What Is a WebRTC Leak?
A WebRTC leak occurs when your browser exposes your real IP address through the WebRTC API, even
when you’re using a VPN or proxy. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a protocol built into modern browsers for
peer-to-peer voice, video, and data sharing – but it can bypass your privacy protections and reveal your true
network identity.
This means that even with a VPN active, websites can potentially discover your real IP address, ISP, and approximate
location. Proper WebRTC leak protection is essential for anyone who values online privacy or
manages multiple accounts.
How WebRTC Leaks Happen
The Technical Process
- WebRTC initialization: Website JavaScript creates an RTCPeerConnection
- ICE candidate gathering: Browser collects network interface information
- STUN request: Browser contacts external STUN servers to discover public IP
- Candidate exposure: Both local and public IPs are available to JavaScript
- Data exfiltration: Website reads IP addresses from ICE candidates
What Gets Leaked
- Local IP address: Your device’s IP on the local network (e.g., 192.168.1.x)
- Public IP address: Your real public IP (bypassing VPN/proxy)
- IPv6 address: If available, more identifying than IPv4
- Network interface details: Types of connections available
- STUN server responses: External server confirms your real IP
Why VPNs Don’t Always Protect
VPNs tunnel your HTTP/HTTPS traffic through encrypted connections, but WebRTC uses a different pathway:
- WebRTC makes direct STUN/TURN requests that may bypass VPN tunnel
- ICE candidate gathering accesses raw network interfaces
- Some VPN implementations don’t capture all UDP traffic
- Split tunneling configurations leave WebRTC unprotected
Testing for WebRTC Leaks
Free Testing Tools
BrowserLeaks.com/webrtc:
- Shows all detected IP addresses via WebRTC
- Displays both local and public IPs
- Indicates whether leaks are present
ipleak.net:
- Comprehensive IP leak testing
- WebRTC detection section
- DNS leak testing included
WebRTC Leak Test (ExpressVPN):
- Quick WebRTC-specific test
- Clear pass/fail results
How to Test
- Connect to your VPN or proxy
- Visit BrowserLeaks.com/webrtc
- Check if your real IP appears anywhere in the results
- If your real public IP shows up – you have a WebRTC leak
WebRTC Leak Protection Methods
Method 1: Browser Settings
Firefox:
- Open
about:configin the address bar - Search for
media.peerconnection.enabled - Set to
falseto disable WebRTC entirely
Additional Firefox settings:
media.peerconnection.turn.disable→truemedia.peerconnection.use_document_iceservers→falsemedia.peerconnection.video.enabled→falsemedia.peerconnection.identity.timeout→1
Chrome:
Chrome doesn’t offer a built-in setting to disable WebRTC. Options include:
- Use
chrome://flags/#enable-webrtc-hide-local-ips-with-mdns - Install a WebRTC blocking extension
- Use an antidetect browser with WebRTC controls
Brave:
- Go to Settings → Privacy and Security
- Find WebRTC IP Handling Policy
- Set to “Disable non-proxied UDP” or more restrictive
Method 2: Browser Extensions
WebRTC Leak Prevent:
- Chrome and Firefox extension
- Configurable protection levels
- Options to block or modify WebRTC behavior
uBlock Origin:
- Enable “Prevent WebRTC from leaking local IP addresses”
- Found in Settings → Privacy
- Works alongside other blocking features
WebRTC Control:
- Simple toggle to enable/disable WebRTC
- Quick access from toolbar
- No configuration needed
Method 3: VPN-Level Protection
Some VPNs include built-in WebRTC leak protection:
- ExpressVPN: Automatic WebRTC leak blocking
- NordVPN: Built-in WebRTC protection on desktop
- PIA: Configurable WebRTC blocking
- Mullvad: Comprehensive leak prevention
Important: Not all VPNs protect against WebRTC leaks. Always test after connecting.
Method 4: Antidetect Browsers
Send.win and similar tools:
- WebRTC can be configured per profile
- Option to replace real IP with proxy IP in WebRTC
- Complete control over what WebRTC exposes
- No leaks when properly configured
This is the best solution for multi-account management because each profile has controlled WebRTC behavior that
matches its assigned proxy.
