Domain Name System (DNS) is really a resolver service that can translate friendly domains (Google.com) into IP addresses (172.217.12.142) which aren't memorable. Usually, you don't need to bother about this, because your Internet Service Provider (ISP) always provides these settings automatically. However, there are a variety of other the DNS resolvers that faster, reliable, and much more secure, including from CloudFlare, Google, and Cisco.

Although establishing these resolvers on your computer or router is a straightforward process, after changing the DNS settings there's not an obvious way to test when the network traffic is passing with the servers you configured.

If you're switching to CloudFlare 1.1.1.1, Google Public DNS 8.8.8.8, or Cisco OpenDNS 208.67.222.222, you can quickly test your settings in at least three different ways.

In this guide, you'll learn the making sure your network visitors are studying the DNS servers you've previously configured.

How to test out your DNS settings using DNSleaktest.com

Use these steps to quickly find out in case your network visitors are getting routed with the DNS servers you've configured:

Open the dnsleaktest.com website in your browser.

Click on the Standard test button.

Once you've completed the steps, within the result, check the ISP column to determine the name of the DNS service you're currently using.

How to test your DNS settings on Windows 10

If you've previously configured custom DNS settings from CloudFlare, Google Public DNS, or Cisco OpenDNS, you will soon check if the visitors are studying the resolver you've configured while using nslookup tool.

Use these steps to check with the nslookup command if your internet visitors are while using new DNS settings:

Open Start.

Search for Command Prompt and click on the very best lead to open the console.

Type the next command and press Enter:

nslookup

Underneath the "Default Server field," you'll spot the name of DNS service you're using. The Address field will also indicate the DNS address that your computer is applying.

How to test your DNS settings using Router

In the event you've changed the router settings, the nslookup won't work, because it'll show your router IP address as the DNS server, however it doesn't mean your traffic isn't while using service you've configured.

Begin using these steps to ensure your visitors are routing through the DNS servers you place:

Open your browser.

Sign in to your router portal while using its Ip.
Quick Tip: Should you don't know the address, make use of the nslookup tool in Command Prompt, and the Ip that shows within the result will be the one of the router.

Navigate to the network tools. (Make reference to your router's manual.)

Select the nslookup option as the test method.

Within this guide, I'm while using Asus RT-AC68U router, which is a great router with a slew of features. However, all routers aren't made the same, should you can't find the tool to perform a test, you can still figure out in case your DNS settings are configured correctly using the first method outlined within this guide.