Dynamic DNS
Dynamic DNS (DDNS) maps a stable domain name to your home IP address, even when your ISP changes it. This is essential for remote access features like Inbound VPNs and Published Ports, which require external devices to find your router on the Internet.
Why You Need DDNS
Most home Internet connections have a dynamic IP address that can change without warning. When your IP changes, any remote VPN clients or port forwarding rules pointing to the old IP stop working. DDNS automatically updates a domain name to point to your current IP, so remote connections keep working.
Start9 Dynamic DNS
StartWRT includes free integration with Start9’s Dynamic DNS service. No account is required.
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Navigate to
Internet > WAN Settings > DDNS. -
Select Start9 as the provider.
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Toggle Enable Dynamic DNS on and click “Save”. A unique domain name will be assigned to your router automatically.
Tip
The Start9 DDNS domain is all you need for VPN access. You do not need to own a custom domain name.
Other Providers
StartWRT also supports third-party DDNS providers:
- Cloudflare
- DuckDNS
- DynDNS
- FreeDNS
- No-IP
To use a third-party provider:
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Navigate to
Internet > WAN Settings > DDNS. -
Select the provider and enter your credentials or API token.
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Enter the domain name or hostname you have registered with the provider.
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Click “Save”.
Checking Your DDNS Status
The DDNS section on the WAN Settings page shows the current status of your dynamic DNS configuration: whether it is enabled, the provider, and the hostname.