
14-day money-back guarantee

14-day money-back guarantee

NordLayer VPN dashboard showing server locations and configuration menu with Custom DNS option highlighted.

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THE BENEFITS

Why should you use Custom DNS?

Relying on your ISP’s DNS isn’t always best for business. With NordLayer, you can set up Custom DNS to decide how and where your DNS requests are handled, giving your company greater control over security, speed, and reliability.

Automatic session encryption (with TLS protocol)

Retain your DNS resolvers & rules

NordLayer Custom DNS enables you to connect your own or third-party resolvers to private gateways, so you can keep using your current rules and policies.

Perform your own traffic inspection

Continue monitoring and inspecting DNS traffic with your own rules while connected to NordLayer, maintaining visibility and control.

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.

Tailored DNS performance

Custom DNS lets you use your own DNS servers while benefiting from NordLayer’s secure private gateways.

Custom DNS feature available with our Core plan

NordLayer Core Plan

Seamless protection

Wondering what NordLayer can do for your business?

Try NordLayer’s interactive demo: Explore key features, test different setups, and see how NordLayer helps you control access and protect your network—all without installing software or making any commitment.

NordLayer usage dashboard displaying network activity graph with monitoring tools highlighted below.

FEATURE BREAKDOWN

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.

NordLayers custom DNS scheme

With NordLayer

  • Increased speed and performance
  • Safely route through a third-party DNS to public servers
  • Route your custom DNS to proxy servers
Custom DNS Without NordLayer

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 Custom DNS in a few simple clicks

  1. Log in to the Control Panel

    Open your NordLayer admin dashboard.

  2. Select a Virtual Private Gateway

    Choose a server with a dedicated IP.

  3. Add your trusted DNS settings

    Add your preferred DNS servers and rules.

  4. Save & apply

    All users connected to the configured VPGs will now follow your DNS rules automatically.

CREDIBILITY

The choice of leading companies worldwide

4.7

Rating

150+

Reviews

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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

StarStarStarStarStar

Simple to install and operate, no funny business, and so fast that our teams don't notice they are using it.

- Chris

StarStarStarStarStar

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

Protect your business with NordLayer

Start routing your DNS queries to custom DNS servers or chat with our cybersecurity specialist now.

14-day money-back guarantee

14-day money-back guarantee

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.