I recently noticed that my Orbi home network was no longer using "Open DNS" DNS servers as I had configured it a few years back. I am not sure on when this changed. To troubleshoot, I went into the Advanced -> Internet Setup page on routerlogin.com and noticed that the Domain Name Server (DNS) Addresses section is grayed out, with "Get Automatically from ISP" checked. I am unable to select "Use These DNS Servers". Does anyone have any idea how to configure overrides for primary and secondary DNS servers? Earlier today I upgraded manually to the latest firmware and performed factory resets on all my Orbi devices, just to see if it helped, but the problem remains (grayed out option). Any thoughts? I have provided a screenshot of the relevant section below. Thank you! Model: RBR850 with 2 satellitesFirmware: V4.6.8.5_2.1.9Environment: Comcast cableCable Modem: Arris SB8200

Finally solved it. Leaving some paper trail for others:There are a few reasons why DNS servers will change, here is some information on this: DNS Servers Keep Changing Away from OpenDNS Automatically – OpenDNS.Turning Parental Controls on or off has no impact on the ability to change the DNS servers.How to change the DNS servers if they are "grayed out": factory reset the router without being plugged into internet. You will have to proceed even past scary warnings that you should not set up the router without being connected to the internet. If you are configuring your own DNS settings then you probably know what you are doing, however. The DNS server settings will be configurable after factor reset. Once you have configured them, you can now connect internet (eg, from your cable modem). You will find that the DNS servers are "locked" / grayed out once again, but at least they will be your chosen DNS servers.

RBR850 Unable to set custom primary and secondary DNS servers

12 Replies

ekhalil
Master
Jul 22, 2022
I think I saw this before on my router. It can be that it's just "stuck" there. Try to just check the previous section "Internet IP Address" to "Use Static IP Address" and back to "Get Dynamically". I think then the DNS selection possibility will open. 🙂
- filmnikon
  Aspirant
  Jul 26, 2022
  Hello, thank you for your thought. I have tried your suggestion but the options remain grayed out.
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Jul 22, 2022
Is Armor or SPC enabled? If so, disable these and try again?

filmnikon wrote:

I recently noticed that my Orbi home network was no longer using "Open DNS" DNS servers as I had configured it a few years back. I am not sure on when this changed. To troubleshoot, I went into the Advanced -> Internet Setup page on routerlogin.com and noticed that the Domain Name Server (DNS) Addresses section is grayed out, with "Get Automatically from ISP" checked. I am unable to select "Use These DNS Servers".

Does anyone have any idea how to configure overrides for primary and secondary DNS servers? Earlier today I upgraded manually to the latest firmware and performed factory resets on all my Orbi devices, just to see if it helped, but the problem remains (grayed out option). Any thoughts?

I have provided a screenshot of the relevant section below.

Thank you!

Model: RBR850 with 2 satellites

Firmware: V4.6.8.5_2.1.9

Environment: Comcast cable

Cable Modem: Arris SB8200
- filmnikon
  Aspirant
  Jul 26, 2022
  How does one disable SPC?
  - ekhalil
    Master
    Jul 26, 2022
    filmnikon wrote:
    How does one disable SPC?
    In the Orbi app, go to >> Click left upper side of the app >> SETTINGS >> Parental Control >> Disable Parental Control

Forum Discussion

RBR850 Unable to set custom primary and secondary DNS servers