How to Fix WebRTC Leaks

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a browser technology that enables real-time communication for video calls, voice calls, and file sharing directly through your web browser. However, WebRTC can expose your real IP address even when using a VPN, creating a significant privacy vulnerability known as a WebRTC leak.

Why WebRTC Leaks Matter

WebRTC leaks can completely bypass your VPN protection by revealing your actual IP address to websites, advertisers, and potentially malicious actors. This undermines the core purpose of using a VPN for privacy and anonymity.

What Causes WebRTC Leaks?

WebRTC leaks occur because browsers use WebRTC's STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) servers to discover your real IP address, even when you're connected to a VPN. This happens because:

WebRTC bypasses proxy settings and VPN tunnels
Browsers prioritize direct connections for better performance
WebRTC requests can access local network interfaces
The technology was designed for peer-to-peer communication, not privacy

Browser-Specific Solutions

Google Chrome

Method 1: WebRTC Network Limiter Extension

Open Chrome Web Store
Search for "WebRTC Network Limiter" (official Google extension)
Click "Add to Chrome" and confirm installation
The extension will automatically limit WebRTC to your VPN interface

Method 2: Chrome Flags (Advanced Users)

Type chrome://flags/ in the address bar
Search for "WebRTC IP Handling Policy"
Change setting to "Disable non-proxied UDP"
Restart Chrome for changes to take effect

Mozilla Firefox

Built-in Firefox Solution

Type about:config in the address bar
Click "Accept the Risk and Continue"
Search for media.peerconnection.enabled
Double-click to change the value to false
Restart Firefox to apply changes

Firefox Alternative

You can also change media.peerconnection.ice.default_address_only to true instead of completely disabling WebRTC. This limits IP address exposure while keeping WebRTC functionality.

Safari (macOS)

Safari WebRTC Settings

Open Safari preferences (Safari → Preferences)
Go to the "Privacy" tab
Click "Manage Website Data"
In Developer menu: Develop → WebRTC → Disable Legacy WebRTC API
Note: You may need to enable Developer menu first in Advanced preferences

Microsoft Edge

Edge WebRTC Configuration

Type edge://flags/ in the address bar
Search for "WebRTC IP Handling Policy"
Set to "Disable non-proxied UDP"
Restart Edge browser

Browser Extensions for WebRTC Protection

Several browser extensions can help prevent WebRTC leaks across different browsers:

WebRTC Leak Prevent: Available for Chrome and Firefox
uBlock Origin: Has built-in WebRTC leak protection
WebRTC Control: Simple on/off toggle for WebRTC
Disable WebRTC: Completely disables WebRTC functionality

Important Considerations

Disabling WebRTC completely may break some website functionality, including video calls on platforms like Discord, Skype for Web, Google Meet, and Zoom. Consider using extensions that allow you to toggle WebRTC on/off as needed.

Testing Your WebRTC Protection

After implementing these fixes, it's crucial to test whether you've successfully prevented WebRTC leaks:

Connect to your VPN
Run our WebRTC leak test on the main page
Check that only your VPN IP address is displayed
If your real IP appears, try a different method or extension

VPN Services with Built-in WebRTC Protection

Some VPN providers offer their own solutions to prevent WebRTC leaks:

Browser extensions with WebRTC blocking built-in
Custom browser configurations
Operating system-level protection
Automatic WebRTC leak detection and blocking

Advanced Protection Methods

Operating System Level

For maximum security, consider these advanced approaches:

Virtual Machines: Run browsers in isolated VMs
Tor Browser: Has WebRTC disabled by default
Specialized Browsers: Privacy-focused browsers like Brave
Router-level VPN: Route all traffic through VPN at router level

Mobile Device Protection

WebRTC leaks can also occur on mobile browsers:

Firefox Mobile: Same about:config method works
Chrome Mobile: Limited options, consider alternative browsers
Brave Browser: Built-in WebRTC protection on mobile
VPN Apps: Use VPN apps with WebRTC leak protection

Verifying Your Protection

Regular testing is essential to ensure your WebRTC protection remains effective:

Testing Checklist

Test immediately after applying fixes
Test after browser updates
Test on different websites
Test with different VPN servers
Test on both desktop and mobile browsers

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Websites Not Working Properly

If disabling WebRTC breaks website functionality:

Use browser extensions that allow temporary enabling
Create separate browser profiles for different purposes
Use privacy-focused browsers for general browsing
Enable WebRTC only when needed for specific applications

Extensions Not Working

If WebRTC protection extensions fail:

Check extension permissions and settings
Try different extensions from reputable sources
Clear browser cache and cookies
Disable conflicting extensions

Best Practices for WebRTC Security

Always test your setup after making changes
Keep your browser and extensions updated
Use multiple layers of protection when possible
Regularly check for WebRTC leaks
Consider using dedicated privacy browsers for sensitive browsing
Educate yourself about new WebRTC vulnerabilities

Quick Action Steps

Test your current setup for WebRTC leaks
Choose and implement the appropriate fix for your browser
Install a reputable WebRTC protection extension
Test again to confirm the leak is fixed
Set up regular testing to monitor your protection