If you’ve been using ExpressVPN and discovered a DNS leak, don’t panic. While ExpressVPN is a top-rated VPN provider, even the best services can sometimes be misconfigured or conflict with system settings, leading to privacy leaks. This guide will walk you through exactly how to fix ExpressVPN DNS leaks and regain full control over your privacy.
What Is a DNS Leak?
When you use a VPN, all your internet traffic should go through encrypted tunnels to protect your identity and data. However, if your DNS (Domain Name System) requests are still routed through your ISP instead of the VPN, it’s called a DNS leak. This can expose your browsing activity and real IP address to third parties.
How to Check for DNS Leaks
- Connect to ExpressVPN.
- Visit a DNS leak test site.
- Run the test and review the IP addresses and DNS servers shown.
- If you see your ISP’s DNS servers, your VPN is leaking DNS requests.
Steps to Fix ExpressVPN DNS Leak
1. Enable DNS Leak Protection in ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN includes built-in DNS leak protection. Follow these steps:
- Open ExpressVPN app.
- Go to Settings > Advanced.
- Make sure “Prevent DNS leaks” is checked.
- Reconnect to the VPN and re-run the DNS leak test.
2. Disable IPv6
Sometimes DNS leaks happen because your device is using IPv6. ExpressVPN does not support IPv6 routing. Here’s how to disable it:
- On Windows, go to Network Settings > Adapter Properties > Uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
- On macOS, use Terminal commands or set network settings to prioritize IPv4.
3. Use ExpressVPN DNS Only
Make sure your device isn’t manually configured to use third-party DNS like Google DNS or OpenDNS. Switch back to automatic settings and let ExpressVPN handle DNS requests.
4. Reinstall the App
Corrupt installations or old versions may cause DNS issues. Uninstall ExpressVPN and install the latest version from the official website.
5. Configure Firewall or Antivirus
Security apps can interfere with DNS routing. Temporarily disable your firewall/antivirus and test again. If the leak disappears, add ExpressVPN as an exception in the app.
Extra Tips for Leak Prevention
- Use the “Kill Switch” or “Network Lock” feature in ExpressVPN to block internet traffic if the VPN drops.
- Avoid public DNS settings unless you’re using ExpressVPN’s secure servers.
- Keep your OS and VPN app updated to the latest versions.
When to Contact Support
If you've tried all of the above and are still seeing DNS leaks, contact the ExpressVPN Helpline. Their support is available 24/7 and can assist with device-specific configuration or deeper troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Fixing a DNS leak with ExpressVPN is essential to ensure your privacy online. With the steps outlined above, most DNS leaks can be resolved within minutes. Always perform a leak test after applying any fix to verify that your DNS traffic is protected. If issues persist, don’t hesitate to get expert help from ExpressVPN support.