How to Prevent IP Leaks Specifically in Chrome

Every site you visit sees your IP address unless you use a VPN, proxy or Tor. An "IP leak" is when you are using one of those and your real address gets out anyway. In Chrome, there are four usual ways that happens.

1. WebRTC

WebRTC lets browsers make video and voice calls directly. To connect, it looks for your network addresses, and a website can ask for them with a few lines of code, sometimes getting your real public IP even with a VPN on. This is the most common Chrome leak.

Chrome has no setting for it. WebRTC Privacy Shield sets Chrome's WebRTC policy for you: its balanced level keeps calls working while hiding your local addresses, and its strongest level blocks WebRTC traffic that doesn't go through your proxy. See how to block WebRTC without breaking video calls.

2. DNS

If site lookups go to your internet provider instead of through the VPN, your provider sees where you go. Check Chrome's Settings → Privacy and security → Security → Use secure DNS, turn on your VPN's DNS leak protection, and test. See how to test for DNS leaks in Chrome.

3. IPv6

Some VPNs only handle the older IPv4 addresses. If your connection also has IPv6, that traffic can go around the VPN with your real address. Turn on IPv6 protection in the VPN app, or disable IPv6 on your network adapter if it doesn't support it.

4. Extension-only VPNs and proxies

A VPN or "IP changer" extension usually changes the address for Chrome's traffic only. Other apps on your computer still use your real address. If you need everything covered, use the VPN's desktop app. If you use an extension, choose one from an established VPN provider, not a free unknown one.

Check for leaks

1. With the VPN off, note your real IP address at a site like ipleak.net.
2. Turn the VPN on and reload. The IP, DNS servers and WebRTC section should show none of your real details.
3. Repeat after changing settings or updating Chrome or the VPN.

More tests are listed in the best free VPN leak tests.

A kill switch

If the VPN connection drops, your traffic can fall back to your normal connection without warning. Turn on your VPN app's kill switch, which blocks the internet until the VPN reconnects.

What a VPN doesn't hide

Hiding your IP doesn't stop sites from recognizing you in other ways, such as cookies, logins and browser fingerprinting. See how sites track you without cookies.