VPN privacy tools: IP, DNS and WebRTC checks explained
A VPN connection icon is a starting point, not proof that every part of your traffic is taking the route you expect. A few focused checks can reveal configuration surprises.
Clearly labeled evidence • No invented live measurements
VPN TUNNEL
Selected network route
LEAK CHECK
IP • DNS • WebRTC
The quick answer
Check your public IP and IPv6 behavior, look at DNS resolver paths and understand WebRTC candidates. A complete leak test needs controlled measurement infrastructure and clear privacy handling; this draft is an educational hub, not an active leak scanner.
What does this mean for my connection?
Read the method, check the limits, then use your own connection to confirm the result.
Know exactly what a privacy check does—and does not do
An IP address check, a DNS leak check and a WebRTC diagnostic observe different behaviors. The tools hub distinguishes available educational guidance from browser diagnostics that still require a secure backend or tested client code.
IP ADDRESS
Public address is not an identity test
DNS
Resolver paths need independent checking
WEBRTC
Browser exposure varies by settings
| Check | What it can reveal | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Public IP / IPv4 / IPv6 | An address or route visible to a service you contact | Interpretation guide available; automatic lookup not connected |
| DNS leak test | Whether lookups appear to leave the intended resolver path | Diagnostic tool not connected |
| WebRTC exposure | Whether browser-mediated networking exposes addresses | Diagnostic tool not connected |
| Connection baseline | How throughput and latency compare VPN-off vs VPN-on | Measurement guide available; live test not connected |
Privacy and availability: No automatic IP, DNS or WebRTC diagnostic runs inside this draft. A production tool requires verified endpoints, a transparent privacy notice, scoped logging and appropriate rate limits.
Start with a public IP check
Before connecting to the VPN, note the general location of your connection without publishing the full address. After connecting, confirm that remote services now see an exit address that matches the VPN configuration.
Our What Is My IP guide explains what the result can and cannot reveal.
Check IPv4 and IPv6 separately
Watch for split-tunneling rules
Understand approximate geolocation
What is a DNS leak?
Your device uses DNS to look up hostnames. Depending on network configuration, DNS traffic may follow a different path from ordinary browsing traffic. A leak test compares the resolvers observed during controlled DNS queries with the route you intended to use.
A list of resolver names is not enough to declare a privacy failure without understanding how the test was performed.
Verify the test resolves fresh names
Interpret resolver ownership carefully
Account for browser encrypted DNS settings
What is a WebRTC leak?
WebRTC can gather network connectivity candidates for real-time communication. Modern browsers apply privacy protections, but specific browser, extension and VPN combinations may expose network details in ways you did not expect.
A real WebRTC test must run in the browser with appropriate permissions and must explain which addresses are local, relayed or externally visible.
Browser settings matter
Different browsers can behave differently
Avoid overselling a single test result
Make leak testing repeatable
Run checks before and after connecting, using the same device and browser. Keep the setup consistent and note IPv6, split tunneling and custom DNS configuration.
No live leak-detection result is shown in this draft. The production component should be tested and reviewed for data retention before it goes public.
Baseline first
Compare equivalent conditions
Publish the tool privacy policy
Questions worth asking
Does a changed IP prove there are no leaks?
No. DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC behavior need separate checks.
Can I run DNS and WebRTC leak tests here today?
Not yet. The current draft is a learning and interface page; active tests require separate validated tooling.
Should I disable WebRTC?
Not by default. Consider your threat model and required functionality; browser protections vary.
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Good choices need testable evidence.
When an observed metric is published, its date, route, protocol, sample size and limitations should travel with it. Product claims and editorial judgments are labeled separately.
Independent VPN research and performance context.