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Security Tool • Updated for 2026

IPv6 Leak Test

Check whether IPv6 connectivity (and IPv6 DNS) might bypass your VPN tunnel in ways that can reveal location or network identity signals.
Purpose: verify Time: < 1 minute Best for: VPN users + public Wi-Fi
Run the test ↓ Methodology Affiliate Disclosure

IPv6 is the “newer” internet addressing system. Many VPNs handle IPv4 perfectly — but if IPv6 isn’t routed the same way, some traffic (or identity signals) can take a different path than you expect. This tool checks whether your browser/network currently has IPv6 connectivity and highlights common mismatch patterns that can create “IPv6 leak” anxiety.

Reality anchor: one test ≠ total security. Passing reduces uncertainty; it doesn’t guarantee anonymity.

What this tool checks (and what it doesn’t)

This tool checks
  • IPv6 availability (does your browser/network have IPv6 right now?).
  • Your public IPv6 address (if present) — best-effort via public IP endpoints.
  • IPv6 vs IPv4 mismatch signals that often correlate with VPN routing gaps.
This tool does not check
  • Full DNS resolver path (that needs a server-backed DNS leak test).
  • Provider “no-logs” claims (that’s transparency, not a client test).
  • All app traffic (this checks what your browser sees, not every app).

Run the IPv6 leak test

Not run yet

Click “Run test” to detect IPv6 capability and (if available) your public IPv6 address. If your VPN is ON, keep it connected.

IPv6 connectivity
—
Not all networks support IPv6 — “none” can be normal.
Public IPv4 (baseline)
—
Used only to interpret “mismatch” patterns.
Public IPv6 (if present)
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If this looks like your ISP while VPN is on, review VPN IPv6 handling.
Advisor verdict
—
Conservative, non-alarmist interpretation.
Network hints (best-effort)
—

Related tools: VPN Leak Test (IP, DNS, WebRTC) • WebRTC Leak Checker

How to read your results (plain English)

✅ Result: “No IPv6 detected”

Many ISPs and networks still don’t provide IPv6 to your device, or it’s disabled. In that case, there’s nothing “IPv6” to leak. This is a normal outcome — not a fail.

🟩 Result: “IPv6 detected, looks consistent”

If your IPv6 is present and appears consistent with your VPN setup (or your VPN explicitly disables IPv6), that’s a good sign. For everyday use, this typically reduces “mismatch” risk.

🟨 Result: “IPv6 detected — needs review”

If IPv6 exists while your VPN is on, the key question is whether your VPN app routes IPv6 traffic or disables it safely. Some VPNs do this well; others rely on OS/browser behavior that varies by device and network.

⚠️ Result: “Likely IPv6 mismatch”

If your IPv4 looks like the VPN but IPv6 looks like your ISP/network, that can undermine location privacy expectations. It doesn’t mean “you’re exposed to everyone,” but it’s a strong signal to adjust settings.

Common false alarms (don’t panic)

  1. “I see IPv6, so I’m leaking.” IPv6 presence alone isn’t a leak. It’s a signal to check routing consistency.
  2. “My IPv6 looks unfamiliar.” IPv6 addresses can look “random” due to privacy extensions; that can be normal.
  3. “The tool can’t fetch IPv6.” Some networks block endpoints, and some VPNs/filters interfere. Retry on a different network.

What this means for your setup (fixes that usually work)

  • If you want the simplest fix: check your VPN app for an “IPv6 leak protection” or disable IPv6 option.
  • If you’re on public Wi-Fi: turn on kill switch and re-test after reconnects.
  • If you use split tunneling: ensure your browser is included in the VPN tunnel.

Quick checklist

  • Step 1: Disconnect/reconnect VPN → re-test.
  • Step 2: Enable VPN kill switch → re-test after toggling Wi-Fi.
  • Step 3: Look for VPN “IPv6” setting (disable or protect) → re-test.
  • Step 4: If needed, disable IPv6 at OS level (last resort; can break some networks/apps).

Guides: How to test your VPN (IP, DNS, WebRTC) • VPN not working? fixes • What is a kill switch?

Recommended next steps

Limitations of this tool

  • Browser view: this checks what the browser can observe, not every app on your device.
  • Endpoint reliance: public IP endpoints can be blocked by filters, VPNs, or networks.
  • Not a DNS resolver test: IPv6 DNS leaks require server-backed testing to be definitive.
  • Varies by network: mobile vs Wi-Fi vs corporate networks can produce different outcomes.

FAQ

  • What is an IPv6 leak? It usually means your VPN routes IPv4 through the tunnel, but IPv6 takes a different path (or remains exposed).
  • Is disabling IPv6 safe? Often yes, but it can break some networks/apps. Prefer VPN-level IPv6 protection first.
  • Why do results change between Wi-Fi and mobile? Networks differ in IPv6 support and routing. Test on the network you actually use.
  • Does an IPv6 leak mean I’m “not protected”? Not entirely. It’s a mismatch risk that can undermine location privacy and expectations.
  • Does passing this test mean I’m anonymous? No — anonymity also depends on accounts, cookies, fingerprinting, and operational security.

Trust & disclosure

This tool is educational and diagnostic. Results vary by browser, OS, device, VPN configuration, and network. Learn more: Methodology • Affiliate disclosure.