NordVPN SmartPlay: Safe access to your content

Securely stream your favorite shows with improved privacy
No extra setup required — SmartPlay is built into all NordVPN apps
No extra buffering — stay safe with one of the fastest VPNs

What is SmartPlay?

SmartPlay is a NordVPN feature that helps you safely access your favorite shows and movies. It combines several technologies to improve your privacy and security while you stream content. SmartPlay is automatically enabled in all our apps, so there’s nothing to set up, update, or activate — all you need to do is connect to a VPN server.

SmartPlay and smart DNS: What is the difference?

A laptop and a phone showing NordVPN open and connected to a secure VPN server.

SmartPlay and smart DNS are both technologies used in content access — in fact, SmartPlay incorporates smart DNS in its operations! However, they’re not one and the same.

A smart DNS works by switching your DNS servers when your access is blocked, but it will not shield your online activity from others. On the other hand, SmartPlay is part of your NordVPN connection and works alongside other VPN security features — in addition to changing DNS servers, you also get the benefit of hiding your IP address and encrypting your online traffic.

As a result, SmartPlay lets you watch your favorite home content privately and securely on any device with a NordVPN app, like your laptop, phone, or tablet. Best of all, it’s automatic — you get all the benefits of SmartPlay the moment you connect to NordVPN. Smart DNS should only be used on devices that don’t support NordVPN, such as older smart TV — on more recent models, installing a VPN on your smart TV is a much better option.

Smart Play vs smart DNS

	SmartPlay (with a VPN)	Smart DNS (no VPN)
Changes DNS server
Hides IP Address
Changes virtual location
Encrypts connection
Integration with other VPN features
NordVPN app required

What can you use SmartPlay for?

A man benefitting from SmartPlay to securely access content from home while traveling.

A woman on a couch benefitting from SmartPlay to safely and easily access legal content.

A man working on his laptop with increased online privacy and security.

To access content away from home
Watch movies and TV shows shielded by next-gen encryption – even when abroad.
To stream safely with no extra steps
With NordVPN, you can stream securely without any special setup.
To enjoy security and privacy online
NordVPN makes your online traffic impenetrable to prying eyes.

Get NordVPN

Start using NordVPN SmartPlay in three easy steps

Here’s how to start using NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature.

A phone showing a large blue button on the screen to download the NordVPN app.

1. Get NordVPN

Buy a NordVPN subscription and create a Nord Account.

2. Download the app

Download NordVPN for your computer, smartphone, or tablet and log in.

A map with a green dot marking a location, symbolizing a successful connection to a VPN server.

3. Connect

Pick a VPN server. SmartPlay will work automatically in the background.

Please visit the NordVPN Smartplay Help Center or contact our friendly customer support if you experience any issues with SmartPlay.

SmartPlay: Get the best online experience

Get NordVPN

Frequently asked questions

Should I use SmartPlay?

Yes, you should use SmartPlay if you want to safely and easily access your favorite content — but if you’re using the NordVPN app, SmartPlay is already enabled by default. While our VPN improves your online security and privacy, SmartPlay allows you to safely access your home content from anywhere.

Is SmartPlay legal?

Yes, SmartPlay is perfectly legal in any place where VPNs are legal. However, like any tool, SmartPlay can be misused — you shouldn’t use it to break the law or circumvent copyright regulations.

Does SmartPlay slow down your internet connection?

You should not experience any significant slowdown while using SmartPlay. While SmartPlay requires an active VPN connection to work and all VPNs affect your internet speed because they reroute your online traffic, NordVPN boasts one of the best VPN speeds on the market.

With our advanced network architecture, ultra-fast NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard®), and 6300 high-tech servers around the world, you will be able to safely access your favorite content without additional buffering.

Can SmartPlay and smart DNS be used together for privacy and content access?

Yes, you can use both SmartPlay and smart DNS together — but you don’t need to. SmartPlay already incorporates smart DNS technology to let you safely access your content. However, be aware that you shouldn’t use SmartPlay or smart DNS to break the law or circumvent existing copyright regulations.

Are there any free SmartPlay services?

You may be able to find websites or apps offering free services that are similar to SmartPlay (like proxy servers), but none are able to replicate the full package of VPN functionality and safe content access. In addition, free services may have very steep hidden costs — for example, the operators could collect and sell your online activity data to cover their expenses.

Please note that NordVPN service should never be used to bypass copyright regulations. NordVPN does not promote, condone, or endorse the use of the service for such purposes. For more details, please read the NordVPN Terms of Service.