If you’re not sure whether your VPN is leaking DNS requests, the first thing you should do is run a quickVPN test using a reliable tool. Head over to VPNTest.Pro’s free VPN testing tool while your VPN is active. This tool will instantly show whether your DNS requests are going through your VPN or leaking out to your ISP.

Look at the DNS servers listed in the test results. If any of them are associated with your local ISP or show your actual location, that’s a clear sign of a leak. On the other hand, if the results show DNS servers from your VPN provider and no trace of your true IP or location, your VPN is working as it should.

What makes theVPN testing tool especially useful is that it not only checks for DNS leaks but also runs IP and WebRTC tests. It gives you a complete picture of your VPN's performance, all in one place and without needing to download anything. This is the first step in identifying any leaks that may be silently exposing your data.

Several things can cause DNS leaks. Sometimes it’s your operating system, sometimes it's a poor VPN setup, and sometimes it’s the network you’re connected to. For instance, Windows has a feature called Smart Multi-Homed Name Resolution, which can route DNS traffic outside the VPN tunnel, especially when multiple interfaces are active. Some VPN apps fail to override the system’s DNS settings completely, which allows your device to fall back to using your ISP’s DNS servers.

If you’ve manually configured DNS settings in your network adapter or router, those settings may take precedence over the VPN’s default configurations. Public Wi-Fi networks with transparent DNS proxies can also redirect your DNS traffic without your knowledge. Even IPv6 connections—which many VPNs don’t support properly—can leak DNS data. All of these factors add up, and if you don’t actively plug the holes, you might never know your VPN isn't doing its job.

Fixing DNS leaks isn’t complicated, but it does require going through a few layers of your device’s settings. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to do to ensure that your DNS requests are completely secured inside your VPN tunnel.

Step 1: Use a VPN That Has DNS Leak Protection Built In

The most reliable fix is choosing a VPN that routes all DNS traffic through its own servers. Many premium VPNs include DNS leak protection by default, but not all do—so it’s worth checking your settings.

What to do:

• Look for settings like “Prevent DNS leaks” or “Use VPN DNS” inside your VPN app.
  

• Make sure those settings are enabled before connecting.
  

• Stick with VPNs that have their own DNS infrastructure (NordVPN, ProtonVPN, Mullvad, etc.).
  

• If your VPN lacks this option altogether, switch providers—your privacy depends on it.
  

Step 2: Manually Change Your DNS Servers

You can hard-code secure DNS servers into your network settings. This won’t fully protect you from leaks unless your VPN also enforces DNS routing, but it’s a solid backup.

Recommended DNS options:

• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

• Quad9: 9.9.9.9
  

How to change DNS on Windows:

• Go to: Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings
  

• Right-click your active connection → Properties
  
  

• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

• Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses”

• Enter your chosen DNS

• Repeat for IPv6 if needed
  

Step 3: Disable IPv6 on Your Device

Many VPNs don’t handle IPv6 traffic properly. This means even if your IPv4 is protected, you might still be leaking through IPv6 without knowing it.

How to disable IPv6 on Windows:

• Open Network Connections
  

• Right-click your active adapter → Properties

• Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)

• Click OK and restart your device
  

On macOS/Linux:
Disable via terminal or system settings (search for “disable IPv6 [your OS]”)

Step 4: Turn Off Smart Multi-Homed Name Resolution (Windows Only)

This Windows feature can silently bypass your VPN’s DNS settings by resolving DNS across multiple connections. It’s turned on by default in many systems.

How to disable it:

• Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter
  

• Go to:
  Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > DNS Client
  

• Double-click “Turn off smart multi-homed name resolution”
  

• Set it to Enabled
  

• Click Apply and OK
  

This makes sure Windows sticks to one DNS route—your VPN’s.

Step 5: Use a Firewall or VPN Kill Switch

Even the best VPN can disconnect for a moment—and when it does, your device might fall back to your normal network and leak DNS requests. That’s where a kill switch helps.

What you should do:

• Open your VPN app and enable the kill switch (look under “Connection” or “Privacy” settings).
  
  

• Some VPNs also offer firewall integration that blocks any DNS or IP traffic unless the VPN tunnel is active.
  
  

• These features are critical if you’re often switching networks or working with sensitive data.

After making these changes, head back to VPNTest.Pro and run another DNS test. You should no longer see any ISP DNS servers or real location data. Keep in mind that DNS leaks can reappear after system updates, VPN client changes, or switching networks—so it’s a good habit to test regularly.

DNS leaks are quiet but dangerous. They compromise your privacy without giving you any clear signs, which makes them hard to catch. But now that you know how they work and how to fix them, you’re already ahead of most VPN users. Start by using a VPN with built-in leak protection. Change your DNS settings if needed. Disable IPv6 and lock down Windows leak points. Then run a full test using a trusted VPN testing tool to confirm everything is sealed. Fixing this issue doesn’t take long—but not fixing it could leave you completely exposed.

1. Can DNS leaks happen even with paid VPNs?

Yes, they can. Even premium VPNs can leak DNS traffic if their app settings are misconfigured or if your system has manual DNS settings or IPv6 enabled. Always test after setup.

2. What’s the difference between a DNS leak and an IP leak?

An IP leak exposes your real IP address, while a DNS leak reveals your browsing history by showing which domains you’re visiting. Both are privacy threats, but DNS leaks often go unnoticed.

3. Does using incognito mode prevent DNS leaks?

No. Incognito mode only hides your local browser history. It doesn’t change how DNS requests are sent, and it won’t protect you from leaks. You still need a properly configured VPN.

4. Can I use browser extensions to stop DNS leaks?

Not reliably. VPN browser extensions only protect traffic inside that browser and often lack DNS or WebRTC protection. For full security, always use a desktop VPN client.

5. How often should I check my VPN for leaks?

Check whenever you update your VPN app, switch networks, or modify system settings. It’s a good habit to run aVPN leak test weekly to stay safe.