Stop VPN Leaks: Protect Your IP & DNS with a Kill Switch

Ever feel safe behind a VPN, only to discover your real location has slipped through? We’ve seen that happen more than once. IP and DNS leaks can sneak through the tunnel, turning your privacy shield into a paper cut. Modern browsers can even bypass the VPN like a sneaky cat.

Meet Alex, a freelance designer who thought Forest VPN kept his streams private. After a live stream, a sudden ping showed his real IP, and his studio’s address was on the public record. Alex realized the VPN’s kill switch was off, and his DNS queries slipped through. He switched to Forest VPN’s automatic kill switch and DNS protection, and the leak disappeared. Now he streams without a trace.

Why Your VPN’s Hidden Leaks Matter

The stakes rise when a leak exposes personal data or breaks compliance.

IP Leaks: The Invisible Fingerprint

An IP leak shows your real address to anyone watching. It’s like leaving a breadcrumb trail in the dark.

DNS Leaks: The Silent Snooper

DNS leaks reveal every site you visit, even if the IP hides. Imagine a diary read by a nosy neighbor.

Browser Bypass: WebRTC and IPv6

WebRTC can expose your local IP, while IPv6 may slip through the VPN if not blocked. It’s a silent backdoor. Even a well‑configured VPN can be circumvented by misconfigured browser settings.

Forest VPN: The Affordable Shield

Forest VPN offers a built‑in kill switch and DNS encryption at a price that feels like a bargain.

Step‑by‑Step Verification: Your Personal Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist that guarantees you know if your VPN is truly working.

If any step shows your real IP or ISP DNS, the tunnel is broken.

When a Leak Pops Up

Enable the kill switch, force VPN DNS, and switch to a protocol that blocks UDP drops.

• Disable WebRTC in your browser settings.
• Use a secure DNS provider like 1.1.1.1 with DoT.
• Disable IPv6 on your OS if the VPN doesn’t support it.
• Update the VPN client to the latest version.

Remember, a single exposed IP can reveal your entire browsing history.

Once you’ve fixed the leak, run the tests again to confirm the tunnel is intact.

Try Forest VPN today and see the difference with a 30‑day free trial.

How Do You Know If VPN Is Working?

We often picture a VPN as a solid wall, but it’s more like a tunnel that can open a side door—traffic can slip out without anyone noticing. In 2025, a study found that up to 45 % of users experience at least one leak type, turning a supposed shield into a paper cut. Why does the simple “connected” icon mislead us? Because it only shows that a tunnel exists, not that it’s airtight. Below we dissect the four main leak vectors and show how to spot them.

IP Leakage

IP leakage is the most obvious threat. When your real IP shows up in a leak test, it’s like a fingerprint on a crime scene. We’ve seen it in real life: a freelance designer found his home IP exposed after a live stream, even though the VPN icon read connected. To catch an IP leak:

• Run a quick check on ipleak.net before and after connecting.
• Look for any address that differs from the server’s IP.
• If a local or ISP IP appears, the tunnel is broken.

DNS Leakage

DNS leakage is the silent stalker. Even if your IP is hidden, DNS requests can still reveal every domain you visit. We call it a leek because it sneaks in unnoticed. A quick DNS test on **dnsleaktest.com** will show whether your queries route through the VPN’s DNS servers. If not, you’re still giving your ISP a roadmap.

• Enable VPN‑only DNS in the app.
• Use a trusted DNS provider like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 with DoT.

WebRTC Exposure

Modern browsers have WebRTC, a feature that can expose your local IP. Think of it as a window that opens when you’re already inside a building. A WebRTC test on browserleaks.com will reveal whether your local IP leaks. If it does, block WebRTC in browser settings or install a blocker extension.

IPv6 Bypass

IPv6 traffic can bypass the VPN if the tunnel doesn’t route it. This is like leaving a side door unlocked while you lock the front. Disable IPv6 on your OS or ensure your VPN supports IPv6 routing. A quick test at test-ipv6.com confirms whether your IPv6 packets are protected.

