You're using a VPN, so you're protected... right? Not if you have a DNS leak. This common issue can expose your browsing activity even when your VPN is connected.
What Is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet's phonebook. When you type "google.com," DNS translates it to an IP address (like 142.250.80.46) so your browser knows where to go.
Every website visit starts with a DNS request.
What Is a DNS Leak?
Normally, when connected to a VPN, your DNS requests go through the VPN tunnel. But with a DNS leak, these requests bypass the VPN and go directly to your ISP's DNS servers.
This means your ISP can see every website you visit – even with VPN connected.
Why DNS Leaks Are Dangerous
Your ISP Sees Your Browsing DNS requests reveal every website you visit. Your ISP can log this data.
Location Exposure DNS requests can reveal your real location, not your VPN location.
Privacy Defeat The main purpose of a VPN – hiding your activity – is defeated by DNS leaks.
What Causes DNS Leaks?
Misconfigured VPN The VPN doesn't properly redirect DNS traffic.
IPv6 Leaks Many VPNs only handle IPv4. IPv6 DNS requests may leak.
Operating System Bugs Windows and other OS sometimes send DNS requests outside the VPN.
Smart Multi-Homed Name Resolution Windows feature that can send DNS to multiple sources simultaneously.
Manual DNS Settings If you've manually set DNS servers, they might bypass the VPN.
How to Test for DNS Leaks
Use Our Free Tool Visit our DNS Leak Test at /dns-leak-test. It checks if your DNS requests are going through your VPN.
What to Look For - **No leak:** Only VPN provider's DNS servers appear - **Leak detected:** Your ISP's servers appear, or servers in your real location
Test Both Connected and Disconnected 1. Test without VPN – note the servers 2. Connect to VPN – test again 3. Results should show different servers
How Aultra VPN Prevents DNS Leaks
Private DNS Servers Aultra VPN routes all DNS through our own secure DNS servers.
IPv6 Leak Protection We handle IPv6 properly to prevent leaks.
Kill Switch If the VPN drops, all traffic (including DNS) is blocked.
DNS Over HTTPS/TLS DNS requests are encrypted, not just tunneled.
How to Fix DNS Leaks
Step 1: Update Your VPN Ensure you're using the latest version of Aultra VPN.
Step 2: Enable DNS Leak Protection In Aultra VPN settings, ensure DNS protection is enabled.
Step 3: Disable IPv6 (If Needed) If leaks persist, consider disabling IPv6 in your OS: - Windows: Network adapter settings - Mac: System Preferences > Network - Router settings
Step 4: Disable Smart Multi-Homed Name Resolution On Windows, this can cause leaks. Check Group Policy settings.
Step 5: Clear DNS Cache After fixing, clear your DNS cache: - Windows: ipconfig /flushdns - Mac: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
Preventing DNS Leaks Long-Term
Use a Trustworthy VPN Cheap or free VPNs often have DNS leak issues. Aultra VPN is designed with leak protection.
Enable Kill Switch Prevents any leaks during connection drops.
Test Regularly Periodically check for leaks at /dns-leak-test.
Keep Software Updated VPN updates often include leak fixes.
What About WebRTC Leaks?
DNS leaks aren't the only concern. WebRTC (used for video calls) can also leak your IP. Test for WebRTC leaks at /webrtc-leak-test.
The Bottom Line
A DNS leak undermines your VPN's privacy protection. Test for leaks regularly, use a VPN with built-in DNS protection, and enable kill switch. Aultra VPN includes all these protections by default.
