ByIn today’s digital age, whenever we talk about our privacy and security on the Internet, the use of VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become a common solution. But have you ever wondered whether your VPN is keeping your IP address safe or not? If your IP is leaking, then all your security measures become useless. In this article, we will learn in detail what is VPN IP address leak is, why it happens, and how you can check whether your VPN service is effective or not.
What is VPN IP Address Leak?
An IP address leak occurs when your real IP address is exposed on the Internet even when you are using a VPN. This means that your location, device, and Internet Service Provider (ISP) details become available to others. The biggest disadvantage of this is that your identity can be exposed, and your activities can be tracked.
Types of VPN IP Address Leak
1. DNS Leak
When your device uses your ISP’s DNS server instead of a VPN server, it is called a DNS leak. This lets the website know which network you have connected to.
2. WebRTC Leak
WebRTC is a browser technology that allows real-time communication, but through this your real IP address can be leaked, even if you are using a VPN.
3. IPv6 Leak
If your VPN does not properly support IPv6 traffic, your IPv6 address may leak to the Internet.
How to know if your VPN is leaking your IP address
1. Use online VPN leak test tools
Many websites allow you to check whether your IP is leaking or not. Some popular tools:
[https://ipleak.net/](https://ipleak.net/)
[https://browserleaks.com/](https://browserleaks.com/)
[https://www.dnsleaktest.com/](https://www.dnsleaktest.com/)
[https://www.expressvpn.com/dns-leak-test](https://www.expressvpn.com/dns-leak-test)
By using these tools, you have to:
First, disable the VPN and check what your real IP address is.
Then enable the VPN and check again.
If the IP address is the same in both results, it means that your VPN is leaking.
2. Detailed check for DNS leak
Go to the dnsleaktest.com website.
Run the Standard or Extended test.
If the ISP’s name is visible in the report, then DNS is leaking.
3. Check for WebRTC Leak
Go to browserleaks.com/webrtc.
Here you will see the IP in the “Public IP Address” section.
If your real IP address is showing here, then there is a WebRTC leak.
4. Check for IPv6 Leak
Go to the test-ipv6.com website.
This website checks both IPv4 and IPv6.
If the IPv6 address is showing as the real address, then it is a leak.
How to Avoid VPN Leak – Detailed Solution
1. Choose a high-quality VPN
Always choose a VPN that offers features like DNS Leak Protection, IPv6 Leak Protection, and WebRTC Blocker. Some trusted VPN services:
ExpressVPN
NordVPN
Surfshark
ProtonVPN
2. Change browser settings
You can change some settings in your browser to prevent WebRTC leaks:
Firefox:
Type in the address bar: `about:config`
Search: `media.peerconnection.enabled`
Set it to false
Chrome:
Install an extension like WebRTC Leak Prevent
3. Use a Kill Switch
A kill switch is a security feature that completely stops your internet in case the VPN disconnects, so that no traffic passes without the VPN.
4. Perform a VPN Leak Test regularly
It is a good practice to test with ipleak.net or other tools every time you connect to a VPN.
How to check VPN leaks on mobile devices?
You can also use the above-mentioned websites on mobile. Apart from this, some apps help to check VPN leaks:
DNS Leak Test App (Android)
IP Leak Checker by NordVPN
What to do if the IP is leaking?
Immediately turn off your VPN and use another service.
Disable WebRTC from the browser.
Contact the VPN support and ask them to turn on DNS Leak Protection.
Update or reinstall the VPN app.
Conclusion
Using a VPN is a strong measure for your online privacy, but if your IP is leaking, then this protection becomes a myth. That is why it is extremely important that you regularly perform a VPN Leak Test and make sure that your real identity is hidden.
Your cybersecurity is in our hands, and through this article, we have tried to give you a systematic and complete overview of how you can verify your VPN security.
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VPN IP Leak FAQs
What is a VPN, and how does it work?
Answer: VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that helps hide your online identity and location by encrypting your internet connection. It routes your traffic through a secure server, keeping your real IP address hidden.
What is an IP leak?
Answer: When your real IP address is exposed on the internet despite using a VPN, it is called an IP leak. This means that your online identity is exposed.
Why does a VPN leak IP?
Answer: IP leaks occur mainly due to three reasons:
1. DNS Leak – DNS queries go through your ISP server.
2. WebRTC Leak – IP is exposed through browser technology.
3. IPv6 Leak – When the VPN does not cover IPv6 traffic.
How do I check if my VPN is leaking my IP address?
Answer: You can use the following websites:
[ipleak.net](https://ipleak.net)
[dnsleaktest.com](https://dnsleaktest.com)
[browserleaks.com](https://browserleaks.com)
Visit these websites and compare IP addresses with and without a VPN.
How to prevent a DNS leak?
Answer: Choose a good VPN that offers a DNS Leak Protection feature. Apart from this, you can also manually set secure DNS servers in your network, such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8).
How to turn off WebRTC?
Answer:
In Firefox browser:
Type `about:config`
Search `media.peerconnection.enabled`
Set it to false.
In Chrome: Install an extension like WebRTC Leak Prevent.
Can IP leaks happen on mobile devices?
Answer: Yes, IP leaks can happen if your VPN does not block WebRTC or DNS properly on mobile. Check with the help of security settings or apps in mobile browsers as well.
What is a Kill Switch in VPN?
Answer: Kill Switch is a feature that immediately shuts down the internet when the VPN connection is lost, so that no data can pass through your real IP.
What should be done if IP is leaking?
Answer:
1. Turn off VPN and use a trusted VPN.
2. Turn off WebRTC in the browser.
3. Turn on VPN kill switch.
4. Seek help from the support team.
Is it necessary to test before using a VPN every time?
Answer: Yes, if you are serious about privacy, then do an IP and DNS leak test once after connecting to the VPN every time.
