Getting Started

Control D is a managed DNS service. It sits between your device and the internet and can decide whether a domain should resolve normally, be blocked, or be redirected.

That makes it useful for:

  • Privacy protection
  • Ad and tracker blocking
  • Malware and phishing protection
  • Content filtering
  • Custom allow and deny rules
  • Per-device policy management

Step 1: Create an account

Go to Control D and create an account.

After signing in, open the Control D dashboard and look for the main sections:

  • Profiles
  • Devices or endpoints
  • Filters
  • Services
  • Custom rules
  • Profile options

Step 2: Start with one profile

If this is your first time using Control D, begin with one profile.

Do not create five profiles immediately. Get one working setup first and then expand later if needed.

A good beginner profile should include:

  • Malware protection
  • Phishing protection
  • One or two trusted filters
  • A small set of personal exceptions if needed

Avoid enabling everything at once. A simpler configuration is easier to troubleshoot and easier to maintain.

Step 3: Add a device

A device is any endpoint using your profile, such as:

  • A computer
  • A mobile phone
  • A tablet
  • A smart TV
  • A browser profile
  • A router

Add just one device first and confirm that it works before applying the same configuration everywhere.

Step 4: Verify the setup

After connecting a device, test basic internet access:

  • Open a few websites you use often
  • Check search, email, and streaming services
  • Confirm that common apps still function
  • Watch the Control D query log for blocked requests

The goal is not to block the maximum number of domains. The goal is to get useful protection without making the internet frustrating to use.

Step 5: Keep it simple

A good starting strategy is:

  1. Add one moderate profile
  2. Test it for a few days
  3. Check what failed and why
  4. Add narrow exceptions only where needed
  5. Avoid turning on more filters until you understand the effect

This approach helps you avoid overblocking and reduces maintenance headaches later.