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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Attackers trick your DNS resolver into returning the wrong IP address, redirecting you to malicious websites.
If your DNS servers are overloaded or unreliable, websites will load slowly—even with fast internet.
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.
These protocols encrypt your DNS traffic, preventing ISPs or attackers from snooping on your requests.
A good VPN routes DNS queries through its own servers, preventing leaks and keeping your activity private.
Use tools like vpntest.pro/test to confirm your DNS is secure.
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.
WebRTC can also cause leaks in Chrome. Install a WebRTC leak prevent extension to block these hidden requests.
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.
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.
Type about:config
in the address bar.
Search for media.peerconnection.enabled
.
Set it to false to disable WebRTC and stop potential leaks.
If you use Firefox VPN extensions, ensure they are from trusted providers and support DNS leak protection.
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.
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.
Make sure your VPN is turned on and running.
Go to vpntest.pro/test in your browser.
Click on the Start Test button. The tool will query your DNS servers and display 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.
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.
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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