Public and shared Wi-Fi
On a café or hotel network, lookups that leak go to a network you don’t control.
DNS leak protection
DNS and IPv6 leak protection, on from the start
DNS leak protection keeps your website lookups inside the VPN, so they don’t reveal the sites you visit to your internet provider. In CopVPN it’s one setting, “Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN”, on by default in the Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad and Android apps. On Android TV it’s always on.
On by default in the apps. The browser extension has no DNS leak protection setting.
Real Settings screens · Mac and iPhone
DNS leak protection“Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN”
DNS leak protection at a glance
- Onby defaultWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android
- IPv6blocked while you’re connectedOne setting covers both
- Onby defaultAlways on in the Android TV app
- Alwayson in the Android TV appWith no switch
How it works
Where your lookups go
Lookups stay in the tunnel
While you’re connected, CopVPN keeps your DNS lookups inside the VPN instead of sending them to your network’s own DNS server.
IPv6 is blocked
IPv6, a newer kind of internet address, can slip past a VPN. The setting blocks it while you’re connected, so that side door stays shut.
Nothing to set up
It’s on from the start. Our DNS leak test page explains how the protection works and how to check your setup.
Lookup yoursite.example ?
Your device
Inside the VPN
The lookup stays inside the VPN, so your network’s DNS server doesn’t see the site name.
IPv6Blocked while you’re connected
By platform
DNS leak protection on each platform
On by default wherever it exists; the browser extension has no DNS setting.
DNS leak protection“Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN”
On by default.
DNS leak protection“Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN”
On by default.
DNS leak protection“Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN”
On by default.
Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPNOn by default
Drawn from the Android app’s Settings, where this row sits lower down.
Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN
One switch, with no separate “DNS leak protection” label. On by default.
The Android TV app keeps DNS leak protection always on. There is no switch to show.
No switch
Always on, with no switch.
| App | In the app | How it works there | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows and Linux | DNS leak protectionBlock IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN | On by default. | Available |
| Mac | DNS leak protectionBlock IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN | On by default. | Available |
| iPhone and iPad | DNS leak protectionBlock IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN | On by default. | Available |
| Android | Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN | One switch, with no separate “DNS leak protection” label. On by default. | Available |
| Android TV | No switch | Always on, with no switch. | Available |
| Browser extension | Not in this app | No DNS leak protection setting. It protects this browser only. | Not available |
When to use it
Everyday moments it’s made for
Networks that use IPv6
If your home or mobile network hands out IPv6 addresses, blocking IPv6 while you’re connected keeps that route closed.
After a change
New router, new network, new device? Our DNS leak test page explains how lookups leak and which settings keep them inside the VPN.
DNS leak protection limits
- If a network or app only works over IPv6, you can switch the setting off, but your lookups may then leave the tunnel. Turn it back on when you’re done.
- It protects your lookups, not what you share. Sites you sign in to still know who you are.
- The browser extension has no DNS leak protection setting, and it covers that browser only.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still stuck?
Our support team answers by email.
contact@copvpn.comWhat is a DNS leak?
A DNS leak happens when your device asks your internet provider’s DNS server for a site’s address instead of asking through the VPN. Those lookups can reveal which sites you visit, even while the VPN is on.
What is IPv6 leak protection?
IPv6 is a newer kind of internet address that can travel outside a VPN tunnel. CopVPN’s setting blocks IPv6 while you’re connected, so that traffic can’t leak.
Should I disable IPv6 when using a VPN?
No. With CopVPN you don’t need to turn IPv6 off yourself: “Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN” is on by default in the Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad and Android apps and blocks IPv6 while you’re connected.
How do I check for a VPN DNS leak?
Connect CopVPN and keep “Block IPv6 and keep DNS inside the VPN” on. Our DNS leak test page explains how lookups escape a VPN and takes you through your CopVPN setup step by step.
Does the browser extension have DNS leak protection?
No, the extension has no DNS leak protection setting, and it protects that browser only. For DNS leak protection, use the CopVPN apps.
Keep reading
Related features and guides
- DNS leak testHow DNS leaks happen, and how to check your setup.
- Kill switchIf the VPN connection drops, the kill switch blocks your traffic.
- Block ads, trackers & malwareBlocks known ad, tracking and malware sites on your device. It isn’t antivirus.
- What is a VPN?How a VPN tunnel works, in plain words.
Your connection right now
This is what websites see
Any site you open can read your IP address and roughly where you are. Connect CopVPN and they see one of our servers instead.
- Your IP
- Location
- Provider