Cannot configure Orbi RBR750 Internet Setup with DNS Down

[geminicode67]

I have the Orbi setup as a the WiFi device for my ATT Fiber internet connection.  The ATT Device is the DHCP server and ATT controls DNS settings.

This morning ATT DNS servers were unresponsive.  I manually configured my windows desktop to use Google's DNS and could restore my local internet access.

I then tried to switch DHCP & DNS over to the Orbi so that I could manually input DNS servers for google's service.

However since the Orbi cannot connect to the internet (no DNS service due to ATT outage) the ORBI web interface won't allow the "Internet" link to be enabled.

Who Tell Hell designed this PoS? 

So you cannot change DNS Settings unless you have internet access?  How does that make sense? Do I have to perform a factory reset? The setup says do not perform this if you don't have internet access.  So my Orbi device has become a slave to ATT's crappy DNS service.

The phone "app" is worthless.

[FURRYe38]

Has a power off for 1 minute then back ON with the ISP modem and router been performed since last update?
Be sure to restart your network in this sequence:
Turn off and unplug modem.
Turn off router and computers.
Plug in and turn on modem. Wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
Turn on the router and wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
Turn on computers and rest of network.

Try a different web browser. 

Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls

Disconnect the RBR from the ISP modem and reboot the RBR. Then try logging into the RBRs web page with a PC and web browser at 192.168.1.1

Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop

Try option #2 first. 

Contact your ISP for help and support information regarding there services and problems. 

[CrimpOn]

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@geminicode67 wrote:

The phone "app" is worthless.

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"Worthless" may be a bit extreme.  It is correct that the Orbi app lacks the ability to change many router settings, including DNS.

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@geminicode67 wrote:

The ATT Device is the DHCP server and ATT controls DNS settings..

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What mode is this system in?

• Access Point (AP) mode? (which also cannot be configured using the Orbi app)
  In this mode, the Orbi loses all 'router functions', including DHCP and DNS.
  That's what access points are.  (not routers)
• Router Mode? (the default when set up with the Orbi app).
  In this case, the Orbi router is capable of DHCP and managing DNS.

If the AT&T router is acting as the DNS relay, one would expect there to be a configuration in it which determines which DNS servers to use.