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DNS Leak Fix for Chrome and Firefox: A Simple User’s Guide

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• 8 min read
DNS Leak Fix for Chrome and Firefox: A Simple User’s Guide

When you connect to a VPN, all your internet traffic should be encrypted and routed through the VPN’s secure servers. However, sometimes your browser may bypass the VPN and send DNS requests directly to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is called a DNS leak, and it can expose your real IP address and browsing activity—even when you think you’re fully protected.

Fortunately, fixing DNS leaks in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox is simple. In this guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step methods to identify and fix DNS leaks, ensuring your VPN provides the privacy you expect.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a network of servers that work together to translate domain names into IP addresses. For example:

  • You type: example.com

  • DNS translates it to: 192.0.2.1

  • Your browser connects to that IP address and loads the site.

How Does DNS Work? Step by Step

How Does DNS Work? Step by Step
  • You enter a domain: You type vpntest.pro into your browser.

  • Query goes to DNS resolver: Your request is sent to a DNS resolver (usually managed by your ISP).

  • Resolver asks root servers: The resolver queries the root DNS servers to find where .pro domains are managed.

  • Authoritative DNS server: The resolver finds the correct authoritative server for vpntest.pro.

  • IP address returned: The authoritative server provides the correct IP address.

  • Browser connects: Your browser now connects directly to the site’s server using its IP address.

Why DNS is Important

Why DNS is Important
  • Speed: Faster DNS servers reduce website loading times.

  • Reliability: Without DNS, you can’t reach websites by name.

  • Privacy: DNS requests can reveal what sites you visit.

  • Security: Hackers sometimes exploit DNS to redirect users to fake websites.

Common DNS Issues

1. DNS Leaks

When using a VPN, your DNS requests should go through the VPN’s secure servers. A DNS leak happens if requests still go through your ISP, exposing your browsing activity.

2. DNS Spoofing / Cache Poisoning

Attackers trick your DNS resolver into returning the wrong IP address, redirecting you to malicious websites.

3. Slow DNS Servers

If your DNS servers are overloaded or unreliable, websites will load slowly—even with fast internet.

How to Protect Yourself from DNS Problems

1. Use Trusted DNS Providers

Instead of using your ISP’s DNS, you can switch to providers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) for speed and reliability.

2. Enable DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT)

These protocols encrypt your DNS traffic, preventing ISPs or attackers from snooping on your requests.

3. Use a VPN with DNS Leak Protection

A good VPN routes DNS queries through its own servers, preventing leaks and keeping your activity private.

4. Regularly Test for DNS Leaks

Use tools like vpntest.pro/test to confirm your DNS is secure.

DNS Leak Fix for Chrome

1. Disable Chrome’s Built-in DNS (DNS-over-HTTPS Settings)

  • Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Security.

  • Scroll down to Use secure DNS.

  • Either disable it or configure it to use your VPN provider’s DNS servers.

2. Disable WebRTC (Optional but Recommended)

WebRTC can also cause leaks in Chrome. Install a WebRTC leak prevent extension to block these hidden requests.

3. Use a VPN with Built-in DNS Protection

Some premium VPNs automatically prevent DNS leaks by routing DNS queries through their own servers. Make sure your VPN client has DNS leak protection enabled.

DNS Leak Fix for Firefox

1. Change DNS-over-HTTPS Settings

  • Open Settings > General > Network Settings > Settings....

  • Scroll down to Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH).

  • Set it to use your VPN’s DNS servers or disable it if your VPN manages DNS.

2. Disable WebRTC in Firefox

  • Type about:config in the address bar.

  • Search for media.peerconnection.enabled.

  • Set it to false to disable WebRTC and stop potential leaks.

3. Use Secure VPN Extensions

If you use Firefox VPN extensions, ensure they are from trusted providers and support DNS leak protection.


General Tips to Prevent DNS Leaks in Any Browser

  • Always use a VPN with strong DNS leak protection.

  • Run a DNS leak test regularly, especially after updating your browser or VPN.

  • Avoid free VPNs, which often lack proper leak protection.

  • Use encrypted DNS (DoH or DoT) tied to your VPN for maximum privacy.

Why Use vpntest.pro to Test DNS Leaks?

Why Use vpntest.pro to Test DNS Leaks?

There are many DNS leak test tools online, but vpntest.pro offers key advantages:

  • Free and fast: No registration required, instant results.

  • Accurate detection: Clearly shows if your DNS queries go through your VPN or your ISP.

  • Privacy-first: No logs of your test results.

  • Simple design: Just visit the page, click test, and see the results.


How to Test DNS with vpntest.pro

Step 1: Connect to Your VPN

Make sure your VPN is turned on and running.

Step 2: Visit vpntest.pro/test

Go to vpntest.pro/test in your browser.

Step 3: Run the Test

Click on the Start Test button. The tool will query your DNS servers and display the results.

Step 4: Read the Results

  • If you see your VPN’s DNS servers → ✅ You’re safe.

  • If you see your ISP’s DNS servers → ❌ You have a DNS leak.

FAQs

1. What causes a DNS leak in Chrome or Firefox?
Misconfigured browser settings, DNS-over-HTTPS conflicts, or weak VPN configurations often cause DNS leaks.

2. How can I know if my browser is leaking DNS?
Run a test on a DNS leak check website like vpntest.pro/test while connected to your VPN.

3. Can free VPNs prevent DNS leaks?
Most free VPNs don’t offer DNS leak protection and are more likely to expose your data.

4. Is DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) safe to use with VPNs?
Yes, but you should configure it to use your VPN’s DNS servers, not your ISP’s.

5. Do I need to disable WebRTC to stop DNS leaks?
WebRTC leaks are different from DNS leaks, but disabling it adds an extra layer of privacy.

6. Does using incognito mode prevent DNS leaks?
No, incognito mode only hides browsing history locally. It doesn’t stop DNS leaks.

7. How often should I test for DNS leaks?
Test after updating your browser, VPN software, or changing network connections.

8. Can DNS leaks expose my real location?
Yes, DNS leaks reveal your real IP address and location to websites and ISPs.

9. Is DNS-over-HTTPS better than VPN DNS protection?
They serve different purposes. VPN DNS protection ensures all queries go through the VPN, while DoH encrypts DNS traffic. Ideally, use both together.

10. What is the simplest fix for DNS leaks?
Using a reliable VPN with built-in DNS leak protection is the easiest solution.

Tags

DNS leak fix DNS leak Chrome DNS leak Firefox VPN DNS leak test prevent DNS leaks DNS leak protection browser DNS leaks privacy guide VPN
VPNTest

About VPNTest

Content Specialist with expertise in cybersecurity and online privacy. Sarah has been testing and reviewing VPN services for over 5 years and regularly contributes to leading tech publications.

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