You got a VPN to protect your privacy. Smart move. But here’s the thing: if your VPN is leaking DNS requests, your internet provider — or anyone watching — can still see where you go online. Not ideal. The good news? Testing for DNS leaks is quick and easy. You don’t need to be a tech wizard. Just follow a few simple steps.
TLDR: A DNS leak happens when your VPN fails to hide your browsing requests. This can expose your activity to your internet provider. You can test your VPN in five easy steps using online DNS leak tools. If you spot your real ISP instead of your VPN, you have a leak that needs fixing.
First, What Is a DNS Leak?
Let’s keep this simple.
Every time you visit a website, your device asks a DNS server for directions. DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the internet’s phonebook. You type in a website name. DNS finds the right IP address.
When you use a VPN, your DNS requests should go through the VPN’s private servers. That’s the whole point. It hides your activity and location.
But sometimes, your device keeps using your internet provider’s DNS servers instead. That’s a DNS leak.
If that happens:
- Your ISP can see what websites you visit.
- Your location may be exposed.
- Your privacy isn’t fully protected.
Now let’s fix that.
Step 1: Disconnect From Your VPN
We need a baseline. So first, turn off your VPN completely.
Make sure it’s fully disconnected.
Now open your browser and search for: “What is my IP address”.
You can also visit a DNS leak testing site like:
- DNSLeakTest.com
- ipleak.net
- browserleaks.com
This shows your real IP address and DNS servers.
Write this information down.
You’ll usually see:
- Your IP address
- Your country and city
- Your ISP’s name
This is your normal, unprotected connection.
Keep this page open or take a screenshot. You’ll compare it later.
Step 2: Connect to Your VPN
Now turn your VPN back on.
Choose a server in a different location. This makes it easy to spot changes. For example:
- If you’re in the US, connect to Germany.
- If you’re in the UK, connect to Canada.
Wait until the VPN says it’s fully connected.
This part matters. Don’t rush it.
Once connected, refresh the DNS leak testing website.
Step 3: Check Your IP Address
Look at your IP address first.
Ask yourself:
- Did it change?
- Does it show the country you selected?
- Does the ISP name look different?
If it still shows your real location and ISP, your VPN isn’t working at all.
If the IP changed, good. That means the VPN tunnel is active.
But wait. We’re not done yet.
Even if your IP changed, your DNS could still be leaking.
Step 4: Run a Full DNS Leak Test
Most DNS testing websites have two options:
- Standard test
- Extended test
Choose the extended test.
This checks multiple DNS servers and takes a little longer. Be patient.
When the results appear, look carefully.
You should only see DNS servers that belong to:
- Your VPN provider, or
- The country you connected to
If you see your real ISP name here, that’s a DNS leak.
Example:
- You connect to Germany.
- Your IP shows Germany.
- But DNS results show Comcast in the United States.
That’s a leak.
No panic. This is fixable.
Step 5: Try Multiple Browsers and Devices
Here’s something many people forget.
DNS leaks can behave differently depending on:
- The browser you use
- Your operating system
- Your network settings
- IPv6 configuration
So test again.
Try:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Edge
- Safari
Also test on:
- Your phone
- Your tablet
- Your laptop
If one device leaks and another doesn’t, the problem may be device-specific.
Common Causes of DNS Leaks
Let’s look at why leaks happen.
1. IPv6 Is Enabled
Many VPNs only handle IPv4 traffic by default.
If your device uses IPv6, requests might bypass the VPN.
This creates a leak.
2. Your VPN’s DNS Leak Protection Is Disabled
Most modern VPNs include a built-in DNS leak protection feature.
But sometimes it’s not turned on automatically.
Check your VPN settings.
Look for:
- DNS leak protection
- Private DNS
- Secure DNS
3. WebRTC Leaks
Browsers can leak IP information through WebRTC.
This is common in Chrome and Firefox.
You may need:
- A browser extension
- To disable WebRTC in settings
4. Manual DNS Settings
If you’ve manually set custom DNS servers on your device, they might override the VPN.
Set your DNS to automatic before testing.
How to Fix a DNS Leak
If you discover a leak, don’t worry. Just follow these steps.
Turn On DNS Leak Protection
Open your VPN app.
Go to settings.
Find the DNS or privacy section.
Enable everything related to protection.
Disable IPv6
On many devices, you can disable IPv6 in network settings.
This forces all traffic through IPv4.
Flush Your DNS Cache
Old DNS entries can sometimes create confusion.
On Windows:
- Open Command Prompt
- Type: ipconfig /flushdns
- Press Enter
On macOS:
- Open Terminal
- Type: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
- Press Enter
Then restart your browser and test again.
Switch VPN Protocols
Most VPN apps let you choose between protocols, such as:
- OpenVPN
- WireGuard
- IKEv2
Switch to a different one.
Reconnect.
Test again.
How Often Should You Test?
Good question.
You don’t need to test daily.
But you should test:
- When you install a new VPN
- After updating your VPN
- After changing network settings
- When using a new device
It only takes a few minutes.
And it gives you peace of mind.
Why This Really Matters
Some people think, “It’s just DNS. Who cares?”
But DNS requests reveal:
- Every website you visit
- Streaming platforms you use
- Banking sites
- Medical sites
Even if the content is encrypted, DNS still shows the destination.
That’s powerful information.
If you live in a country with strict internet rules, a DNS leak can be serious.
If you use public Wi-Fi, it can expose your activity.
Your VPN should protect you fully. Not halfway.
Quick Checklist
Here’s your simple action list:
- Disconnect your VPN and note your real IP and DNS.
- Reconnect to a foreign server.
- Check if your IP changes.
- Run an extended DNS leak test.
- Confirm DNS servers belong to your VPN, not your ISP.
If everything matches your VPN location, congrats.
You’re protected.
If not, tweak settings and test again.
Final Thoughts
Testing your VPN for DNS leaks sounds technical. But it really isn’t.
It takes five steps.
A few clicks.
And maybe ten minutes of your time.
The reward? Confidence.
You’ll know your browsing is actually private.
No guessing. No blind trust.
So go test it now. Seriously.
Your privacy is worth those five minutes.
