DNS Leak Detection & Prevention: Complete 2025 Security Guide
Master comprehensive DNS leak detection and prevention with our expert guide. Protect your privacy with advanced techniques, testing methods, and mobile proxy solutions that outperform traditional security measures.
DNS Leak Protection Guide
Key Testing Tools:
DNS Leak Risk Levels: Know Your Security Status
Understanding your DNS leak risk level is crucial for maintaining privacy. Use our comprehensive assessment to determine your current security posture.
Critical Risk
Immediate DNS leak detected - your privacy is compromised
Common Indicators:
- •ISP DNS servers visible
- •Real IP address exposed
- •Location data leaked
- •Browsing history trackable
High Risk
Significant DNS configuration issues requiring immediate attention
Common Indicators:
- •DNS queries bypassing VPN
- •WebRTC leaks detected
- •IPv6 DNS exposure
- •Partial traffic leakage
Medium Risk
Minor configuration issues affecting some queries
Common Indicators:
- •Inconsistent DNS routing
- •Some applications bypassing proxy
- •Split-tunnel or fallback sending DNS outside tunnel
- •Partial IPv6 leakage
Low Risk
Well-configured with minor optimizations needed
Common Indicators:
- •Secure DNS configuration active
- •All traffic properly routed
- •No detectable leaks
- •Regular monitoring recommended
DNS Configuration for Every Platform
Step-by-step guides for configuring secure DNS settings across all major platforms and devices.
Windows 11/10
Easy
Windows 11/10
EasyBasic Configuration:
- 1.Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
- 2.Click on your network connection
- 3.Select 'Edit' next to IP assignment
- 4.Choose 'Manual' and enable IPv4
- 5.Set DNS servers: Primary: 1.1.1.1, Secondary: 1.0.0.1
- 6.Save changes and restart network adapter
Advanced Settings:
- •Settings → Network & Internet → your interface → DNS server assignment → Edit → choose Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS) / Encrypted preferred. Note Windows 10 lacks system DoH in the same UI
- •Don't disable IPv6. Use a VPN/proxy setup that handles IPv6, or enforce policy to block non-tunneled v6 traffic if your provider lacks IPv6 support
- •Set up Windows Firewall rules for DNS traffic
- •Enable DNS leak protection in VPN client
macOS
Easy
macOS
EasyBasic Configuration:
- 1.Open System Preferences > Network
- 2.Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
- 3.Click 'Advanced' button
- 4.Go to the 'DNS' tab
- 5.Click '+' and add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- 6.Apply changes and restart network
Advanced Settings:
- •Install a DoH/DoT configuration profile (macOS Big Sur+ supports encrypted DNS via profiles) or run a local DoH stub like cloudflared
- •Set up pfctl firewall rules
- •Don't disable IPv6. Use a VPN/proxy setup that handles IPv6, or enforce policy to block non-tunneled v6 traffic if your provider lacks IPv6 support
- •Configure DNS leak protection scripts
Android
Medium
Android
MediumBasic Configuration:
- 1.Use Private DNS (DoT) for system-wide encrypted DNS
- 2.Open Settings → Network & internet → Private DNS
- 3.Select 'Private DNS provider hostname'
- 4.Enter: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
- 5.Works on Android 9+
- 6.Alternative: Manual DNS via Wi-Fi settings for older versions
Advanced Settings:
- •Install DNS Changer app for root users
- •Use Always-On VPN for guaranteed traffic tunneling
- •Configure DoT/DoH apps for enhanced encryption
- •Use mobile proxy apps with SOCKS5 remote DNS
iOS
Medium
iOS
MediumBasic Configuration:
- 1.Open Settings > Wi-Fi
- 2.Tap the 'i' icon next to your network
- 3.Select 'Configure DNS'
- 4.Choose 'Manual'
- 5.Remove existing DNS servers
- 6.Add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- 7.Save settings
Advanced Settings:
- •Install a DNS profile to enable encrypted DNS system-wide; for enterprise, use Always-On IKEv2 VPN on supervised devices
- •Configure DoH/DoT apps from App Store
- •Use VPN apps with DNS leak protection
- •Deploy mobile device management (MDM) for enterprise DNS control
WebRTC Leak Protection: Beyond DNS Configuration
Even with VPN/proxy and encrypted DNS, WebRTC/STUN can reveal local or public IPs. Learn how to limit WebRTC IP exposure and maintain complete privacy.
WebRTC Leak Risks
- • STUN servers can reveal your real public IP
- • Local network IP addresses exposed
- • Bypasses VPN and proxy protection
- • Works even with encrypted DNS
- • Affects all major web browsers
Protection Methods
- • Chrome: --force-webrtc-ip-handling-policy=disable_non_proxied_udp
- • Firefox: media.peerconnection.enabled = false
- • Use WebRTC leak protection extensions
- • Test with browserleaks.com/webrtc
- • Configure browser security settings
Testing WebRTC Leaks
Always test WebRTC leaks in addition to DNS leaks. Use browserleaks.com/webrtc to check if your real IP is exposed through WebRTC STUN requests.
Remember: WebRTC protection requires both browser configuration AND regular testing to ensure effectiveness.
Mobile Proxy DNS Protection: The Ultimate Solution
Discover why mobile proxies provide superior DNS leak protection compared to traditional VPNs and security solutions.
Why Mobile Proxies Excel
Centralized DNS Resolution
Mobile endpoints can centralize DNS resolution when used via full-tunnel VPN or SOCKS5 with remote DNS enabled. With basic HTTP/HTTPS proxy settings, many apps still resolve DNS locally—test and verify.
Configuration-Dependent Protection
DNS protection depends on your proxy configuration. SOCKS5 with remote DNS provides better protection than HTTP/HTTPS proxies, which may allow local DNS resolution.
Dynamic IP Rotation
Constant IP rotation prevents DNS fingerprinting and provides enhanced anonymity compared to static VPN servers.
DNS Leak Detection & Prevention FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about DNS leak detection, prevention, and mobile proxy protection.