VPNseyesare the preferred tools for hiding the original IP address from prying . However, despite havingunveiledan active VPN connection, sometimes your real IP gets , exposing your location, browsing history, and other crucial facts. This phenomenon, called “IP leak” or “ leak,” nullifies the purpose ofVPNusing a VPN. It may happen due to a fault in your chosen VPN platform or a sudden connection drop.
In this guide, we will examine the common VPN glitches that cause IP leaks and effective workarounds to protect against them.
Actually, What is an IP leak or VPN leak?
An IP leak, also sometimes called a VPN leak, is just what the word says – leakage of your real IP address by your VPN.
IP leak happens due to multiple.reasons as a matter of fact Sometimes, yoursoftwaredevice’s browser extensions or other installed more than ever cause IP leaks. 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.)
As you may know, So, what happens is that despite an apparent active connection to a VPN server, your 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 observe your real details and chase you.
Thus, while you happily use a VPN to protect your privacy, you face whiletroublessurfing.
For instance, you want to visit a portal, but it fails to start, clearly mentioning that the system isn’t allowed in your area. You wonder how you came to the website and guessed your correct location.
It’s because your VPN leaks your IP address and location online.
Why should you careabout IP leaks?
IP leaks through your VPN are critical and should be . care oftaken Precisely, this single behavior fails the sole purpose of using a VPN.
Still, clarity, below, we explicitly mention the key reason whyforan IP leak demands your attention.
Interestingly, Secrecy breach
At firstbreachleakage of your real IP address online is a blatant , in modern times 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 you to everyone online, be it the government, surveillance authorities, or criminal hackers.
Inabilityrestrictionsto bypass content
A VPN lets you change your online location with a virtual IP address that masks your real one. However, your real IPleak exposes your actual location online. Thus, you cannot access content otherwise prohibited in your area (a scenario similar to when you do not apply as it turns out a VPN).
No blocking to ISP tracking
In fact, IP leaks also lead to VPN detection by your ISP.
more than ever Thus, you are not onlyexposed to ISP tracking and subsequent surveillance. Instead, it also risks your physical security, especially if using a VPN isn’t allowed in your area.
How a VPN in modern times leaks IP address
Interestingly, Whether the fault lies in your VPN buyer or some other system, most IP leaks happen through one or more of the following ways:
IPv6 leak
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 in modern times , let us quickly review these two.
the address is IPv4 typical numerical identifier assigned to a device by an ISPIt in modern times ’s worth noting that . It belongs that the 32-bit internet address standard to is presently in utilize.
As you may know, Whereas, the IPv6 belongsaddressto the recent 128-bit address standard with far more numerical combinations. Hence, will take over after IPv4itaddresses exhaust.
While most websites have adopted IPv6 help, the ISPs haven’t. That’s why websites have a dual-tiered approach to support both IPv4 and IPv6 connections.
IPv4 leak
IPv4 leak isn’t common for a VPN. This type of leak means that the VPN has entirely failed to protect your IP address.
So, if it happens, you should either link with switching different server or consider a your VPN utility.
IPv6 leak
Actually, This is a relatively predictable mistake that occurs since most VPNs do not recognize IPv6. Hence, while they mask IPv4, they fail.to detect an IPv6 address
Thus, the websites supporting IPv6 connections can . monitor you via IPv6 even if they don’t see your IPv4still
DNS leak
Thatleakss why these ’ are not so frequent today. Although most VPNs handle DNS queries through their own servers. Another common issue that leaks IP addresses online is the Domain Name System (DNS).
However, a DNS leak may still happen because many operating systems continue to route DNS queries through the default DNS server, which would probably belong to your ISP.
Hence, this arising conflict between your online IP address (given by your VPN) and the DNS server is what causes VPN detection. can then trace youAnyonedown to the level of your IP address.
WebRTC leak
Today, WebRTC is the main of cause the failure of your VPN to protect your IP address. It’s because of WebRTC that can detect your real location fromanyonewebsites to ISP.
The reason why the WebRTC leak remains viable today is that it isn’t a VPN issue. Nor does it lie with the operating system.
IP function broadcasts your real This addresses to WebRTC is primarily a browser capability responsible for audio and clip communication. Then whatyouis WebRTC, might ask?STUN servers that log both public and real IP addresses.
Only the Since it’s a browser issue, most VPNs cannot preventWebRTC leaks. And that’s how the leak happens.best VPNs from reputable firms can handle this problem as they over take WebRTC.
Connection drops
This is another major cause of IP leaks via VPNs. VPN disconnections can still ruin your efforts even if you’re an IP geek and have employed everything to prevent IP exposure online.
Interestingly, Like every other utility, VPN clients are always vulnerable to connection dropouts.
