A DNS check looks at whether domain lookup requests follow the network path you expect. A web request using your selected route doesn’t mean DNS requests take the same path. Your browser, operating system, and client may each handle DNS differently.
- Confirm the expected route. Check your client’s connection mode and DNS options to decide which apps and domains should use DNS over your selected route. Keep a record of the original settings so you can restore them.
- Check your system and browser. Review the DNS settings in your system’s network settings and the browser’s Secure DNS options. A DNS service configured separately in the browser may not follow your client’s rules. Don’t judge a DNS leak by the service name or location alone.
- Review client logs. If your client provides DNS or connection diagnostics, open the target website and check which rule matched the DNS request and what resolution path it used. If no logs are available, treat the result as unverified.
- Change one setting at a time, then check again. After each change, verify that the target website and your other apps still work. Before using a third-party DNS testing tool, review its privacy policy. Compare the resolver results with your intended settings rather than relying on whether the locations match.
If you need help, include your operating system, client name, connection mode, the issue you’re seeing, and the settings you’ve already tried. For client-specific steps, start with the getting started guide.