Checking for DNS Leaks ​
DNS leaks can compromise your privacy, even if you think you’re using a secure DNS service. Here’s what you need to know about DNS leaks, why they matter, and how to check if your setup is truly secure.
What Are DNS Leaks? ​
A DNS leak happens when your device sends DNS queries outside of the secure DNS service you’ve set up. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Your device or router reverting to the default DNS settings of your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- Misconfigured network settings.
- Using software, VPNs, or firewalls that override your DNS configuration.
When a DNS leak occurs, your ISP or other third parties may be able to see the websites you visit, even if you believe your traffic is encrypted or private.
Why Should I Care About DNS Leaks? ​
While DNS leaks aren’t dangerous in themselves, they can compromise your online privacy by:
- If your DNS queries leak, your ISP or others can monitor the websites you visit and potentially profile you for ad targetting based on the sites you visit.
- A DNS leak can mean that your efforts to use a privacy-focused DNS service, like the UK DNS Privacy Project, are not fully effective.
- You might unknowingly rely on less private or slower DNS services, which can result in a less secure and slower internet experience.
Protecting your DNS ensures that your data remains private and your browsing activity is shielded from unwanted prying eyes.
How to Check for DNS Leaks ​
It’s easy to verify whether your DNS setup is leak-free. Follow these steps:
Visit a DNS Leak Test Website
Use a trusted DNS leak testing tool such as our leak test page, dnsleaktest.com or browserleaks.com.Run a Standard Test
Begin with a simple test to see which DNS servers your device is currently using. The tool will list all detected DNS servers.Run an Extended Test
For a more comprehensive check, run the extended test to ensure no queries are leaking to third-party servers.Review the Results
If the test shows DNS servers belonging to the UK DNS Privacy Project, you’re all set! If the test reveals servers from your ISP or unfamiliar sources, there may be a DNS leak.
How to Fix a DNS Leak ​
If you find a DNS leak, don’t worry—resolving it is usually straightforward:
Revisit Your DNS Setup
Ensure that your DNS settings are properly configured to use the UK DNS Privacy Project. Follow our setup guide.Adjust Router Settings
Some devices may bypass DNS settings if the router still points to the ISP’s DNS servers. Update your router’s DNS configuration as well.Check VPN or Software Conflicts
If you’re using a VPN, ensure it supports custom DNS settings. Some VPNs may have their own DNS servers that override your configuration.Flush DNS Cache
Clear your DNS cache to remove any outdated entries that may still point to the wrong servers.
Staying Leak-Free ​
Once you’ve fixed any leaks, revisit the leak test regularly to ensure your setup remains secure. We recommend testing your DNS after making changes to your network or device.