What Is a DNS Leak?
Leak Checks
Understand DNS leaks, why they can expose browsing lookups outside your VPN or private resolver, and how to check for them safely.
Plain-English explanation
DNS is like the internet address book your device uses to find websites. A DNS leak happens when those lookups go to your ISP or another unexpected resolver even though you thought your VPN or private DNS setup was handling them.
Why it matters
- Websites may see your VPN IP while your DNS lookups still reveal activity to your ISP.
- DNS leaks can happen because of device settings, browser settings, VPN settings, or network rules.
- A DNS leak test helps you see which resolver is handling your requests.
Quick self-check
- Connect to your VPN if you use one.
- Run the DNS leak test.
- Check whether the DNS servers look like your VPN provider, your chosen DNS provider, or your normal ISP.
What to do next
- Enable DNS leak protection in your VPN app if available.
- Retest after changing VPN servers or browsers.
- Use the result as a clue, not a perfect privacy score.