What Is a VPN Leak?
A VPN leak occurs when data that your VPN is supposed to protect — such as your real IP address, DNS requests, or browsing activity — is exposed outside of the encrypted VPN tunnel. Even if your VPN appears to be connected, a leak means that websites, your ISP, or other third parties can still see your true identity and location.
There are three main types of VPN leaks to watch out for:
IP leaks happen when your real IP address is visible despite being connected to a VPN. This completely defeats the purpose of using a VPN, as websites can see exactly who and where you are.
DNS leaks occur when your DNS (Domain Name System) queries are sent to your ISP's DNS servers instead of being routed through the VPN tunnel. This means your ISP can see which websites you're visiting, even though your IP address appears masked.
WebRTC leaks are a browser-based vulnerability. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology used for video calls and peer-to-peer connections. Some browsers can reveal your real IP address through WebRTC requests, bypassing your VPN entirely.
Common Types of VPN Leaks
- IP Leak: Your real public IP address is exposed to the websites you visit, revealing your true location and identity even while your VPN is connected.
- DNS Leak: Your DNS queries bypass the VPN tunnel and go to your ISP's DNS servers, allowing your ISP to monitor which domains you're visiting.
- WebRTC Leak: Your browser's WebRTC functionality reveals your real IP address through STUN requests, which can happen even when your VPN is active and otherwise functioning correctly.
What to Do If Your VPN Is Leaking
If you've run the test above and your real IP address or location is still showing, don't panic. There are several steps you can take to fix the problem:
Switch VPN protocols. Try changing from one protocol to another (for example, from OpenVPN to WireGuard, or vice versa). Some protocols handle leak prevention better than others depending on your device and network configuration.
Enable the kill switch. Most reputable VPNs include a kill switch feature that cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly. Make sure this is turned on in your VPN app's settings.
Try a different server. Sometimes a specific VPN server may have configuration issues. Switch to a different server location and run the test again.
Disable WebRTC in your browser. If you're experiencing a WebRTC leak, you can disable WebRTC in your browser settings or install a browser extension that blocks WebRTC requests.
Contact your VPN provider. If leaks persist after trying these steps, reach out to your VPN provider's support team. Persistent leaks may indicate a deeper issue with the VPN software or your network setup.
Choosing a VPN That Doesn't Leak
The best way to avoid VPN leaks is to choose a provider that takes leak prevention seriously from the start. Look for VPNs that offer built-in DNS leak protection, a reliable kill switch, and WebRTC leak blocking. Providers that have undergone independent security audits are generally more trustworthy.
Not sure where to start? Check out our comparison of the best VPNs to find a provider that prioritizes security and keeps your connection truly private.