IPv6 Leak Protection: Why Your VPN Needs IPv6 Support
Learn about IPv6 leaks, how they expose your real IP even with a VPN connected, and how to prevent IPv6 data leaks.
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What Is an IPv6 Leak?
Most VPNs only protect IPv4 traffic. If your device also has IPv6 connectivity, your IPv6 traffic may bypass the VPN tunnel entirely and go directly through your ISP. This exposes your real IP address and browsing activity even though the VPN appears connected.
Why IPv6 Leaks Happen
IPv4 addresses are running out, and IPv6 adoption is growing. Many ISPs now provide both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. If your VPN does not support IPv6 or does not route IPv6 traffic through the tunnel, IPv6 requests will leak to your ISP in plain text.
How to Prevent IPv6 Leaks
- Disable IPv6: Turn off IPv6 in your device network settings or router configuration
- Choose a VPN with IPv6 Support: Modern VPNs route both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic through the encrypted tunnel
- Use IPv6 Leak Test Tools: Regularly test your connection to verify no IPv6 traffic is leaking
- Enable Kill Switch: A properly configured kill switch should block IPv6 traffic when the VPN disconnects
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