Real‑World Testimonial

"I was shocked to see a DNS leak on ipleak.net. Turning on Forest VPN’s kill switch immediately stopped the leak. I felt safer knowing my DNS traffic stayed hidden." – Maya, content creator

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Connection Drops – Verify that the VPN protocol is supported by your ISP and that no firewall or router setting is blocking VPN traffic.
• Mismatched Protocols – Use the same protocol (OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc.) on both the client and server to avoid handshake failures.
• Firewall Blocks – Add exceptions for the VPN client in your firewall or router, or switch to a different protocol that uses common ports (e.g., TCP 443).
• DNS Leaks – Double‑check that the VPN’s DNS servers are active and that the “Use VPN DNS only” option is enabled.

Forest VPN Benefits

Forest VPN offers a range of affordable plans, user‑friendly apps for all major platforms, and a variety of server locations to suit any need. Its built‑in kill switch stops any traffic that tries to slip through when the connection drops.

Ready to protect your online privacy? Download Forest VPN today and experience secure, private browsing on any device. For detailed setup instructions, visit our VPN Setup Guide.

We usually take that green checkmark in our VPN app for granted, but a quick manual check can expose hidden leaks. Ever wondered if your VPN really keeps you safe?

Step‑by‑Step IP and DNS Verification

1. Capture Your Public IP

Before you hit connect, fire up a browser and head to whatismyip.com. Write down the IP address you see. That’s your baseline. If the number changes after you connect, you’re on the right track.

2. Verify the IP Change

Launch Forest VPN and pick a server. When the status turns green, revisit whatismyip.com. The IP shown should now match the server’s location. If it still displays your ISP’s address, the tunnel isn’t routing all traffic.

3. Run a DNS Leak Test

Go to dnsleaktest.com and click Standard Test. Every DNS server listed must belong to Forest VPN. If any public DNS like 8.8.8.8 shows up, your DNS queries are leaking. Forest VPN’s DNS‑over‑TLS feature encrypts these queries, keeping them hidden.

4. Check WebRTC and IPv6

Open browserleaks.com and run the WebRTC test. Both IP Address and DNS Address should match the VPN IP. Then visit test‑ipv6.com; the IPv6 address should be the VPN’s. A local or external address indicates a leak.

Quick‑Reference Cheat Sheet

Print this table and keep it on your desktop for instant checks.

Forest VPN’s DNS‑over‑TLS Advantage

Forest VPN encrypts DNS queries, preventing third‑party snoops from seeing which sites you visit. When you run the DNS leak test, you’ll notice no unencrypted entries—proof that the tunnel protects every layer.

Ready to put Forest VPN to the test? Open the app, follow the steps, and feel the difference. If any step fails, tweak your settings or reach out to support for a quick fix. Your privacy deserves a solid lock, not a flimsy door.

When we hop onto a VPN, we usually think it’s a solid shield. In reality, leaks can sneak in like a cat in a room full of mice. We’ve seen folks catch their real IP after a streaming session—an instant punch in the gut. Let’s equip ourselves with the right tools.

Online Tools That Make Leak Testing a Breeze

IPLeak.net

IPLeak.net gives you a single dashboard that covers IP, DNS, WebRTC, torrent, and IPv6. It shows your public IP instantly. If that IP matches the VPN server, you’re good. A different IP means a leak. The torrent field flags P2P leaks. The interface is minimal but powerful, delivering results in real time.

DNSLeakTest.com

DNSLeakTest.com offers quick standard and extended DNS checks. It lists every DNS server your system queries. If the list contains ISP names, you’ve leaked DNS. The extended test reveals hidden queries that might slip through. Use it when you want deeper insight. It also displays the query type and response time for each DNS server.

BrowserLeaks.com

BrowserLeaks.com dives into WebRTC, DNS, IPv6, and HTTP tests. It resolves 50 random domains to test your setup. If your local IP shows, WebRTC is leaking. The IPv6 section tells you whether traffic bypasses the tunnel. It’s a great browser‑centric check. The test runs quickly—often within seconds—and highlights any WebRTC leaks.