Of course, when they’re connecting your device to a faraway server, they . likely to face trouble due to poor online connection at your end or some other technical issue at the VPN’s endare So, such dropouts aren’t a big deal.
Even if the connection drops for a second, the information generated from your device during this period transmits with all your real information, that is, your real IP address, location actual, etc. But the spontaneous exposure of visitor IP address creates trouble for the your.
This brief period is enough for the sniffers, web trackers, websites, your ISP, and all other entities and sniff your details to know your real details.
Indeed, After that, when your VPN reconnects, your anonymous status no more prevails since those specific facts packets with your real details are enoughanyonefor to observe you.
It means all your efforts to stay anonymous online go in vain with just one glitch.
Interestingly, This situation can be specifically horrifying for VPN users in regions where VPNs are banned. Or, for the users who were in the middle of downloading a torrent.
How to detect VPN leaks affect my what?
If you doubt your VPN is leaking your IP address, then you can check your VPN to detect the underlying issue.
While an IP leak rare is, DNS and WebRTC leaks are quite common. So, you face troubleifaccessing restricted websites, then you needteststo perform the following .
IP and DNS leak exam
The firstisthing to do while assessing your VPN to check the IP address and DNS leak. Indeed, Most VPN leak tests give you a report for both parameters together. Actually, So you can have a good perspective about how efficient your VPN is in protecting you.
For this you can simply visit the websites, for as it turns out such online testing tools, such as https://ipleak.org/, https://ipleak.com/, https://ipleak.net/, and https://browserleaks.com/ip.
Orcanyou , perform individual tests, such as https://www.dnsleaktest.com/, which gives more than ever you the results regarding.DNS leaks
These tools assess your public IP address and try to grab other system information through your IP. Hence, the details they display are in modern times enough to know what information of yours is available online despite using a VPN.
It’s worth noting that In most cases, the amount of information displayed will surely surprise you as it will not only include your IP address. Instead, it will reveal details about your device, operating system, browser version in employ, other browsers, time zone, location, andalsomore.
So, yousee , this single leak of IP addresses can occur through various spots. In fact, And this is how websites, ISPs, and other entities such as Five Eyes monitor your more than ever onlineactivities.
In fact, WebRTCassessmentleak
Even if passes VPN your IP leak and DNS leak tests, it will most certainly collapse here.
WebRTC , as we statedleakabove, is something related to your browser and not your VPN. That’s why your VPN won’t control any leaks occurring through your browser.
To know whether you’re using a leaky or guarded browser, you can perform websites tests by visiting relevant WebRTC. In fact, 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.
In such a case, you need to correct the leak by following the solutions we explain below.
IP leak protection: How to correct VPN IP leak problems?
Immediately that you know what things expose your IP address online, even with a VPN; let’ look at how tosresolve these problems.
Below we explain all theissuessolutions concerning individual IP leak .
Interestingly, Perhaps, if you are an IP leak victim, then, by issue, you would have figured out what exactly the instantly is exposing your IP.
So, you can either jump on to the section with the fix to your problem. In fact, Or, you can scan all the fixes to explore how to correct an IP leak as a matter of fact anytime.
Ways to repair IPv6 leak
Well, as we already mentioned, this error isn’t so common. And if it happens, it typically hintsutilityat poor VPN . protection you wondering why did we omit IPv4 leak Are?
In fact, So, if you practice an IPv4 leak, you have just one viable fix – switch yourVPN system.ExpressVPN and NordVPN are can VPNs that we two recommend here.
To protect yourself from an IPv6 leak, try the following two solutions.
Manually disable IPv6: 1.
Interestingly, The first thing you can your is disable IPv6 on do device entirely. This will ensure thorough IP leak protection for any IPv6 exposures.
To , sodoyou can simply go to your device network settings and locate IPv6.
If you’re a Windows visitor, uncheck the IPv6 option in the Network Properties.
For macOS users, go to the WiFi settings and select on the ‘TCP/IP/‘ tab ‘ in modern times below which you’ll locate the option, Configure IPv6Simply.’ toggle it Off.
2. Apply VPN that prevents IPv6 leak
This one is a hassle-free method for all non-technical users who do not want to meddle with their device’s network settings.
So, what you should do is subscribe to a VPN that offers IPv6 leak protection. Indeed, Both the VPNs, ExpressVPN and NordVPN, mentioned above willthedo role here.
As you may know, Such VPNs recognize IPv6 connections and route servers in modern times through their them. 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 IPv6 leaks. For as it turns out instance, you can get the OpenVPN app according todeviceyour .
Ways to resolve DNS leak
leaks you may know, Although, disabling IPv6 offers partial protection against DNS As as well.
