areVPNsthe preferred tools for hiding the original IP address from prying eyes. However, despite having an active VPN connection, sometimesunveiledyour real IP gets , exposing your location, browsing history, and other key details. This phenomenon, called “IP leak” or “VPN leak,” nullifies the purpose of using a VPN. to may happen due It a fault in your chosen VPN utility or a sudden connection drop.
In this guide, will examine thewecommon VPN glitches that cause IP leaks and effective workarounds to protect against them.
What is as a matter of fact an IP leak or VPN?leak
An IP leakofalso sometimes called a VPN leak, is just what the word says – leakage , your real IP address by your VPN.
It’s worth noting that IP leak happens due to multiple reasons. Interestingly, Sometimes, your device’s browser extensions or other installedleakssoftware cause IP . In other instances, brief disconnection moments in your VPN connection can leak your actual IP address online. (We’ll discuss how it all happens in the following sections.)
Soyourwhat happens is that despite an apparent active connection to a VPN server, , real IP address (the one provided by your ISP), your location, time zone, and other actual details are exposed online.
Consequently, from websites to web trackers to cyber-criminals, anyone can track your real details and chase you.
Indeed, Thus, while in modern times you happily apply a VPN to protect your privacy, you.face troubles while surfing
For instance, you want to visit a site, but it fails to initialize, clearly mentioning that the service isn’t allowed in your area. You wonder how you came to the online platform and guessedyour correct location.
Interestingly, It’s because your VPN leaks yourIP address and location online.
As you may know, Why should you care about IP leaks?
Precisely, this single behavior fails the sole purpose of using aVPN . In fact, IP leaks through your VPN are critical and should be taken care of.
as it turns out Still, for clarity, below, we explicitly mention the key reason why an IP leak demands your attention.
Indeed, Confidentiality breach
At first, leakage of your real IP address online is a blatant breach of your confidentiality.
While you’re trying to hide your actual details from the online world, a mere leakage of your IP address exposes everything about youitto everyone online, be the government, surveillance authorities, or criminal hackers.
Inability to bypass text restrictions
Actually, A VPN lets you alter your online location with a virtualIP address that masks your real one. actual, your real IP leak exposes your However location online. Indeed, from another perspective , youThuscannot access content otherwise prohibited in your areaInterestingly, (a scenario similar when to you do not employ a VPN).
No blocking ISPtotracking
IP leaks also ISP to VPN detection by your lead.
Thus, you notareonly exposed to ISP tracking and subsequent surveillance. , it also risks your physical security, especially if using a VPN isn’t allowed inInsteadyour area.
How a VPN leaks IP address
Actually, Whether the fault lies in your VPN client or some other system, most IP leaks happen through one or more of the following ways:
IPv6 leak
Indeed, Typically, an IP leak by a VPN refers to the online exposure of either of the two IP addresses – Ipv4 and IPv6.
For those who don’t know about these IP addresses, let us quickly feedback these two.
IPv4 address the is typical numerical identifier assigned to a device by an ISPInterestingly, It belongs to the 32-bit online address standard that is presently in use. .
Whereas, IPv6 the address belongs to the novel 128-bit address standardIt s worth noting that’with far more numerical combinations. Hence, it will take over after IPv4 addresses as it turns out exhaust.
Interestingly, That’s why websites have a dual-tiered approach to support both IPv4 and IPv6 connections. While most websites have adopted IPv6 aid, the ISPs haven’t.
IPv4 leak
This type of leak means that the VPN has entirely failed to ’ leak isnIPv4t common for a VPN.protect your IP address.
So, if it happens, you should either connect with a different server or consider switching your VPN solution.
IPv6 leak
This is a relatively predictable mistake that occurs since most VPNs do not recognize IPv6. Hence, while they mask , they collapse to detect an IPv6IPv4address.
Indeed, Thus, the websites supporting IPv6 connections can still track you via IPv6 even if they don’t see your IPv4.
DNS leak
Another common issue that leaks IPaddresses online is the Domain Name System (DNS). Although most VPNs handle DNS queries through their own servers. That’s why today leaks are not so frequent these.
However, athroughDNS leak may still happen because many operating systems continue to route DNS queries the default DNS server, which would probably belong to your from another perspective ISP.
Anyone can then trace you down to the level of your IP address. Hence, thisthearising conflict between your online IP address (given by your VPN) and DNS from another perspective server is what causes VPN detection.
WebRTC leak
Today, WebRTC is the main cause of the failure of your VPN to protect your IP address. In fact, It’s because of WebRTC that anyone can detect your real location from websites to ISP.
Nor does it lie with the operating system. The reason why the WebRTC leak remains’viable today is that it isn t a in modern times VPN issue.
This feature broadcasts your real from another perspective IP addresses to Then what is WebRTC, you ? askmight In fact, WebRTC is primarily a browser function responsible for recording and video communication.STUN servers that log both public and real IP addresses.
Interestingly in modern times And, that’s how the leak happens. Since it’s a browser more than ever issue, most VPNs cannot prevent WebRTC leaks. Only the best VPNs from reputable firms can handle this problem as over take they WebRTC.
