How to Fix a VPN Leak

If you've tested your VPN and found a leak, don't panic. Leaks are common — but they're fixable. This guide walks you through the most reliable ways to stop your real IP, DNS, or WebRTC data from leaking online.

1. Switch to a Reliable VPN Provider

Most VPN leaks come from poorly built apps or free VPNs. Switching to a proven provider can instantly solve the problem. We recommend:

• NordVPN – Proven protection with kill switch
• Surfshark – Affordable, fast, and leak-resistant

2. Enable the VPN Kill Switch

A kill switch instantly blocks your connection if the VPN disconnects. This prevents data from leaking over your real network. You can usually enable this in the VPN app's settings. If your VPN doesn't offer a kill switch — that's a red flag.

3. Fix DNS Leaks

Make sure your VPN is routing DNS queries through its own encrypted servers. Some VPNs allow custom DNS settings. You can also manually switch to privacy-friendly DNS providers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8).

4. Stop WebRTC Leaks in Your Browser

WebRTC is a browser feature that can expose your real IP — even through a VPN. To stop this:

• In Chrome: Use an extension like WebRTC Control
• In Firefox: Go to about:config and set media.peerconnection.enabled to false

5. Avoid Split Tunneling (Unless You Know What You're Doing)

Split tunneling lets some apps bypass the VPN. Unless you've configured it for a specific reason, turn it off — it's a common cause of leaks.

6. Test Again After Changes

Always re-check your VPN after adjusting settings. Visit our How to Test VPN page to confirm everything is sealed up.

7. Still Leaking? Time to Switch VPNs

If you've tried everything and still see leaks, don't waste time. Some VPNs just aren't built well. Choose a provider with proven leak protection:

• NordVPN
• Surfshark

Want to understand what a VPN leak actually is? See our full explanation here.