What Is WebRTC and Why Does It Leak?
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology built directly into your browser. It's what makes video calls, voice chat, and peer-to-peer file sharing work without installing any plugins — think Google Meet, Discord in the browser, or any live chat tool.
To make those real-time connections work, WebRTC needs to know your actual IP address — not the one your VPN shows to the world, but your real, device-level IP. That's where the problem starts. When WebRTC establishes a connection, it can bypass your VPN tunnel entirely and expose that real IP to whoever is asking.
The uncomfortable part: any website can trigger a WebRTC request silently in the background using a few lines of JavaScript. You don't have to be on a video call. Just visiting a page is enough.
WebRTC Leak vs DNS Leak — What's the Difference?
Exposes which websites you're visiting to your ISP. Serious for privacy, but doesn't directly reveal your physical location or device IP.
Exposes your real IP address — including your local network IP — directly to websites. Can reveal your approximate physical location even with a VPN active.
Most privacy-focused users know to check for DNS leaks. Fewer check for WebRTC leaks — which is exactly why they're so commonly exploited. A VPN can be perfectly configured for DNS and still leak your real IP through WebRTC.
Check if your browser is leaking your real IP address right now — the test runs in seconds.
Run the WebRTC Leak Test →Which Browsers Are Affected?
WebRTC is built into most major browsers by default:
- Chrome — WebRTC enabled by default, cannot be fully disabled through settings alone
- Firefox — WebRTC enabled by default, but can be disabled in about:config
- Edge — WebRTC enabled by default (Chromium-based, same as Chrome)
- Opera — WebRTC enabled by default
- Safari — More limited WebRTC implementation, less vulnerable but not immune
If you use Chrome or Edge — the two most popular browsers — you're running WebRTC whether you want to or not.
How to Tell If You Have a WebRTC Leak
The test is simple. With your VPN connected, run a WebRTC leak test. You're looking for one thing: does the test show your VPN's IP address, or your real one?
- Only VPN IP showing — you're protected, no leak
- Real IP showing alongside VPN IP — you have a WebRTC leak
- Local network IP showing (like 192.168.x.x) — technically a leak, but lower risk since local IPs aren't unique identifiers
⚠️ Some leak tests only show your public IP. A thorough test also checks for local network IPs and IPv6 addresses — both can expose your real location even when your public IP looks protected.
How to Fix a WebRTC Leak
The short version: Firefox users can disable WebRTC entirely through about:config, Chrome and Edge users need a browser extension since there's no built-in toggle, and some VPNs offer WebRTC protection as a setting. Each approach fully stops the leak, but the exact steps differ enough by browser that they're worth walking through properly.
See the exact steps for your browser, plus how to confirm the fix actually worked.
Read the Full Fix Guide →Verify your fix worked — or find out if you're leaking before you do anything else.
Test for WebRTC Leaks →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WebRTC leak?
A WebRTC leak is when your browser exposes your real IP address through the WebRTC protocol, even when a VPN is active. Any website can trigger it silently using JavaScript.
Is a WebRTC leak worse than a DNS leak?
In some ways, yes. A WebRTC leak reveals your actual IP address and approximate location, not just your browsing history. Websites can trigger it without you knowing.
How do I know if I have a WebRTC leak?
Run a WebRTC leak test with your VPN connected. If the test shows your real IP address instead of your VPN's IP, you have a leak.
How do I fix a WebRTC leak?
In Firefox, disable WebRTC via about:config. In Chrome or Edge, use a WebRTC leak prevention extension. Some VPNs also include built-in WebRTC protection in their settings.
Does WebRTC leak affect all browsers?
WebRTC is built into Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera by default. Safari has limited WebRTC support and is less vulnerable. Using a leak protection extension is the safest approach on any browser.