BrowseDNS - Enable Access to the Open Internet

VGMoose

What is it?

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

This currently only applies to the Nintendo Switch. For other devices, see this list. PS5 will be supported in the near future.

How to Use

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

Address: 45.55.112.11
Address: 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.

The network settings can be found under: Settings -> Internet -> Internet Settings -> [your network] -> Change Settings -> DNS Settings -> Manual -> Primary. See screen shots here.

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 4TU Discord server.

If you'd like to access the browser but not these servers, you can check out YourFriendlyDNS to self-host.

Disappears Randomly? No Videos? Cookies?

This browser is intentionally limited on the Switch by Nintendo. We have an open petition to them, check it out here!

The petition has almost 15,000 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.

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.

The redirected domains are as follows:

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).

The spoofed domains are re-routed to a LaneChange instance, which then redirects further to another page based on the incoming user IP. The default of these possible redirects is this forum itself.

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.

military boy

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.

military boy

@pwsincd

its other videos if you know what i mean

lollapalooza

o h
like all the video apps not on eshop

military boy

@lollapalooza

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

lollapalooza

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

military boy

ok??

military boy

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

oklol123

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

military boy

but how can you wach p0ŕn live streams

Lazr

@schoolgeek simple: you dont.

military boy

@Lazr

it lets me

oklol123

@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

oklol123

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

lollapalooza

true
that is iconic