BrowseDNS - Enable Access to the Open Internet

VGMoose

What is it?

BrowseDNS is a public DNS server that enables devices with hidden or limited built-in web browsers to browse the open Internet.

For a full list of supported devices, see here. We hold the view that access the Internet is an essential right, regardless of the device type that is being used.

How to Use

Enter one of the following addresses under your device's manual DNS settings:

US East: 45.55.142.122 (formerly Switchbru DNS)
US West: 45.55.112.11
England: 46.101.65.164

You should choose the one that is closest to your region, for fastest speeds. Only one for the primary DNS is required.

Network settings are typically located under: Settings -> Internet or Wifi -> [your network] -> Edit or Change -> DNS Settings -> Manual. See screen shots here for an example.

Terms of Use

This service is provided free of charge with no warranty whatsoever. The service does not collect, store, or retain any user data. Your usage of these DNS servers is at-will and at your own risk.

BrowseDNS's predecessor (Switchbru DNS) has been running successfully since March 10th, 2017. Our users have not reported negative side-effects from using the service, however the above disclaimer still applies.

Troubleshooting

If using the above addresses do not result in the browser appearing, you may need to check your network stack, as the DNS could be getting overridden by your router or your Internet Service Provider.

For more info, see the ForTheUsers FAQ for assistance, or drop by the BDNS Discord server.

If you'd like to access the browser but not rely on an external server, you can check out CaptiveDNS or bdns-coredns to self-host. This requires a computer on the same network.

Disappears Randomly? No Videos? Cookies?

On the Switch, the web browser is limited and has some features disabled. We have an open petition to Nintendo to ask them to address this, check it out here!

The petition has almost 28,000 signatures. Please share it and let others know! The ideal best-case scenario for BrowseDNS is that manufacturers like Nintendo and Sony allow the user to just access the browser directly like any other app, and then this DNS workaround no longer needs to exist.

Parental Controls?

If you want to prevent access to the browser, and your device supports parental controls, setting them up will block access to the network settings. This can be used to stop the DNS from being configured and fully disable going online with the browser.

See this post for detailed information on how different ways to block access. Please be aware however that on the Switch and PS5 there are other methods of accessing Internet content besides BrowseDNS, such as through the official YouTube app.

How it Works

The Domain Name System lookup results returned by this service employ DNS spoofing when your console attempts to reach Nintendo and Sony connection test domains.

This is the same technique used by Hotel, University, and Airline Wi-Fi hotspots to force the user to visit a Captive Portal (often to pay or authenticate for Internet access). When the Switch or PS5 are unable to connect, they display their built-in hard-to-access web browser, which then takes the user to a landing page where they can reach the open Internet.

For a full list of which domains are redirected, see this page.

Every other domain name request outside of these connection domains is returned properly, using either Google DNS or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 (Depending on system load).

Bonzey2416

Maybe in 15.0.0 or 16.0.0 software update (late 2022/early 2023), perhaps Nintendo will add an Internet browser app, with tabs, video/audio support, bookmarks and... no timeout.

Young mutt

why cant you like watch youtube or other

pwsincd

i mean there is an actual youtube app .. I'm not sure why its a repetitive question.

lollapalooza

@pwsincd
bc maybe its glitchy
or ppl just like the website

VGMoose

@schoolgeek Videos don't work in this applet, check the original topic for more info. The petition is likely the only real way to get a fully featured browser that's easy to use.

For technical info on this, see here.

Young mutt

@pwsincd

its other videos if you know what i mean

lollapalooza

o h
like all the video apps not on eshop

Young mutt

@lollapalooza

why you put gay people??????????

lollapalooza

im aroace but....it kinda felt understanding so...

Young mutt

ok??

Young mutt

i was just wondering is there a way to get online in the switchbru to watch netflix or Disney+?

? Offline

@schoolgeek nah, video doesn't work, but you can comment on youtube community posts

Young mutt

but how can you wach p0ŕn live streams

Lazr

@schoolgeek simple: you dont.

Young mutt

@Lazr

it lets me

? Offline

@Lazr she is an icon, and she is the moment LMAOO

lollapalooza

@oklol123 said in BrowseDNS - Enable Access to the Open Internet:

@Lazr she is an icon, and she is the moment LMAOO

h u h
i dont get it

? Offline

@lollapalooza i was calling Lazr iconic for saying "simple: you don't." lmao

lollapalooza

true
that is iconic