How to Check if Your Browser Is Leaking Your Location Despite VPN

A VPN changes the IP address websites see, but your browser can still give away your real location in other ways. If you rely on a VPN for privacy, it's worth testing for the common leaks.

The ways location leaks

• WebRTC: a feature for video calls that can expose your real IP address to websites, even with a VPN on.
• DNS: if website lookups go to your internet provider instead of through the VPN, your provider, and its location, shows up.
• IPv6: some VPNs only handle the older IPv4 addresses, leaving IPv6 traffic going out directly. See IPv4 vs IPv6 leaks.
• Location permission: if you've allowed a site to use your location, Chrome can work it out from nearby Wi-Fi networks, regardless of your VPN.
• Time zone and language: your browser reports them. A London VPN with a Los Angeles time zone stands out.
• Accounts: signed-in services know your saved addresses and history.

How to test

1. Note your real IP address and location with the VPN off.
2. Turn the VPN on and visit a leak test site. Check that the IP address shown belongs to the VPN.
3. Run the WebRTC test: no address should match your real one.
4. Run the DNS test: the servers listed should belong to your VPN, not your provider.
5. Check whether an IPv6 address appears that belongs to your provider.

See free leak tests to run in your browser.

How to fix each leak

• WebRTC: WebRTC Privacy Shield sets Chrome's WebRTC policy so it doesn't reveal your real IP, with a balanced mode for sites where calls break. See fixing WebRTC leaks.
• DNS: turn on your VPN app's DNS leak protection, or set Chrome's secure DNS to a provider you trust.
• IPv6: turn on IPv6 protection in the VPN app, or choose a VPN that supports IPv6.
• Location permission: Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Location. Remove sites you don't need and set the default to ask or block.
• Kill switch: turn it on so traffic stops if the VPN disconnects. See VPN kill switches.

Time zone and fingerprints

Changing your time zone to match your VPN is possible, but it affects your calendar and clock. For most people, it's an acceptable leak. Those who need strong anonymity should use Tor Browser, which reports the same time zone and settings for every user.

Test again after changes

Recheck after updating the VPN app, switching servers or installing new extensions. See verifying your VPN.