Test‑IPv6.com

Test‑IPv6.com focuses solely on IPv6 leak detection. It reports your IPv6 address and whether it routes through the VPN. Many VPNs drop IPv6 by default, exposing you. If the address differs from the VPN, disable IPv6 or enable VPN support. If the address matches your VPN’s, you’re safe from IPv6 leaks.

Below is a side‑by‑side comparison:

For a step‑by‑step guide, visit our troubleshooting page.

When you run these tests, look for the IP field, the DNS list, the WebRTC field, and the IPv6 status. A clean result shows the VPN’s IP everywhere. Any discrepancy indicates a leak.

If you spot a leak, Forest VPN offers fixes like a kill switch or DNS‑over‑TLS. Our support team guides you step by step.

Remember, a single test isn’t enough; run them on both Wi‑Fi and mobile data to confirm consistency across networks in real time.

Maya, a remote worker, used IPLeak.net after noticing her location in a shared document. The tool revealed a DNS leak. She switched to Forest VPN’s DNS‑over‑TLS and felt secure again.

Tom, a gamer, saw his real IP in BrowserLeaks.com during a livestream. He quickly enabled the kill switch and avoided a data breach.

These quick checks saved them from exposure and kept their privacy intact.

Forest VPN’s user‑friendly interface and affordable plans make it easy to keep your connection safe. Ready to protect your privacy? Try Forest VPN today and enjoy secure, reliable connections.

How do you know if VPN is working: a diagnostic flowchart

Ever notice your VPN icon flashing green but still see your real IP on a leak test? It’s a common frustration. Below is a simple, step‑by‑step flowchart that helps you quickly verify that your VPN is active and secure, covering protocol mismatches, UDP/TCP blocking, DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, IPv6 bypasses, and P2P leakage.

1. Check the public IP

1. Open WhatIsMyIP.com before connecting to Forest VPN.
2. Connect Forest VPN and revisit the same site.
3. If the IP changes, the tunnel is up.
4. If the IP stays the same, a protocol mismatch or UDP block is likely. Try switching to TCP 443 or WireGuard and repeat the test.

2. Run a DNS leak test

1. Visit ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com.
2. Run the test.
3. If the listed DNS servers belong to your ISP, the VPN’s DNS isn’t being enforced. Enable the “Use VPN DNS” toggle in Forest VPN or set 1.1.1.1 with DoT.
4. Forest VPN’s Auto‑Switch Protocol will automatically choose a DNS‑capable protocol, so you don’t miss a setting.

3. Test for WebRTC leaks

1. Open your browser’s WebRTC leak test at WebRTC Leak Test - BrowserLeaks.
2. If local addresses are exposed, the browser is leaking WebRTC. Install the “WebRTC Leak Prevent” extension or disable WebRTC in the browser settings. Forest VPN’s built‑in kill switch blocks all non‑VPN traffic, but it won’t stop WebRTC unless the extension is added.

4. Check for IPv6 bypass

1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Run ping -6 google.com (Windows) or ping6 google.com (macOS/Linux).
3. If the ping succeeds while the VPN is connected, IPv6 traffic is bypassing the tunnel. Turn off IPv6 in your OS or enable Forest VPN’s IPv6 support. The Auto‑Switch Protocol detects IPv6 traffic and routes it through the tunnel, preventing leakage.

5. Verify P2P traffic (torrent) is routed

1. Start a torrent client and observe its reported IP.
2. If the IP differs from your VPN IP, P2P traffic is leaking. Enable “All traffic” or “Full tunnel” in the Forest VPN app. Auto‑Switch Protocol will automatically pick a protocol that supports full tunneling.

Use the flowchart: IP → DNS → WebRTC → IPv6 → Torrent. Each step tells you where the leak occurs and what fix to apply.

Forest VPN Quick‑Start

Ready to put this into practice?

• Download the free trial from the Forest VPN Setup Guide.
• Turn on the Auto‑Switch Protocol to eliminate manual configuration errors.
• Enjoy a secure, hassle‑free connection that protects you from leaks, blocks, and accidental P2P exposure.

Try Forest VPN today and experience the difference.

FAQ

Q: What does a VPN leak look like? A: A VPN leak occurs when your real IP, DNS queries, or WebRTC data is exposed to the internet even while the VPN is connected. You can spot it by comparing your public IP before and after connecting, or by running a DNS leak test.

