IPv6 Leak Test
Most VPNs tunnel IPv4 but leave IPv6 unprotected. This test checks whether your real IPv6 address is visible to websites.
What Is an IPv6 Leak?
IPv6 is the modern internet protocol. Most home connections now have both an IPv4 and IPv6 address. The problem: many VPNs only encrypt IPv4 traffic and completely ignore IPv6 — leaving your real IPv6 address exposed to every site you visit.
Unlike IPv4, IPv6 addresses are often tied directly to your ISP account, making them even more identifying than your IPv4 address.
How to Disable IPv6 (Fix the Leak)
| OS | How to disable IPv6 |
|---|---|
| Windows | Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → right-click adapter → Properties → uncheck "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" |
| macOS | System Settings → Network → select connection → Details → TCP/IP → Configure IPv6 → set to Off |
| Linux | sudo sysctl -w net.ipv6.conf.all.disable_ipv6=1 (add to /etc/sysctl.conf for persistence) |
| Router | Log into router admin panel → find IPv6 settings → disable (most reliable — protects all devices) |
FAQ
What is an IPv6 leak?
An IPv6 leak occurs when your VPN protects your IPv4 address but leaves your IPv6 address unmasked. Any website you visit can then see your real IPv6 address, identifying you despite using a VPN.
Should I disable IPv6 to prevent leaks?
If your VPN does not explicitly support IPv6, disabling it on your device is the safest option. Most home users don't need IPv6 for everyday browsing.
Which VPNs protect against IPv6 leaks?
Mullvad, ProtonVPN, and NordVPN all include IPv6 leak protection by default. Always verify with this test after connecting to confirm protection is working.
Complete your privacy check:
- → WebRTC Leak Test — find IPs leaking from your browser
- → DNS Leak Test — check if your ISP sees your DNS queries
- → Browser Fingerprint Test — see what websites know about you
- → IP Checker — see your current public IP
Author: Katia Belokon — Privacy Researcher & VPN Analyst at MyIPScan. 5+ years testing VPN services and privacy tools.
Last updated: April 2026