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A Domain Name System (DNS) leak can expose your IP address. An unprotected IP address means all your online activities can be tracked (such as the websites you visit or ads you click on). It also leaves you vulnerable to hackers who are after your personal information.
If you suspect your VPN is leaking DNS info, we have a full breakdown of what might have caused it, how to detect and fix it, and other kinds of information leaks you should watch out for. If you’re concerned about your technical abilities, don’t sweat it.
We cover the basics to help you troubleshoot your DNS leak and offer recommendations for the best VPNs to prevent future leaks.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
DNS is essentially the address book of the internet. When you type in a website, like www.AllAboutCookies.org, the DNS server translates that website name into computer language. It reaches out to where the site is hosted and requests that the site be sent to your web page. Then the hosting entity verifies your IP address and sends the website to your browser.
If you’re using a VPN, that entire interaction should be encrypted and hidden in your VPN tunnel. A DNS leak is when your VPN fails to encrypt that information by either sharing it with a third-party server or sending the request outside the protected VPN tunnel. It’s then possible for someone else to see your IP address and track your activities.
When your IP address is leaked, bad actors can get access to your online data. They may send you annoying things like spam, but they can also try to phish you for more lucrative credentials like your bank account.
Less extreme repercussions include allowing your internet service provider (ISP) to see your activity. If your ISP doesn’t want you to access certain sites, this could lead to internet throttling. Similarly, you won’t be able to access out-of-market content or stream from international regions because your real IP will be visible.
If your VPN is leaking DNS information, then it’s likely there’s another place where it’s failing too. If your VPN is not working properly, several types of leaks can happen.
| Definition | |
| DNS leaks | DNS requests go to your ISP’s DNS server rather than your VPN’s |
| IP address leaks | Your IP address isn’t properly encrypted, such as when using a proxy or a low-quality VPN |
| WebRTC leaks | A video or audio connection (i.e., Skype, Google Hangouts, etc.) causes your IP address to become exposed |
| Traffic leaks | All of your online activity goes outside of the encrypted VPN tunnel |
There are various reasons you could experience a DNS leak, and it depends on your specific VPN provider. But here are the most common causes.
Free or low-quality VPNs may not have secure or private DNS servers that can effectively deliver your request. We recommend you use a high-quality VPN with its own DNS servers, such as NordVPN.
Unless you know what you’re doing, you may have accidentally misconfigured your VPN. If it’s getting blocked, you can learn how to bypass VPN blocks without compromising your security.
You or someone providing support for your device may have reconfigured your DNS settings, which can interfere with your VPN’s ability to mask it. Make sure to talk with verified tech support from a trustworthy source to correct it.
Some third-party apps or software may be altering your DNS settings, which would cause it to leak when paired with a VPN. Someone could also have poisoned your DNS cache so that it returns incorrect responses to your requests.
IPv6 is newer than IPv4, and some VPNs may not be able to handle it properly. If your network connection is using IPv6, it’s likely to cause an IP address leak, but DNS leaks are also possible. If you can, or with the help of tech support, switch to IPv4.
When you use a VPN’s DNS servers, the ISP may implement a transparent proxy so your traffic returns to your ISP. The only real solution is a quality VPN to circumvent the ISP.
If you’re running Windows 8 or newer, Smart Multi-Homed Name Resolution (SMHNR) may overwrite your DNS settings if it thinks there’s a better server available. From our research, the only way to avoid this is to disable the feature.
There are some telltale signs of DNS leaks. If a website isn’t what you expected or looks wrong, that could be one indication. Uncommonly slow internet speeds can also be a sign, but bear in mind speeds are influenced by several factors.
You may also see inconsistent location information. For example, you have a VPN server set to Germany, but your location is showing elsewhere. Of course, the easiest way to know if you have a DNS leak is to run a DNS leak test.
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There are plenty of reasons why DNS leaks occur and fixing them may not be simple. Below are some common troubleshooting techniques. Remember, you can reach out to your VPN’s tech support or an outside source like The Geek Squad for help too.
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If you’re looking for a new VPN, we’ve tested them all. These are some of the best VPNs available to keep your DNS secure.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
Yes, you should be worried. Check your DNS settings and watch for signs you may have a leak. If you detect a DNS leak, get it fixed ASAP. The best way to have peace of mind against DNS leaks is by using a quality VPN.
There are several signs of a potential DNS leak. If your internet queries return unwanted results, your internet connection slows down, or you see discrepancies in your server location or IP address, you may have a leak.
DNS leak tests are safe as long as you use reputable testing sites such as DNS Leak Test. Be careful of any unverified site that may be trying to steal your data.
Several VPNs offer great DNS servers. To ensure you’re getting the best, you’ll need to use a quality service from a reputable company. Our top recommendation is NordVPN, as it comes with IPv6 support and built-in DNS leak protection.
DNS leaks, a breach in the information shared during internet requests, pose potential security issues for VPN users. Some common reasons leaks occur include using a subpar VPN service, misconfigured VPNs and DNSs, unauthorized third parties or apps to name a few.
The best way to arm yourself against DNS leaks is to use one of the most secure VPNs available. You should also do regular checks of your system to make sure other issues aren’t causing leaks. Safeguarding your privacy leads to less spam and scams and even reduces your chances of identity theft.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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