DNS Leak Test
Check if your DNS requests are properly protected by your VPN or if they're leaking to your ISP.
Understanding the Results
When using a VPN, all your DNS requests should go through the VPN's DNS servers. If you see your ISP's DNS servers or servers from different locations, your DNS requests may be leaking outside the VPN tunnel.
What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names like "google.com" into IP addresses that computers use to connect. Every time you visit a website, your device sends a DNS query to find out where that website is located.
The DNS Process
What is a DNS Leak?
A DNS leak occurs when your DNS queries bypass your VPN and go directly to your ISP's DNS servers. This means your ISP can see every website you visit, even when connected to a VPN.
With DNS Leak
Your ISP sees: "User visited netflix.com, reddit.com, example.com..."
Without DNS Leak
Your ISP sees: Encrypted traffic to VPN server only
How to Prevent DNS Leaks
- Use a VPN with DNS leak protection - Most premium VPNs include this feature automatically.
- Configure custom DNS servers - Use the VPN's DNS servers or privacy-focused options like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
- Disable IPv6 - Some DNS leaks occur through IPv6. Disable it if your VPN doesn't support it.
- Enable kill switch - Prevents any traffic, including DNS, if the VPN disconnects.
Recommended VPNs with DNS Protection
These VPNs include automatic DNS leak protection and run their own private DNS servers.
See Best VPNs for Privacy