How to Check for DNS Leaks: Ensure Your VPN Is Truly Protecting Your Privacy (2025)

You trust your VPN to keep your online activities private, but what if it’s silently failing? DNS leaks—when your internet requests bypass your VPN’s encrypted tunnel—can expose your browsing history, location, and even identity to your ISP or snoops. In 2025, with stricter data laws and advanced tracking, testing for leaks is non-negotiable. Here’s how to verify your VPN’s integrity in minutes.

What Is a DNS Leak—and Why Should You Care?

A DNS (Domain Name System) leak occurs when your device sends website requests outside your VPN’s encrypted connection, typically to your ISP’s default servers. This exposes:

• Your browsing history: Every site you visit becomes visible.
• Your real IP address: Even if your VPN shows a different location.
• Your ISP’s control: They can log, throttle, or sell your data.

Modern VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN include built-in DNS leak protection, but misconfigurations or network quirks can still cause leaks.

How to Test for DNS Leaks in 2025

Follow these steps to check your VPN’s DNS security:

Step 1: Use a Reliable DNS Leak Test Tool

Visit a trusted testing site like DNSLeakTest.com or ipleak.net. Avoid unknown tools—some fake tests harvest data.

Step 2: Run the Test With and Without Your VPN

1. Disconnect your VPN and run the test. Note the IP and DNS servers listed (these are your real ones).
2. Reconnect to your VPN and rerun the test. If you see the same servers as before, you have a leak.

Step 3: Check for WebRTC Leaks (Bonus)

Some browsers expose your IP via WebRTC. Tools like BrowserLeaks.com can detect this. If your VPN doesn’t block WebRTC leaks, consider switching to one that does, like Surfshark.

Fixing DNS Leaks: Quick Solutions

If your test reveals leaks, try these fixes:

• Enable your VPN’s DNS leak protection: Look for this setting in the app (often under “Privacy” or “Security”).
• Switch to a secure DNS provider: Use your VPN’s DNS servers or trusted alternatives like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
• Update your VPN app: Older versions may have unresolved bugs.

Persistent leaks? Your VPN might be the issue. Check our privacy guides for leak-proof alternatives.

Best VPNs With Built-In DNS Leak Protection (2025)

Not all VPNs handle DNS equally. These top picks automatically prevent leaks:

Stay One Step Ahead of Snoops

DNS leaks undermine your VPN’s core purpose—privacy. Test monthly, especially after app updates or network changes. For seamless protection, choose a VPN that bakes leak prevention into its design, like our top-rated NordVPN (currently offering a 2025 discount). Your browsing habits deserve to stay yours alone.