It is typical for users to use VPNs when they want to access geo-restricted websites and content from streaming service platforms. VPNs mask the actual IP address of the users. You can use VPN to protect your IPs, access websites that are not available in your region or country, and visit sites that may have blacklisted your IP.
However, there are instances when users experience IP address leaking. Even when you are using a VPN service provider, your actual IP address can still be exposed and be seen. When this happens, the IP that is seen is not the one from your VPN service. Consequently, you can no longer be able to access geo-restricted websites or hide your online activities.
How Do I Know If My VPN is Leaking IP Address?
The first thing you must do when you suspect an IP leak is to check it. Follow the steps below to know how to do it.
- Before you check if your IP is leaking, deactivate your VPN.
- Now, go to free online services like WhatIsMyIPAddress.com to get your current IP.
- You will need to take note of your actual IP address.
- Go back to your VPN server and turn it on.
- Look for a remote server and connect to it.
- Make sure that you are using a different IP address and country.
- Check it with against your actual IP address.
- If the addresses are the same, it means that your IP address is leaking.
- It is also ideal to test for DNS leaks. Go to dnsleaktest.com and ipleak.net.
- Check if the addresses shown are the same or different and you be the judge.
How to Fix the Issue if Your IP Address is Leaking from your VPN Service
There are different ways to fix and prevent the leaking IP address issue with your VPN service. Check out the methods below that works on Firefox and Google Chrome browsers.
Prevent IP Leaking on Google Chrome
To fix your IP leaks on Google Chrome, you will need to disable the WebRTC feature. To do it, download the ScriptSafe extension.
- Go to the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for ScriptSafe.
- Click Add to Chrome.
- If prompted, click Add extension.
Prevent IP Leaking on Mozilla Firefox
In Mozilla Firefox browser, you need to install the Disable WebRTC add-on. A second way is to disable peer connection settings.
- To install the Firefox add-on, launch your Firefox browser.
- Click the Menu button.
- Select Add-ons.
- Go to Recommendations.
- Search for Disable WebRTC and click Add to Firefox.
- To change the peer connection settings, type the about:config on the address bar.
- Look for media.peerconnection.enabled.
- Toggle to False.
Having a reliable VPN service provider is very important to keep maintain your privacy and security online. Here are some of the top VPN services in the market today. Take your pick and see if any of these services gives your money what its worth.
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