Introduction
You've connected to your VPN — but that doesn't necessarily mean your real IP is fully hidden. VPNs can "leak" your real IP through several technical vulnerabilities. Here's how to check for each type of leak and what to do if you find one.
Types of VPN Leaks
1. IP Address Leak
Your real IP is sent to websites despite the VPN being connected. This happens when the VPN connection drops and traffic reverts to your real IP without a kill switch.
2. DNS Leak
Your DNS queries (translating domain names to IPs) bypass the VPN and go to your ISP's DNS server. Your ISP can see which sites you visit even though your traffic is encrypted.
3. WebRTC Leak
WebRTC is a browser technology used for video/audio calls. It can expose your real IP through a browser even when a VPN is connected, because WebRTC communicates directly between peers and may use your real IP.
4. IPv6 Leak
If your VPN only routes IPv4 traffic but your connection also uses IPv6, your IPv6 address may be exposed to websites.
How to Test for VPN Leaks
Step 1: Connect to your VPN
Step 2: Visit what-is-my-ip.best
- Check the displayed IP address — it should match your VPN server location, not your real location
- Check IPv6 — if an IPv6 address shows that isn't from your VPN, you have an IPv6 leak
Step 3: Run a DNS leak test
- Visit dnsleaktest.com while connected to your VPN
- Run the Standard or Extended test
- Results should show DNS servers from your VPN provider, not your ISP
Step 4: Test for WebRTC leaks
- In Chrome or Firefox, visit browserleaks.com/webrtc
- Check the "Local IP addresses" and "Public IP addresses" sections
- Your real IP should not appear
How to Fix VPN Leaks
| Leak Type | Fix |
|---|---|
| IP leak | Enable your VPN's kill switch |
| DNS leak | Enable "DNS leak protection" in your VPN app; use VPN's DNS servers |
| WebRTC leak | Disable WebRTC in browser settings or use a browser extension |
| IPv6 leak | Enable IPv6 leak protection in VPN settings; or disable IPv6 on your device |
Which VPNs Have the Best Leak Protection?
Look for VPNs that offer:
- Automatic kill switch
- DNS leak protection by default
- IPv6 leak protection
- WebRTC protection (some offer this)
- Third-party audit reports confirming no-log policy
Conclusion
A VPN that leaks is worse than no VPN — it gives a false sense of security. Test your VPN regularly, especially after software updates. Start by checking your IP address at what-is-my-ip.best both before and after connecting to see if your IP is actually changing.
Last updated: 2026 | Category: VPN & Privacy