IPv6 Leak Test
Check whether your real IPv6 address is exposed when using a VPN. Many VPNs only tunnel IPv4 traffic, leaving IPv6 unprotected.
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Testing for IPv6 leaks...
What Is an IPv6 Leak?
An IPv6 leak occurs when your VPN fails to tunnel IPv6 traffic through its encrypted connection. Most VPNs were originally designed for IPv4 only. When your ISP assigns you an IPv6 address and your VPN doesn't handle it, IPv6 traffic bypasses the VPN tunnel entirely.
This means websites can see your real IPv6 address — even though your IPv4 address is hidden behind the VPN. Since IPv6 addresses are often unique to your connection, this effectively reveals your identity and location.
How to Fix IPv6 Leaks
There are three main ways to prevent IPv6 leaks when using a VPN:
Use a VPN with IPv6 Support
The best solution is to use a VPN that fully supports IPv6 tunneling. Providers like Mullvad, NordVPN, and Proton VPN route both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic through the VPN tunnel, preventing any leaks.
Disable IPv6 on Your Device
If your VPN doesn't support IPv6, you can disable IPv6 in your operating system's network settings. This forces all traffic to use IPv4, which your VPN can tunnel correctly. On Windows, uncheck IPv6 in your adapter properties. On macOS, use the command: networksetup -setv6off Wi-Fi.
Enable Your VPN's Kill Switch
Many VPN apps include a kill switch that blocks all traffic outside the VPN tunnel, including IPv6. Enable this feature to prevent any traffic from leaking if the VPN connection drops or doesn't cover IPv6.
Why IPv6 Leaks Matter
IPv6 addresses are often globally unique and tied to your ISP connection. Unlike IPv4 addresses which are frequently shared through NAT, an IPv6 address can directly identify your household or device.
If your VPN leaks IPv6 traffic, websites, advertisers, and surveillance systems can correlate your real IPv6 address with your browsing activity — completely defeating the purpose of using a VPN.
As IPv6 adoption continues to grow worldwide, this type of leak is becoming increasingly common and dangerous. Always verify that your VPN handles IPv6 properly.
Complete Your Privacy Check
IPv6 leak testing is one part of a complete privacy audit. Check for other common leak types to ensure full protection.
DNS Leak Test — Verify your DNS queries are routed through your VPN tunnel. A DNS leak exposes every website you visit to your ISP.
WebRTC Leak Test — Check if your browser reveals your real IP through WebRTC APIs, which can bypass VPN tunnels entirely.
VPN Status Check — Verify whether your VPN is active and correctly hiding your real IP address and location.
IP Lookup — Get detailed geolocation, ISP, and network information for any IP address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IPv6 leak?
How do I know if I have IPv6?
Does my VPN need to support IPv6?
Is disabling IPv6 safe?
Can IPv6 leaks reveal my exact location?
All tests run entirely in your browser. No data is stored or sent to our servers.