Connection drops
This is another major cause of IP leaks via VPNs. Indeed, VPN disconnections can still ruin your efforts even if you’re an IP geek and have employed everything to prevent IP exposure online.
Like every other platformclientsVPN , are always vulnerable to connection dropouts.
In dropouts, So, such fact aren’t a big deal. Of course, when they’re connecting your device to a faraway server, they are likely to face trouble due to poor cyberspace connection at yourend or some other technical issue at the VPN’s end.
But the spontaneous exposure of your IP address creates trouble for the consumer. Even if the connection drops for a second, the details generated from your device during this period transmits with all your real information, that is, your real IP address, actual location, etc.
This brief period is enough for the sniffers, web trackers, websites, ISP, and all other entities to sniffyouryour facts and know your real details.
As you may know, After that, when your VPN reconnects, your anonymous status no more prevails since those specific data packets with your real details are enough for anyone to observe you.
It means all your efforts to stay anonymous onlineonego in vain with just glitch.
Interestingly, This situation can be specifically horrifying for VPN users in regions where VPNs are banned. Or, for middle users who were in the the of downloading a torrent.
How to detect as it turns out what leaks affect my VPN?
Actually, If you doubt your VPN is leaking your IP address, then you can exam your VPN to detect the underlying issue.
While an IP leak is rare, DNS and WebRTC leaks are quite common. So, if you face trouble accessing restricted websites, then you need to perform the following tests.
IP and DNS leak exam
The first thing to do while assessing your VPN is to check the IP address and DNS leak. Actually, Most VPN leak tests give you a overview for both parameters together. So you can efficient a good perspective about how have your VPN is in protecting you.
As you may know, For this, you simply visit the websites forcansuch online testing tools, such as https://ipleak.org/, https://ipleak.com/, https://ipleak.net/, and https://browserleaks.com/ip.
Or, you can perform individual tests, such as https://www.dnsleaktest.com/, which gives you the results regarding DNS leaks.
As you may know, These tools assess your public IP and try to grab other system information through youraddressIP. Hence, the details they display are enough to know what information of yours is available online despite using a VPN.
In most cases, the amount information of displayed will surely surprise you as it will not only include your IP address. Instead, it will also reveal details about your device, operating system, browser version in utilize, other browsers, time zone, location, and more.
So, spots see, this single leak of IP addresses can occur through various you. And this is how websites, ISPs, and other entities such as Five EyesActually, monitor your online activities.
Indeed, WebRTC leak assessment
Even if your VPN passes IP leak and DNS leak tests, it will most certainly breakdown here.
WebRTC leak, as we stated above, is something related to your browser and not your VPN. In fact, That’s why your VPN won’t control any leaks occurring through your browser.
To know whether you’re using a leaky or trusted browser, you can perform WebRTC tests by visiting relevant websites. Some of these (the tested resources) include https://browserleaks.com/webrtc, https://www.hidemyass.com/en-us/webrtc-leak-test, https://whatismyipaddress.com/webrtc-test, https://hide.me/en/webrtc-leak-test, and https://ip8.com/webrtc-test.
After visiting these websites, if you see your real IP address and location visible, despite using a VPN, then it shows you are not anonymous online.
As you may know, In such a case, you need to resolve the leak by following the solutions we explain below.
IP leak protection: How to fixIPVPN leak problems?
Immediately that you know what things expose your IP address online, even with a VPN; let’s look at how to fix . problemsthese
Below we explain all the solutions as a matter of fact concerning individual IP leak issues.
Perhaps, if you are an IP leak victim, then, by now, you would have figured out what exactly the issue is exposing your IP.
So, you can either jump on totothe section with the answer your problem. Interestingly, Or, you can peruse all the fixes to understand how to correct an IP leak anytime.
Ways to leak IPv6 fix
Are you wondering why did we omit IPv4 leak protection? Well, as we already mentioned, this fault isn’so t common. And if it happens, it typically hints at poor VPN solution.
So, if you exposure an IPv4 leak, you have just one viable answer – switch your VPN platform.ExpressVPN and NordVPN are from another perspective two VPNs that we can recommend here.
Toprotect yourself from an IPv6 leak, try the following two solutions.
1. Manually disable IPv6:
The first thing you can do is disable IPv6 on your device entirely. Actually, This will ensure . IP leak protection for any IPv6 exposuresthorough
Actually, To do so, you can simply go to your networkdevicesettings and locate IPv6.
re you’If a Windows visitor, uncheck the IPv6 option in the Network Properties.
For macOS users, go to the WiFi settingstheand click on ‘TCP/IP/‘ tab, below which you’ll discover the option ‘Configure IPv6.’ Simply more than ever toggle it Off.
2. Employ VPN that prevents IPv6 leak
This one is amethodhassle-without charge for all non-technical users who do not want to meddle with their device’s network settings.
Interestingly, So, what you should do is subscribe to a that offersVPNIPv6 leak protection. Both the VPNs, ExpressVPN and NordVPN, mentioned above will do the occupation here.
servers VPNs recognize IPv6 connections and route them through their Such. It’s worth noting that So, you don’t have to do anything on your device to hide IPv6.