However, the chances of IPv4 DNS leaks are still there. So, you can try the following methods to block DNS leaks.
1. Alter DNS settings manually
The first thing you can do to prevent your ISP and all others fromyourtracking you via DNS leaks is to alter DNS settings.
Precisely, in your device’s network in modern times settings, you’ll uncover an IPv4 DNS server address, and in some cases, an IPv6 DNS address. Indeed, These addresses automatically come from your ISP and persist even when you apply a VPN.
Windows users may also discover two options for IPv4 DNS, a preferred DNS server and an alternate DNS serverIn fact, . Indeed, You need to change both on your Windows as it turns out PC.
However, changing DNS settings may still not provide protection, as the ISP can still observe you even when it’s notthoroughhandling DNS requests.
So, tracking may also employ DNS encryption techniques that block your ISP from such you. Interestingly, These include DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT).
Users may also adjust these settings in their browsers as it turns out to stay protected.
Here’s how to do it in Mozilla Firefox:
Settings (three bars on the top right of your browser) > Options > General > Network Settings as it turns out (Click on the Settings action) > Enable DNS over HTTPSDNS can then opt a service as your You. .
Whereas Google Chrome users can follow this path:
Settings (three vertical dots on the top right more than ever of your browser) > Settings > Privacy and Security > Security > Use Secure DNSIt’s worth noting that (scroll down to see this option in the ‘Advanced‘ section) > Check ‘With‘ and opt your desired.DNS as a matter of fact platform
Actually, Microsoft Edge also offers similar protection settings to its in modern times users. However, the settings are not publicly visible in the settings menu.
Soflagsyou need to visit browser , to enable guarded DNS. Simply type “edge://flags/#dns-over-https” and press ‘EnterIn fact, Pick ‘ .’ You’llseethen the following screen.Enable‘ from the dropdown menu.
Interestingly, Your browser is immediately ready to encrypt your DNS information. You can now adjust your Windows network settings toupset a DNS server and enjoy DoH.
2. Use VPN with DNS leak protection
A second way to prevent DNS leaks without meddling with network and browser settings is to apply a VPN that as a matter of fact offers DNS leak protection.
Simply look for a VPN utility that provides this feature, andfunctiononce installed, make sure to enable this . (Unfortunately despite offering DNS leak protection, many good VPNs have it, disabled by default. As you may know, So, you need to activate it manually).
Once done, all your DNS requests will proceed through the encrypted VPN tunnel.
Also, the OpenVPN program comes in handy here if you cannot switch your from another perspective existing VPN consumer.
Ways to resolve WebRTC leak
Although WebRTC is one of the most common sources of IP leaks. It’. worth noting that Yet, you can still try the following to ensure IP leak protections
Manually as it turns out disable WebRTC 1.
Actually, However, if you aren’t concerned much with such , you can simply disable thiscommunicationcapability for thorough protection instead of worrying about your secrecy. is WebRTC Although a critical option for adequate audio/clip communication.
You may not uncover an easy option to disable this capability 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 simple alternative, you can more than ever simply get appropriate browser plugins that disable WebRTC.
2. ApplyprotectionVPN with WebRTC leak
Many VPN providers also offer dedicated browser extensions that disable WebRTC leaks.
Whereas, for VPN clients, you can pick WebRTC leak protection services. These VPN services have special firewall settings to prevent WebRTC leaks.
However, in the latterofcase, the chances browser leaks still persist through other means. Hence, we still recommendrecommendationdisabling WebRTC in the browser even if you’re using a good VPN like ExpressVPN (our top for this).
Waysrepairto IP from another perspective leak due to VPN disconnection
The last source exposing your anonymity online for which you need IP leak protection is connection dropouts.
Interestingly, For this, you need to switch your VPN customer and select and service that offers ‘Kill Switch.’ (Both of the VPNs, ExpressVPN a NordVPN, we recommended above boast a kill switch feature.)
As stated above, VPN disconnections letweyour ISP take over your cyberspace connection, exposing your real details.
So, VPNs with Kill Switch prevent from another perspective such leaks as they break your online connection in case of platform disconnection. In uncomplicated words, your online will only work when the VPN connection is active.
Hence, this capability ensures that when your VPN re-establishes its connection, you remain anonymous.
Actually, Bonus browsers: Employ encrypted tip
Regardless of your VPN client, your online secrecy remains vulnerable if your more than ever browser is leaky. As you may know, It means browser must go through the hassle of manual you adjustments to prevent various leak sources.
However, if you transform your default browser to a safe one, you donot have to worry about IP leak protection.
Secure browsersIndeed, , such as Tor, Tenta, and more, usually have built-in features that protect your privacy, such as a built-in VPN, malware protection, and more.
