---
title: Pushed DNS Servers and Search Domains on iOS
canonical: https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/dns-servers-mobile-behavior/
product: OpenVPN Connect Docs
description: Understand how DNS servers behave on a mobile device using OpenVPN Connect to connect to a VPN server.
---

# Pushed DNS Servers and Search Domains on iOS

On a split tunnel, where the server doesn't push **redirect-gateway**, and at least one pushed DNS server is present, you should do one of the following:

- Route all DNS requests through pushed DNS server(s) if no added search domains.
- Route DNS requests for added search domains only if at least one added search domain.

**The following directive on the server directs the client to route all DNS requests to 172.16.0.23:**

```
push "dhcp-option DNS 172.16.0.23"
```

Alternatively, these directives on the server only route foo.tld and bar.tld DNS requests to 172.16.0.23:

```
push "dhcp-option DNS 172.16.0.23"
push "dhcp-option DOMAIN foo.tld"
push "dhcp-option DOMAIN bar.tld"
```

> **Important**
>
> With **redirect-gateway**, the above discussion is moot since all DNS requests always route through the VPN regardless of the presence or absence of added search domains.

---

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