WebRTC Leak Protection for Multi-Account Users
Why It’s Critical
For users managing multiple accounts, a WebRTC leak can:
- Link accounts: Same real IP detected across different accounts
- Bypass proxy: Real IP exposed despite using different proxies per account
- Trigger detection: Mismatch between proxy IP and WebRTC IP raises flags
- Cause suspensions: Platforms detect and link all related accounts
The Ideal Setup
For each account profile:
- WebRTC either disabled or configured to use proxy IP
- No local IP addresses exposed
- Consistent IP between HTTP traffic and WebRTC
- Regular testing to verify no leaks
Platform-Specific Concerns
Facebook/Meta
- Uses WebRTC for Messenger video calls
- Can detect IP mismatches between browsing and WebRTC
- Disable WebRTC or ensure it routes through proxy
- Google Meet depends on WebRTC
- If you use Meet, ensure WebRTC shows proxy IP, not real IP
- For non-Meet use, disabling WebRTC is safest
Amazon/eBay
- Don’t typically need WebRTC functionality
- Safely disable WebRTC for e-commerce accounts
- Eliminates one detection vector
Discord
- Heavily relies on WebRTC for voice and video
- Disabling breaks voice channels entirely
- Use antidetect browser that routes WebRTC through proxy
Advanced WebRTC Leak Scenarios
IPv6 Leaks
Even if IPv4 WebRTC is protected, IPv6 can leak:
- IPv6 addresses are often unique and persistent
- Some VPNs don’t tunnel IPv6 traffic
- Disable IPv6 on your network adapter if not needed
- Verify at ipleak.net that no IPv6 addresses appear
mDNS Obfuscation
Modern Chrome uses mDNS to hide local IPs:
- Replaces local IP with random .local hostnames
- Reduces local IP exposure
- Still doesn’t protect public IP from STUN requests
- Not available on all browsers
TURN Server Leaks
When STUN is blocked, WebRTC may fall back to TURN:
- TURN relays through a server (better for privacy)
- But if misconfigured, can still expose real IP
- Some implementations leak during negotiation phase
Verification Checklist
After configuring WebRTC protection, verify:
- ✅ Visit BrowserLeaks.com/webrtc – no real IP shown
- ✅ Visit ipleak.net – only proxy IP visible
- ✅ No local network IPs exposed (192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x)
- ✅ No IPv6 addresses leaked
- ✅ WebRTC IP matches your HTTP browsing IP
- ✅ Test in each browser profile separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all browsers have WebRTC leaks?
All major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera) support WebRTC and can leak. Safari has limited WebRTC
implementation with some protection. Tor Browser disables WebRTC by default.
Does disabling WebRTC break websites?
Disabling WebRTC breaks video conferencing (Google Meet, Zoom web client), voice chat (Discord), and some file
sharing features. Regular web browsing, social media, and e-commerce are unaffected.
Can websites force a WebRTC leak?
Websites can only access WebRTC through the browser API. If the API is disabled or the browser prevents IP exposure,
websites cannot force a leak. However, they can detect that WebRTC is blocked.
Should I disable WebRTC or route it through proxy?
Disabling is simpler and more secure for accounts that don’t need video calling. Routing through proxy is better if
you need WebRTC functionality while protecting your IP. Antidetect browsers like Send.win offer both options.
Is a WebRTC leak the same as a DNS leak?
No. WebRTC leaks expose your IP address through the WebRTC API. DNS leaks send domain lookup requests outside your
VPN tunnel. Both are privacy risks but work through different mechanisms. Test for both separately.
Conclusion
WebRTC leaks are one of the most dangerous privacy vulnerabilities because they can expose your real IP even when
using a VPN or proxy. For anyone managing multiple accounts or needing privacy, WebRTC leak protection is
non-negotiable.
Essential steps:
- Test first: Check BrowserLeaks.com/webrtc to see if you’re currently leaking
- Choose protection: Disable WebRTC or use controlled routing through proxy
- Use proper tools: Send.win profiles offer per-profile WebRTC control
- Verify regularly: Re-test after browser updates or configuration changes
Don’t let a WebRTC leak undermine all your other privacy efforts. A single leak can link accounts, expose your
identity, and undo the protection provided by VPNs and proxies.
How Send.win Helps You Master Webrtc Leak Protection
Send.win makes Webrtc Leak Protection simple and secure with powerful browser isolation technology:
- Browser Isolation – Every tab runs in a sandboxed environment
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- No Installation Required – Works instantly in your browser
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