DNS Leak Protection 2025: How to Prevent & Fix DNS Leaks [Step-by-Step]

DNS Leak Protection 2025: How to Prevent & Fix DNS Leaks [Step-by-Step]

What is a DNS Leak?

A DNS (Domain Name System) leak happens when your DNS requests break through your VPN protection and start going directly to your ISP's DNS servers which lets others track your internet activities.

How DNS Works

When you visit a website:

1. Your device sends a request to the DNS server for the IP address.
2. The DNS server sends back the correct IP address.
3. Your device establishes a connection to the specified IP address.

Types of DNS Leaks

1. IPv6 DNS Leaks

• VPN providers restrict their service to handle IPv4 data transmission only.
• The VPN fails to stop IPv6 DNS requests from moving outside its network.
• The problem tends to occur more frequently on modern operating systems.

2. Transparent DNS Proxies

• Some ISPs have the ability to block all DNS traffic.
• The system directs DNS requests to their server network.
• The issue occurs no matter what DNS settings you have configured.

3. DNS Hijacking

• Malicious redirection of DNS queries
• The system can create fake websites which function as phishing platforms.
• This tool serves as a common component in various cyber attack operations.

Detecting DNS Leaks

Step:1. Manual Testing:

1. Connect to your VPN
2. Visit DNS Lookup
3. Check if DNS servers match your VPN location
4. Look for your ISP's DNS servers in results

Step:2. What to Look For:

• DNS servers in your actual location
• The DNS results will show your ISP's name.
• IPv6 addresses when using IPv4 VPN

Prevention Methods

1. Use VPN DNS Servers

• Configure your device to use VPN's DNS
• Most good VPNs do this automatically
• Check your VPN's DNS leak protection

2. Disable IPv6

• Temporarily disable IPv6 on your device
• Prevents IPv6 DNS leaks
• Only use if IPv4 is sufficient

3. Use Secure DNS Servers

Public DNS Options:

• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112
• Google: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4

4. Router-Level Protection

• Configure DNS at router level
• Protects all devices on network
• Requires router admin access

Advanced Protection

1. DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

• Encrypts DNS queries
• Supported by modern browsers
• Harder for ISPs to intercept

2. DNS over TLS (DoT)

• Another encrypted DNS protocol
• Requires compatible DNS client
• More technical to implement

VPN Selection Tips

1. What to Look For:

• DNS leak protection built-in
• Kill switch functionality
• IPv6 leak protection
• No-logs policy
• Independently audited

2. Red Flags:

• Free VPNs with poor reviews
• No mention of DNS protection
• Logs user activity
• Based in surveillance countries

Common Mistakes

1. Trusting VPN Claims

• Not all VPNs prevent DNS leaks
• Marketing claims may be misleading
• Always test yourself

2. Ignoring IPv6

• Many focus only on IPv4 leaks
• IPv6 leaks are increasingly common
• Modern devices prefer IPv6

3. Not Testing Regularly

• Settings can change after updates
• VPN servers may have issues
• Regular testing ensures protection

Conclusion

DNS leaks can compromise your privacy even with a VPN. Regular testing and proper configuration are essential for maintaining your online anonymity and security.

Test your DNS security today with our DNS Lookup tool!

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