UniFi allows you to configure local DNS to resolve custom hostnames within your network. Whether you're assigning hostnames through the UniFi Cloud Gateway or pointing clients to a local DNS server, understanding the correct setup ensures smooth operation. This guide walks you through the necessary configurations.

Creating Local Hostnames in UniFi

If you need to define hostnames within UniFi, you can do so without modifying your default DNS settings. UniFi automatically adds these hostnames to the gateway’s DNS cache. To do this:

1. Navigate to Client Devices.
2. Click on a device to open its Device Panel, and open its Settings.
3. Check Fixed IP Address.
4. Check Local DNS Record, and enter your desired hostname.
5. Click Apply Changes.

To ensure proper resolution, make sure your network clients are using the UniFi Gateway as their DNS server. Devices like laptops and phones or applications like web browsers may have custom DNS servers selected, which would circumvent the Cloud Gateway’s DNS.

Using an External Local DNS Server

If you prefer to use a dedicated local DNS server instead of the UniFi gateway:

1. Navigate to Settings > Internet and click on your Primary WAN.
2. Edit the DNS Server to point to your desired local DNS server’s IP address.

As mentioned above, make sure your network clients are not using a custom DNS server, which would circumvent the Cloud Gateway’s DNS.

Considerations for Content Filtering

If you have Content Filtering enabled on a VLAN, be aware that this feature may interfere with local DNS resolution.