If Your VPN Is Leaking Your Real IP Address? Learn how to tell if your VPN is leaking your real IP address in 2025, plus step-by-step methods to test and fix it now.
VPN Is ON, But Your Real IP Is Still Visible?
So you’ve turned on your VPN, expecting complete anonymity — but websites still show your real location, local ads, or worse… your actual IP address.
This means: Your VPN is leaking.
In 2025, VPN leaks are more common than ever due to browser vulnerabilities, poor kill switch setups, or DNS/WebRTC leaks.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn:
- How to test if your VPN is leaking
- What causes VPN IP leaks
- Exact step-by-step fixes
- Best leak-proof VPNs
Let’s protect your identity — starting now.
What Is a VPN IP Leak?
A VPN IP leak happens when your real IP address becomes visible to websites, apps, or trackers — even while the VPN connection is active.
Types of common leaks:
| Leak Type | What It Exposes | Causes |
|---|---|---|
| IP Leak | Your real IP address | VPN app failure or browser bypass |
| DNS Leak | Sites you visit | System using ISP DNS instead of VPN |
| WebRTC Leak | Local + public IP via browser | Browser features bypassing VPN |
How to Check If Your VPN Is Leaking Your Real IP (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Turn on your VPN
Make sure it’s connected to a different country/location.
Step 2: Visit these tools:
Step 3: Check:
- Is your real IP still showing?
- Do DNS servers match your ISP?
- Does your browser leak via WebRTC?
If yes, your VPN is leaking. Let’s fix that.
5 Signs Your VPN Might Be Leaking Your IP
- You see ads in your local language (despite VPN being active)
- Websites still detect your real location
- Streaming sites block access despite VPN
- Speed tests reveal your actual city/country
- You get CAPTCHAs or security warnings often
How to Fix a VPN IP Leak in 2025 (Proven Methods)
1. Enable Kill Switch
Most top VPNs (like NordVPN, ExpressVPN) offer a Kill Switch — which stops all traffic if VPN disconnects unexpectedly.
Without it, even a 2-second drop leaks your IP.
2. Disable WebRTC in Browser
WebRTC can reveal your local & public IP directly.
How to disable WebRTC:
Chrome:
- Install WebRTC Leak Prevent extension
- Or use Brave Browser (blocks WebRTC by default)
Firefox:
- Type
about:config - Set
media.peerconnection.enabledto false
Safari:
- Use built-in blocking via “Advanced > Experimental Features”
3. Use a VPN with DNS Leak Protection
Ensure your VPN routes all DNS queries through its own servers.
Best options:
- NordVPN
- Mullvad
- IVPN
4. Avoid Free VPNs
Free VPNs often:
- Lack kill switch
- Don’t mask DNS
- Sell your IP data 😱
Switch to paid, trusted options.
5. Use Multi-Hop VPN
A few VPNs allow Double VPN or Multi-hop routing, making it impossible to trace back your IP.
Try: ProtonVPN, Surfshark Nexus
Best VPNs That Never Leak in 2025
| VPN Name | DNS Leak Protection | Kill Switch | WebRTC Block | Price (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (extension) | $3.29 |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $6.67 |
| Mullvad | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $5.00 |
| ProtonVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Free / Paid |
Why Does This Happen Even with Paid VPNs?
Possible Reasons:
- Your device DNS is misconfigured
- You’re using Google DNS manually
- WebRTC is enabled in your browser
- Split tunneling is leaking some apps’ traffic
- VPN app didn’t start at boot time
Bonus Tip: Use VPN Leak Test Tools Regularly
Here are 3 you should bookmark:
Test weekly if you value online privacy.
FAQs – VPN Leaks in 2025
Q1: Can my IP still leak even if VPN is on?
➡️ Yes, due to browser, DNS, or OS-level settings.
Q2: Is DNS leak dangerous?
➡️ Yes, it shows websites you visit — to your ISP or trackers.
Q3: Can I check for leaks on my phone?
➡️ Yes, use tools like ipleak.net from your phone browser.
Q4: What’s the fastest fix?
➡️ Turn on kill switch, use private browser, and disable WebRTC.
Q5: Which VPNs don’t leak?
➡️ NordVPN, Mullvad, ProtonVPN (verified leak-free in 2025 tests)
🔗Related blogs
- 👉 VPN Kill Switch Not Working – Fix Now
- 👉 VPN Not Hiding Real Location – Fix Guide
- 👉 How to Use VPN Safely on Public Wi-Fi
Final Verdict: Test Your VPN Before It’s Too Late
You use a VPN to stay safe.
But if it leaks your IP, you’re not protected — you’re exposed.
Follow the steps in this guide, test your connection, and fix any leaks immediately.
Your privacy is only as strong as your weakest IP leak.