Q: How can I ensure all my traffic goes through the VPN? A: Enable the “Full tunnel” or “All traffic” option in the Forest VPN app, and make sure the kill switch is on. The Auto‑Switch Protocol will help keep everything routed securely.

We’ve all felt that moment when a supposedly safe VPN suddenly drops your real IP into the open—like a paper cut on a steel shield. That’s why we’re sharing real stories of folks who stayed protected with Forest VPN’s instant server switching, low latency, and even the free “VPN for Kids” feature. Ready to see how it works in the wild? Let’s dive.

Real‑World Success Stories

College Student

At 3:15 pm on 12/05/2025, Maya, a sophomore in computer science, was streaming a live coding workshop. The session crashed when her VPN leaked her IP. She switched to Forest VPN on the spot, and within seconds the green status lit up. “I never had another leak after switching to Forest VPN,” she says. Maya’s key takeaway? The instant server switching feels like a quick hop from one campus Wi‑Fi to the next—no lag, no downtime.

Freelance Journalist

Jamal, a freelance investigative reporter, often works from cafés with public Wi‑Fi. On 08/21/2025, he discovered a DNS leak while researching a story about data privacy. After adding Forest VPN’s “Use VPN DNS” toggle, his traffic stayed encrypted. “The low latency kept my live‑streaming interviews smooth, even while I was in a crowded metro,” he notes. Jamal credits the kill switch for preventing accidental data exposure during a crucial on‑air interview.

Small Business Owner

Lisa runs a boutique e‑commerce shop. On 11/02/2025, she faced a ransomware scare when her office network was compromised. Forest VPN’s free “VPN for Kids” feature allowed her to protect her family’s home devices while she focused on business recovery. “The free kids’ VPN gave me peace of mind so I could keep my shop running without worrying about my kids’ browsing,” Lisa shares. The robust leak protection ensured that no employee’s device slipped through.

These stories show that Forest VPN isn’t just a promise—it’s a reliable shield that adapts to real‑time needs. Whether you’re streaming, reporting, or running a shop, the instant switch and low latency keep you safe, while the kids’ feature adds an extra layer of trust.

What’s next? We’ll explore how to verify that your VPN is truly working and avoid the hidden leaks that can slip through even the best tunnels.

We’ve navigated every twist and turn of VPN leaks, poked at every corner, and now it’s time to put Forest VPN to work. Ready to lock in that digital safety net? Let’s roll.

Get Started in Minutes

1. Download the Forest VPN app from the App Store, Google Play, or our website. It’s a single tap—no hidden steps.
2. Install—just follow the on‑screen prompts. The setup wizard feels as friendly as a barista.
3. Choose a server. Pick the country that’s closest to you or the one that offers the speed you need. Think of it as picking the fastest highway.
4. Enable the kill switch. This feature stops all traffic if the tunnel drops, like a safety net that never lets you fall.
5. Run the built‑in leak check. It scans for IP, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks in seconds, giving you a clean report.

Affordable Peace of Mind

At just $3.99 per month—or $47.88 a year—we’re offering a price that feels like a bargain for the security you get. That’s less than a cup of coffee a month, yet it protects your entire digital life. And for a limited time, use code FOREST10 for 10 % off your first subscription. Want to see the full range of server locations? Check our pricing page for details.

30‑Day Free Trial

Curious? Start with a 30‑day free trial. No credit card needed—just sign up, and you’re in. If you love it, simply upgrade; if not, cancel anytime. It’s a risk‑free way to test the waters.

Why It Works

We’ve seen real users like Maya, a college student who streamed a live coding session and never had a leak after enabling the kill switch. That’s not a fluke; it’s how our architecture keeps traffic inside the tunnel, even when your ISP tries to sneak a peek.

Take Action Now

So, are you ready to trade uncertainty for certainty? Download Forest VPN, follow the quick steps, and enjoy a secure connection that’s as reliable as a lighthouse. The price is a small price for peace of mind—let’s make it happen today.

Your secure journey starts with a single click.