WebRTC Leak
A WebRTC leak exposes your real IP address through the browser's built-in real-time communication feature, even while a VPN or proxy is active.
WebRTC Leak explained
WebRTC is a browser technology for real-time audio, video, and data, used by video calls and some web apps. To connect peers directly, it can query your real IP addresses, and it may reveal them to a webpage through JavaScript even when a VPN or proxy is masking your traffic.
Because the leak happens in the browser rather than the network layer, a VPN alone may not stop it. Defenses include VPNs that patch WebRTC, browser settings or extensions that disable it, and antidetect browsers that control what WebRTC reports per profile.
Examples
- 01A leak test surfacing your real IP through WebRTC behind a VPN
- 02An account link risk from a WebRTC IP mismatch during multi-accounting
- 03A browser extension disabling WebRTC to close the leak
Common use cases
Frequently asked questions
It is when the browser real-time communication feature exposes your real IP address to a webpage, even though a VPN or proxy is hiding your normal traffic.
Because the leak happens in the browser, not the network layer. WebRTC can query local and public IPs directly, bypassing the VPN unless it is specifically blocked.
Use a VPN that patches WebRTC, disable WebRTC in your browser or with an extension, or use an antidetect browser that controls what WebRTC reports per profile.
Connect your VPN and run a WebRTC leak test page. If it shows your real IP rather than the VPN IP, WebRTC is leaking.
Yes. A WebRTC IP that does not match your proxy IP is a strong signal that links accounts, so antidetect setups must control WebRTC carefully.
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