VPNs are essential nowadays. They add an extra layer of security to your network, and some people even use VPN services to access blocked websites.
VPNs are used to mask IP addresses. This ensures that your real IP address is hidden from web trackers and third parties.
What is an IP Leak?
IP leaks happen when a user’s computer accesses default servers rather than anonymous VPN servers. During an IP Address leak, your original IP address is exposed to the site you’re visiting, making your PC exposed.
IP leaks can happen at any time and mostly occur with free VPN services. Most modern VPN software, like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc., has already been upgraded to reduce IP leaks. IP Leaks are usually caused by loopholes in browsers, plug-ins, or extensions.
Reason Behind IP Address Leaking
There could be several reasons behind an IP Leak. Below, we have highlighted the most prominent ones.
- Incorrect VPN Configuration
- Incorrect Browser Settings.
- DNS Leaks.
- IPv6 Leaks.
- WebRTC Leaks.
- Problems with the VPN backend.
How To Check for IP Address Leak
You will never know whether your VPN is leaking your real IP address. So, you should always check for IP address leaks before relying entirely on the VPN.
- You should know your actual IP Address.
- To know the actual IP address, Disconnect the VPN service
- Now, head to this site.
- The above site will show you the IP Address. Note it down on a notepad.
- Sign in with the VPN and connect to any server
- Revisit this site – https://www.purevpn.com/what-is-my-ip
- If your VPN is not leaking the IP Address, it will show you different IP addresses.
The ultimate goal is to ensure the IPs differ when connected and disconnected.
Some Other Sites to Check Your IP Address
Like the above site, you can use other sites to check your IP Address. It’s recommended to check the IP Address on multiple websites.
1. What is My IP Address
What is My IP Address is a website that shows your current IP address. In addition to the IP Address, the site also shows additional information like the ISP Provider, City, Region, Country, and more. You need to visit the site, and it will show you the IP Address.
2. F-Secure IP Checker
F-Secure IP Checker is another website that lets you check your IP Address and location. It’s a web app that instantly displays your IP Address, location, and City. However, it misses out on other details like the ISP provider.
3. NordVPN IP Lookup
If you want to find out the IP geolocation of your IP Address, NordVPN IP Lookup might be the best pick for you. This IP lookup tool shows you the city, state, ZIP code, country, ISP name, and time zone of your IP Address.
This guide is all about how to check if your VPN is leaking your IP Address or not. Let us know in the comment box below if you have any other doubts.
It’s crazy when you pay for a VPN service, and it ends up leaking your IP address, it feels like you’re throwing your money away. I’ve been using Surfshark for some time now, and I tried a couple of links to check if my IP was leaking, but I didn’t find any leaks, so I was quite happy about that. I’m also glad that this article suggests more ways in which you can check your IP (which I did, just out of curiosity), and Surfshark passed, no IP leaks found.