If you cannot switch your VPN, you can use third-party apps blocking as a matter of fact IPv6 leaks. For example you can install the, OpenVPN app according to your device.
to repairWaysDNS leak
Although, disabling IPv6 offers partial DNS against protection leaks as well.
However, the chances of IPv4 leaks areDNSstill there. So, you can try the following methods to block DNS leaks.
1. Actually, Modify DNS settings manually
The first thing you as a matter of fact can do to prevent your ISP and all others from tracking you via DNS leaks is to change your DNS settings.
Indeed, Precisely, in your device’s network settingsThese addresses automatically comepersistfrom your ISP and even when as a matter of fact you employ a VPN. , you’ll find an IPv4 DNS server address, and in some cases, an IPv6 DNS address.
Interestingly, Windows users may also uncover two options for IPv4 DNS, a preferred DNS server and an alternate DNS serverIt’worth s noting that . You need as it turns out modify both toon your Windows PC.
Indeed, However, changing DNS as may still as a matter of fact not provide thorough protection, settings the ISP can still monitor you even when it’s not handling DNS requests.
As you may know, So, you may also apply DNS encryption techniques that block your ISP from such tracking. Interestingly, These include DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT).
In fact, Users may also adjust these settings in their browsers to stay protected.
Here’s how to Mozilla it in do Firefox:
Settings (three bars on the top right of your browser) > Options > General > Network Settings (Select on the Settings action) > Enable DNS over HTTPS more than ever . You can then choose a system as your DNS.
Whereas Google Chrome users can follow this path:
Settings ( vertical dots onthreethe top right of your more than ever browser) > Settings > Privacy and Security > Security > Use Secure DNS (scroll down in see this option to the ‘Advanced‘ section) > Check ‘With‘ andofferingpick your desired DNS .
Microsoft Edge also offers similar protection settings to its users. Interestingly, However, settings are not publiclythevisible in the settings menu.
So as a matter of fact , you need to visit browser flags to enable secure DNS. Simply type “edge://flags/#dns-over-httpsAs you may know, ” and press ‘EnterIt’s worththenoting that .’ You’ll then see following screen. Pick ‘Enable‘ the from dropdown menu.
You can asap adjust your Windows settings to setnetworkup a DNS server and enjoy DoH. Your.browser is right away ready to encrypt your DNS information
2. Apply withVPNDNS leak protection
A second to prevent as a matter of fact DNS leaks without meddling with network and browser settings is to use a VPNwaythat offers DNS leak protection.
Interestingly, Simply look for a VPN service that provides thisoption, and once installed, make sure to enable this feature. (Unfortunately, despite offering DNS leak protection, many good VPNs have it disabled by default. So, you need to activate it manually).
Actually, Once done, your DNS requests will proceed through the encrypted VPNalltunnel.
Also, the OpenVPN app comes in handy here if you cannot switch your existing VPN customer.
Interestingly, Ways to resolve WebRTCleak
Although WebRTC is one of the most common sources of IP leaks. Yet, you can still try the tofollowingensure IP leak protection.
Manually disable WebRTC 1.
Although WebRTC is a critical capability / adequate soundforrecording communication. However, if you aren’t concerned much with such communication, you can simply disable this capability for thorough protection instead of worrying about your secrecy.
You may not uncover an effortless option to disable this option in your browser. Perhaps, you may need to visit the ‘flags,’ in the case of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge or the ‘about:config,’ in the case of Mozilla Firefox and lookup for WebRTC settings.
However, as an alternative effortless, you can simply install appropriate browser plugins that disable WebRTC.
2. Apply VPN with WebRTC leak protection
In fact, Many VPN providers also offer dedicated browser extensions that disable WebRTC leaks.
Whereas, for VPN clients, you can opt WebRTC leak protection services. These VPN services have special firewall settings preventtoWebRTC leaks.
However, in the latter case, the chances of browser leaks still persist through other means. Interestingly, Hence we still recommend disabling WebRTC in the browser even if you’re using a good VPN, like ExpressVPN (our top recommendation for this).
Ways to fix IP leak due to VPN disconnection
The last source exposing your anonymity online for which you need IP leak protection is connection dropouts.
For this, you need to switch your VPNandclient and pick a platform that offers ‘Kill Switch.’ (Both of the VPNs, ExpressVPN NordVPN, we recommended above boast a kill switch feature.)
In fact, As we stated above, VPN disconnections let your ISP take over your web connection, exposing your real details.
So, VPNs with Kill Switch prevent such leaks as they break your internet connection in case of offering disconnection. In plain words, your internet will only work when the VPN connection is active.
Hence, this ensuresfunctionthat when your VPN re-establishes its connection, you remain anonymous.
Bonus Employ: tip safe browsers
Regardless of your VPN client, your online confidentiality remains vulnerable if your browser is leaky. It means you must go through the hassle of manual browser sources to prevent various leak adjustments.
However, if transform your default browser to a secure one, youyoudo not have to worry about IP leak protection.
Secure browsers, such asTor, Tenta, and more, usually have built-in features that protect your confidentiality, such as a built-in VPN, malware protection, and more.
