When you connect to a VPN, you expect all your internet traffic to be encrypted and routed through a secure tunnel. However, if your VPN does not properly handle IPv6 traffic, your real IP address could still be exposed — defeating the main purpose of using a VPN. This is known as an IPv6 leak, and it’s a hidden privacy risk many users don’t think about.

What Is IPv6 and Why Does It Matter?

The internet uses IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to identify devices. The older IPv4 system has been in use since the 1980s, but its available addresses are nearly exhausted. IPv6 was introduced to fix this shortage, offering a much larger address space.

The problem? While many VPNs are configured to handle IPv4 traffic securely, they don’t always support IPv6 by default. If your ISP supports IPv6 and your VPN doesn’t block or route it, any IPv6 traffic could bypass the VPN tunnel.

How an IPv6 Leak Happens

Here’s a common scenario:

• You connect to your VPN, which encrypts all IPv4 traffic.

• Your ISP and network also support IPv6 connections.

• An app or website requests data using IPv6.

• Since your VPN doesn’t route IPv6 requests, they go out unprotected — revealing your real IP address and location.
  
  

This can happen in the background without you noticing, even if your VPN shows “Connected.”

Why IPv6 Leaks Are Dangerous

An IPv6 leak is essentially a direct line to your real identity:

• Loss of anonymity – Your actual IP address becomes visible to websites, advertisers, and trackers.

• Geo-block bypass failure – Streaming platforms could detect your real location despite the VPN.

• Targeted attacks – Hackers could exploit your exposed IP for attacks or probing.

• Workplace or legal risks – If you’re using a VPN for business compliance, an IPv6 leak could breach policy.
  
  

VPN IPv6 Leak Protection: How It Works

VPN providers tackle IPv6 leaks in two main ways:

1. IPv6 Traffic Blocking – The simplest method is to completely disable IPv6 traffic while the VPN is connected.

2. Full IPv6 Support – More advanced VPNs route IPv6 traffic through the encrypted tunnel, just like IPv4. This requires robust infrastructure and is less common.
   
   

For most users, blocking IPv6 while connected is enough to prevent leaks.

How to Check if Your VPN Protects Against IPv6 Leaks

You can easily test your VPN:

1. Connect to your VPN.

2. Visit a leak test site such as ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com.

3. Look for an IPv6 address in the results.
   
   

If you see your real IPv6 address, your VPN is leaking. If IPv6 is disabled or replaced with the VPN server’s IP, you’re safe.

Steps to Protect Yourself

• Choose a VPN with built-in IPv6 leak protection – Many premium VPNs advertise this in their features list.

• Manually disable IPv6 – You can turn it off in your device’s network settings if your VPN doesn’t handle it.

• Regularly run leak tests – Test after updates or configuration changes to ensure protection.
  
  

FAQ

1. Does every internet provider use IPv6?
Not yet. Many still run on IPv4, but IPv6 adoption is growing quickly worldwide.

2. Can I just disable IPv6 permanently?
Yes, but some modern services rely on IPv6, so disabling it may cause limited compatibility in the future.

3. Is IPv6 faster than IPv4?
In theory, IPv6 can be more efficient, but in real-world use, speed differences are minimal.

4. Do free VPNs protect against IPv6 leaks?
Most free VPNs don’t handle IPv6 properly. If you care about privacy, a reputable paid VPN is safer.