VPN Leak Check: Protect Your IP, DNS, and WebRTC Privacy

We’re all streaming, gaming, or just browsing, thinking a VPN keeps us safe. But your real IP, DNS requests, or browser data can still slip through. That’s why a vpn leak check is essential if you care about privacy. In this guide we’ll walk through the three common leak types—IP, DNS, and WebRTC/WebSocket—in plain language. We’ll also show you how to test, read results, and fix leaks, while highlighting Forest VPN as a reliable, affordable choice.

vpn leak check

When a VPN is on, your traffic should travel through a secure tunnel. If it doesn’t, you’re leaking data. The most common leaks are:

How to test VPN for DNS leaks

1. Connect to your VPN (any protocol).
2. Open dnsleaktest.com.
3. Click “Standard test.”
4. If any listed DNS server belongs to your ISP, a leak exists.
5. Take a screenshot for future reference.

Tip: If only VPN‑provided servers appear, your DNS traffic is safe.

VPN IP leak check

1. With the VPN active, visit ipleak.net.
2. In the “IP addresses” section, confirm the IP matches the VPN’s location.
3. The “WebRTC detection” box will also show any non‑VPN IPs.
4. Capture a screenshot.

How to detect a WebRTC/WebSocket leak

1. While the VPN is running, go to browserleaks.com/webrtc.
2. The page lists Local and Public IP addresses.
3. Any IP that isn’t the VPN’s indicates a WebRTC leak.
4. Screenshot the results.

Interpreting the results

• IP Leak: Your real location is exposed.
• DNS Leak: Your ISP can see the sites you visit.
• WebRTC Leak: Your browser bypasses the tunnel.

Remediation tactics

Pro tip: After any change, re‑run the tests to confirm the leak is gone.

Regular testing checklist

Forest VPN offers a built‑in kill switch, DNS leak protection, and WebRTC blocking, so you can run these tests with confidence. Try it today and keep your online world private.

We’ve all set up a VPN expecting a blanket of privacy, but the internet still has a way of poking through. That’s why a VPN IP leak check is more than a checklist; it’s a lifeline. Imagine your real address showing up on a public Wi‑Fi log even when the tunnel is active. That’s an IP leak, and it can let advertisers, governments, or nosy neighbors track you. We’ll break down the three most common leaks and show you how to spot and stop them.

IP Address Leaks

When your real public IP shows up while the VPN is on, the tunnel is leaking. Why does it matter? Because your location, ISP, and even your device name become visible to anyone monitoring the traffic. Think of it like a secret door that still lets a flashlight through. A friend once saw a different IP in their VPN logs and realized a leak was exposing their home address.

Quick visual cue: Picture a device inside a locked box, but a single wire drags out to the outside world.

DNS Leaks

DNS is the phonebook of the internet. If your queries go straight to your ISP instead of the VPN, your browsing list is on display. It’s like shouting your favorite restaurant to the entire street. A DNS leak can also speed up tracking, as the ISP knows exactly which sites you visit.

Quick visual cue: Imagine a phonebook being handed to a passerby instead of being kept inside the encrypted envelope.

WebRTC/WebSocket Leaks

Modern browsers can discover local and public IPs through WebRTC, even when the VPN is active. This leak is sneaky; it bypasses the tunnel like a hidden tunnel under a city street. If you see a local IP in a browser leak test, your network devices are exposed.

Quick visual cue: A browser with a hidden camera pointing out of the window.

How to test VPN for DNS leaks

1. Choose a testing site – ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com.
2. Run the test – Click "Test" or "Start" on the site.
3. Read the results – If the IP shown matches your VPN’s IP, the tunnel is working. If it shows a different public IP, you have an IP leak.
4. Check DNS servers – The page will list the DNS servers your computer used. If they belong to your ISP or a public resolver (e.g., 8.8.8.8), a DNS leak is present.
5. Verify WebRTC – On ipleak.net, look for the "WebRTC" section. If it shows a local or public IP that is not your VPN’s, enable WebRTC blocking.

Typical outcome screenshots (described):

• IP Leak: Your real IP appears in the "Your IP" section.
• DNS Leak: The "DNS Servers" list includes your ISP’s server or a public resolver.
• WebRTC Leak: The "WebRTC" section shows a local or public IP that differs from the VPN’s IP.

Remediation tactics

• Enable the VPN kill switch – Stops all traffic if the tunnel drops.
• Switch protocols – Use WireGuard or OpenVPN over TCP for a tighter seal.
• Configure DNS settings – Choose a private DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare 1.1.1.1) or use the VPN’s DNS servers.
• Disable WebRTC in browsers – Use browser extensions or built‑in settings to block WebRTC.
• Enable built‑in DNS leak protection – Forest VPN offers this feature out of the box.
• Run a leak test after every change – Confirm the fix before resuming normal browsing.

Forest VPN tackles all these leaks head‑on. Its kill switch blocks traffic when the tunnel drops, built‑in DNS protection forces all queries through the VPN, and WebRTC blocking stops browsers from sneaking out. After each change, run a quick leak test on ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com to confirm the fix. If you’re still seeing your home IP, switch to WireGuard or OpenVPN over TCP – the more robust the protocol, the tighter the seal.

Leak Testing Checklist

Ready to keep every packet inside the tunnel? Try Forest VPN today and experience privacy that stays locked.