Step 1: Use a Reliable VPN
The most effective way to prevent DNS leaks is to use a VPN with built-in DNS leak protection. Premium VPNs like NordVPN route all your DNS queries through their own encrypted servers, ensuring nothing leaks to your ISP.
Step 2: Enable DNS Leak Protection
Most quality VPNs have a "DNS leak protection" toggle in their settings. Make sure it's enabled. This forces all DNS requests through the VPN tunnel.
Step 3: Change Your DNS Servers
If you can't use a VPN, switch to a privacy-focused DNS provider:
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Quad9: 9.9.9.9
Step 4: Disable WebRTC
WebRTC can leak your real IP even with a VPN. In Firefox, go to about:config and set media.peerconnection.enabled to false. For Chrome, use a WebRTC blocking extension.
Step 5: Test Again
After making changes, run our DNS Leak Checker again to confirm your connection is now secure.