DNS Leak Test
A DNS leak happens when your device resolves domain names through your ISP's DNS servers instead of your VPN or proxy — quietly exposing the sites you visit and your real location. This test reveals which DNS servers are handling your requests, so you can confirm your VPN or proxy is fully protecting them.
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What is a DNS leak?
A DNS leak happens when your DNS queries — the lookups that turn a domain name like example.com into an IP address — travel to your ISP's resolver instead of the DNS server of your VPN or proxy. Even if your traffic is encrypted, these lookups can reveal which sites you visit and expose your real ISP and approximate location.
Why DNS leaks matter
When you use a VPN or proxy to change your apparent location, a DNS leak undermines it: the website — or your ISP — can still see your real resolver. For account management, ad verification, or privacy testing, a leak makes your setup look inconsistent and easier to flag.
How to fix a DNS leak
- Use a VPN or proxy that routes DNS through its own encrypted resolver.
- Disable IPv6 if your provider only tunnels IPv4, since IPv6 requests can bypass the tunnel.
- Set your system or browser DNS manually to a trusted resolver instead of the ISP default.
- Re-run this test after each change to confirm the leak is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DNS leak?
A DNS leak occurs when your device sends DNS requests through your internet service provider instead of the VPN or proxy you are using. This can reveal the websites you visit and your real location.
What is a DNS leak check?
A DNS leak check is a test that identifies which DNS servers are resolving your domain requests. It helps determine whether your DNS traffic is protected by your VPN or leaking to your ISP.
Why should I perform a DNS leak check?
Running a DNS leak check helps ensure that your VPN or proxy is correctly protecting your DNS requests and not exposing your browsing activity.
How does a DNS leak check work?
A DNS leak check sends multiple DNS queries and analyzes which DNS servers respond. If the servers belong to your ISP instead of your VPN provider, a DNS leak may be present.
How can I fix a DNS leak?
You can fix a DNS leak by enabling DNS leak protection in your VPN, switching to secure DNS servers, or adjusting your network settings.
Does a DNS leak reveal my real IP address?
Not always. A DNS leak mainly exposes your DNS provider and approximate location, but it may still compromise your online privacy.
Why do I see multiple DNS servers in the results?
Many networks use multiple DNS resolvers for redundancy and performance. Seeing multiple servers is normal as long as they belong to your VPN provider.
Can DNS leaks happen even when using a VPN?
Yes. If the VPN is misconfigured or DNS leak protection is disabled, your system may still send DNS queries through your ISP.