If your VPN doesn’t automatically connect to a private DNS server, you'll need to go to DNS settings and manually connect to a third-party DNS server, preferably Google Public DNS or OpenDNS. Look out for companies that provide custom and private DNS and ensure that you use them at all times. Once you have, your device will start using the VPN-supported IPv4, and your privacy will remain intact.Ī leaking DNS can divulge your entire browsing history, so it's important that you make sure your VPN provider has built-in DNS leak protection. To prevent IPv6 leaks, you can go to Settings and disable IPv6 on your operating system. If it doesn't, all your IPv6 traffic will go through an unsecured and unencrypted route. With the newer IPv6 protocol becoming the norm now, it's important to check whether your service provider offers IPv6 protection – and both ExpressVPN and NordVPN do. If your real VPN address is still showing after this reboot, it's time to put your foot down and break up with your VPN in favor of a top-notch service like NordVPN. If your VPN uses IPv4 too, I'd recommend trying the good old "disconnect and reconnect" method. If you're not ready to ditch your current provider, however, there are a few tweaks you can try to solve the situation. The most straightforward way to fix a leaking VPN is to replace it with a reliable and simple alternative – especially if the leaks are consistent. Step 5: To simultaneously perform a WebRTC test, go to Browserleaks, and if your VPN is connected, your public address will show "n/a," whereas if it's not, it'll show your real IP address.Step 4: If the IP address displayed in Step 3 is the same as that in Step 1, your VPN is leaking.Step 3: Head to Google again and search for "What is my IP address?" Make a note of the IP address displayed.Step 2: Turn on your VPN and connect to any server. Step 1: Disconnect your VPN, go to Google, and search for: "What is my IP address?" Jot down the IP address displayed on the top of the page.However, if you'd rather test a VPN manually, here's how you can do it yourself: Some VPN providers, like ExpressVPN and Astrill VPN, offer a leak tester on their website that'll help you figure out if your VPN is leaking. (Image credit: da-kuk via Getty Images) How to check if your VPN is leaking These leaks are known as WebRTC leaks, and they're a newer but increasingly popular leak mechanism. Sketchy websites can use the WebRTC functionality to discover your true IP address, however, even when you're using a VPN. It eliminates the need for any plugins or software by connecting directly to the browser. WebRTC, or Web Real-Time Communication, is a browser-based technology that enables audio and video sharing inside web pages. It's worth noting that DNS leaks are fundamentally a subset of IP leaks, and these, too, typically occur due to poor configuration of your VPN app. When you use a VPN, all DNS requests are routed through your VPN to protect them from third-party access.īecause DNS leaks imply that these requests can be accessed by anyone with the know-how, the sites you visit could be revealed. When you access a website, a DNS is sent to that site, and you'll be able to see it when the request is accepted. In layman's terms, DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phonebook. This makes your data vulnerable to tracking and snooping, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. One of the most popular uses of VPNs is masking your IP address, and when a VPN fails to do that – usually due to a technical flaw – it results in access to default servers instead of the anonymous VPN servers. These addresses are linked to your searches, clicks, visits, and even your geographical location. Let's take a look at the different types of leaks:Īn IP address is a unique string of numbers assigned to each device when it's connected to the internet. Most VPNs have tools to help combat these threats, however, like a kill switch and built-in leak protection, which can protect your data and IP address in the unlikely scenario of your VPN connection dropping. Unfortunately, weak VPNs can cause a number of security issues – like exposing your IP address, browsing activity, and DNS requests to an online predator. The best can stop snoopers, like hackers, ISPs, and even governments, from following your online activity by sending data through this secure tunnel to servers that are far away from your physical location. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) keeps you anonymous on the internet by establishing an encrypted connection between your device and the network.
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