When you open a website, your browser can sometimes give away more than you expect.
Even if you’re using a VPN, there’s a feature called WebRTC that might quietly reveal your real IP address. No warning, no pop-up - it just happens in the background.
Let’s take a look at what WebRTC is, why it matters, and how to check if your browser is leaking.
What is WebRTC?
WebRTC stands for Web Real-Time Communication.
It’s built into most modern browsers and is used for things like:
- Video and voice calls (like Google Meet or Discord)
- Screen sharing
- Peer-to-peer file transfer
It helps websites connect people directly - without plugins or extra apps.
To do that, though, it needs to know both users’ IP addresses.
What’s a WebRTC leak?
Here’s the catch: when your browser sets up these connections, it might reveal your real IP address, even if you’re using a VPN.
This happens because WebRTC asks your system for all available IPs - and some websites can read that using a small script. This is called a WebRTC leak.
You won’t see anything on the page. But your real IP might be exposed.
If you’re not sure what an IP address is or why it matters, check out What Is My IP Address – And Why Should I Care?
How can I check?
Just go to the homepage - we’ve added a WebRTC leak test right next to your IP info.
It runs automatically and shows:
- ✅ “No leak detected” if everything looks good
- ⚠️ A leaked IP if your browser is exposing one
Should I care?
If you’re using a VPN to:
- Hide your real location
- Avoid tracking
- Access content from another country
…then yes - a WebRTC leak can undo all of that.
Even one exposed request could give away where you really are.
How can I block WebRTC (and stop leaks)?
You can disable or limit WebRTC in most browsers with a few quick steps:
- Disable WebRTC in Firefox - via the
about:configpanel - Block WebRTC in Chrome or Edge - using browser extensions like uBlock Origin
- Fix WebRTC leaks in Brave - by adjusting fingerprinting protection settings (coming soon)
We’ll publish short step-by-step guides soon. No technical setup required.
Want to check if your browser is leaking?
The homepage shows your:
- IP address
- Country
- WebRTC leak status
All in one place - no clicks or setup needed.
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash