How to Fix DNS Leaks - WhoisNexus Academy

Key Takeaways

A DNS Leak exposes your browsing history to your ISP, even with a VPN.
It happens when your computer uses your ISP's DNS server instead of the VPN's.
Fixing it usually requires enabling "DNS Protection" in your VPN app.
Use reliable 3rd party DNS (Cloudflare, Google) as a backup.

You might be using a VPN, but your computer could still be revealing your identity through a DNS Leak. Here is how to stop it.

What is a DNS Leak?

When you type a website (e.g., facebook.com) into your browser, your computer contacts a DNS Server to find the IP address of that site. Typically, this server is owned by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

If you use a VPN, all traffic—including these DNS requests—should go through the VPN tunnel to the VPN's private DNS servers. A DNS Leak happens when your computer accidentally bypasses the VPN tunnel and sends DNS requests directly to your ISP. This reveals your browsing history to your ISP, even if the VPN is on.

How to Detect a Leak

The easiest way is to use a specialized tool.

Connect to your VPN.
Go to a DNS Leak Test tool (like ours).
Look at the location/owner of the DNS servers it detects.

The Rule

If the test shows your actual ISP's name or your real location, you have a leak. If it shows the VPN provider's name or a different country, you are safe.

How to Fix It

Enable "DNS Leak Protection": Most premium VPN apps have a setting specifically for this. Make sure it is turned ON.
Change Manual DNS: Configure your computer to use secure, third-party DNS servers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8) instead of your ISP's default.
Disable IPv6: Sometimes leaks happen over IPv6 because the VPN only tunnels IPv4 traffic. Disabling IPv6 in your network adapter settings can fix this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Incognito mode prevent DNS leaks?

No. Incognito mode only stops your browser from saving history. It does not control how your computer routes network traffic.

Can my router cause a DNS leak?

Yes. If your router is configured to force the ISP's DNS, it might override your computer's settings. Setting a custom DNS (like 1.1.1.1) in your router admin panel is a good fix.

Are you leaking data right now?
Run DNS Leak Test