How to Use F‑Secure DNS Check: A Step‑by‑Step GuideF‑Secure DNS Check is a free online tool designed to help you verify whether your DNS (Domain Name System) settings are correctly configured and whether your DNS requests are being routed through F‑Secure’s secure DNS servers. This guide walks you through everything from understanding what the tool does to interpreting results and fixing common issues.
What is F‑Secure DNS Check?
F‑Secure DNS Check tests how your device’s DNS queries are handled and whether they use F‑Secure’s DNS infrastructure. It can reveal:
- Whether your DNS queries are protected by F‑Secure.
- Whether your DNS requests leak to third‑party resolvers.
- Potential misconfigurations in your network or device settings.
Why use it?
Using the tool helps you confirm that:
- Your DNS traffic is using F‑Secure’s servers (if that’s intended).
- You’re protected against malicious sites via DNS filtering offered by F‑Secure.
- You can detect DNS leaks that might bypass corporate or personal security controls.
Before you start: prerequisites
Ensure you have:
- A device (PC, Mac, or mobile) connected to the network you want to check.
- Administrative access if you plan to change DNS settings.
- Knowledge of your intended DNS configuration (e.g., F‑Secure DNS IPs or profile).
Step 1 — Open the F‑Secure DNS Check page
- On the device you want to test, open a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari).
- Navigate to the F‑Secure DNS Check URL. (If you don’t have the URL, search “F‑Secure DNS Check” in your preferred search engine to find the official page.)
Step 2 — Run the test
- On the tool’s page, click the primary button (often labeled “Check” or “Start test”).
- The tool will run a quick diagnostic that usually takes only a few seconds.
What it checks:
- The IP address of the DNS resolver your device is currently using.
- Whether the resolver belongs to F‑Secure.
- Whether DNS requests are encrypted (if the tool tests DoT/DoH).
- Any redirections or anomalies in DNS resolution.
Step 3 — Interpret results
Common result elements and what they mean:
- “Resolver: F‑Secure” — Your DNS queries are using F‑Secure’s DNS servers.
- “Resolver: Other/Unknown” — Your DNS queries are NOT using F‑Secure; they’re going through a different resolver.
- “DNS encryption: Supported/Active” — Your DNS traffic is encrypted (DoH or DoT).
- “DNS encryption: Not detected” — DNS traffic is unencrypted and visible to networks between you and the resolver.
- “Leak detected” — There’s a DNS leak; queries are escaping the intended resolver or VPN.
Step 4 — If results show a problem
If the resolver isn’t F‑Secure or you see a leak, try the following:
- Check your device DNS settings:
- On Windows: Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options > right‑click adapter > Properties > IPv4/IPv6 properties.
- On macOS: System Settings > Network > select interface > DNS.
- On iOS/Android: Settings > Wi‑Fi > select network > configure DNS.
- If using a VPN, ensure the VPN is configured to route DNS through the VPN and not leak to your ISP.
- Configure DNS to F‑Secure’s resolver IPs or profiles if provided by your organization or F‑Secure documentation.
- Flush DNS cache after changes:
- Windows:
ipconfig /flushdns - macOS:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder - Linux: depends on distro/service (e.g.,
systemd-resolve --flush-caches).
- Windows:
- Re-run F‑Secure DNS Check to confirm the fix.
Step 5 — Advanced checks
- Test across devices and networks (home Wi‑Fi, mobile data) to ensure consistency.
- If you rely on encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT), confirm your browser or system supports and is configured for it.
- For corporate environments, consult your IT team to enforce DNS policies via DHCP, group policy, or network appliances.
Troubleshooting common scenarios
- DNS still shows as ISP resolver after setting F‑Secure DNS:
- Some routers override DNS provided by devices; change DNS on the router or disable ISP DNS via router settings.
- Browser shows mixed resolver results:
- Some browsers implement DoH with their own resolvers; check browser settings (e.g., Firefox’s Network Settings).
- Mobile carrier forces DNS:
- Certain mobile carriers intercept DNS; use an encrypted DNS method (DoH/DoT) or check carrier policies.
Security and privacy notes
- Using F‑Secure DNS provides content filtering and protection from malicious domains, but it’s not a full replacement for endpoint security software.
- If you need end‑to‑end DNS privacy, prefer encrypted DNS protocols (DoH or DoT) and ensure your client actually uses them.
Quick reference checklist
- Run F‑Secure DNS Check on each device and network.
- If non‑F‑Secure resolver detected, update device/router DNS settings.
- Use encrypted DNS where possible and verify it’s active.
- Flush DNS cache and retest.
If you’d like, I can provide platform-specific step‑by‑step instructions (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, router) for setting F‑Secure DNS on your device—tell me which platform you need.
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