Product
arrow
Pricing
arrow
Get Proxies
arrow
Use Cases
arrow
Locations
arrow
Help Center
arrow
Program
arrow
WhatsApp
WhatsApp
WhatsApp
Email
Email
Enterprise Service
Enterprise Service
menu
WhatsApp
WhatsApp
Email
Email
Enterprise Service
Enterprise Service
Submit
pyproxy Basic information
pyproxy Waiting for a reply
Your form has been submitted. We'll contact you in 24 hours.
Close
Home/ Blog/ How can DNS leakage be prevented when configuring an IPv4 proxy?

How can DNS leakage be prevented when configuring an IPv4 proxy?

PYPROXY PYPROXY · Aug 14, 2025

When configuring proxy ipv4 settings, one of the critical concerns that users must address is the potential for DNS leaks. A DNS leak can occur when your system uses an external DNS server instead of the DNS server set by your proxy, exposing your browsing activity and location. This could defeat the purpose of using a proxy in the first place, which is often to maintain privacy and anonymity. Preventing DNS leaks is crucial to ensure that your online activities are shielded from unwanted surveillance or tracking. This article explores effective methods to configure proxy IPv4 settings while ensuring DNS leaks are avoided, providing you with practical and actionable solutions to safeguard your online privacy.

Understanding DNS Leaks and Their Implications

DNS leaks occur when DNS requests bypass the proxy or VPN server, making it possible for third parties, such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or hackers, to monitor your browsing activity. This can lead to privacy issues, especially when using a proxy for anonymity. The primary function of a DNS server is to resolve domain names into IP addresses. When a DNS leak happens, the DNS requests are sent to the ISP’s DNS servers instead of through the proxy or VPN, making it easier to trace the user’s IP address and their activity online.

It is important to understand that the configuration of IPv4 proxy settings plays a pivotal role in determining whether DNS leaks will occur. Even if the proxy or VPN encrypts the connection and hides the IP address, a DNS leak can still expose the identity and browsing history of the user, which defeats the purpose of using privacy-enhancing tools.

Methods to Prevent DNS Leaks While Configuring Proxy IPv4 Settings

1. Use a Proxy Service That Provides Built-in DNS Leak Protection

Some advanced proxy services come with built-in DNS leak protection, ensuring that all DNS requests are routed through their own secure DNS servers. By using such services, users can rest assured that their DNS queries will not be leaked to external servers. It’s essential to choose a proxy provider that explicitly mentions DNS leak protection in their offerings, as this feature is critical for privacy.

2. Manually Configure DNS Servers

In many cases, manually configuring your DNS servers to a trusted third-party DNS provider can help prevent leaks. When using IPv4 proxy settings, specifying a secure DNS provider such as DNS servers that prioritize privacy, such as encrypted DNS, can help prevent DNS leaks. This configuration ensures that all DNS requests are sent through secure and anonymous channels, rather than through potentially compromised servers.

To configure a manual DNS server, you can access the network settings of your operating system or device, input the DNS server addresses provided by your trusted DNS provider, and ensure that they are used instead of the default ISP DNS servers.

3. Use IPv6-Only Networks

One effective way to prevent DNS leaks is by completely disabling IPv6, as many proxy and VPN services still experience issues with handling IPv6 traffic properly. IPv6 can bypass DNS leak protection mechanisms designed for IPv4. By disabling IPv6 or configuring your system to use only IPv4, you can minimize the chances of a DNS leak.

To disable IPv6, you can modify your system's network configuration settings, either through your operating system’s control panel or by adjusting the settings directly in the router.

4. Leverage DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT)

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) are modern protocols designed to encrypt DNS queries, making it much harder for third parties to monitor or intercept DNS traffic. Both of these protocols provide secure ways to send DNS requests over HTTPS or TLS, ensuring that they are encrypted and not easily subject to leakage.

When configuring your proxy settings, consider integrating DoH or DoT with your proxy connection. Many modern browsers and operating systems support DoH or DoT, so enabling these settings can provide an added layer of security and prevent DNS leakage.

Configuring Your Proxy IPv4 Settings: A Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Choose a Proxy Provider with DNS Leak Protection

Before configuring your proxy settings, choose a proxy service that offers DNS leak protection. Research reputable providers and check reviews for comments on the security features they offer. Make sure that the provider offers an option to use their own DNS servers or provides an option to disable IPv6.

Step 2: Configure the IPv4 Proxy Settings

Once you have selected your provider, it’s time to configure your IPv4 proxy settings. In most cases, you will need to access the proxy settings within your operating system’s network configuration settings. You will be asked to input the proxy server's IP address and port number.

Ensure that the DNS settings are correctly configured within these network settings. If your proxy service offers DNS leak protection, enable this feature.

Step 3: Disable IPv6 (If Necessary)

As discussed earlier, IPv6 can cause issues with DNS leak protection. To prevent this, navigate to your network settings and disable IPv6. This can be done on both the system and router level. Once disabled, all traffic will be routed through IPv4, which is easier to manage and secure.

Step 4: Set Up a Secure DNS Provider

If your proxy service does not provide DNS leak protection, configure your network to use a secure DNS provider. Enter the DNS server addresses manually, such as a trusted third-party DNS server known for privacy.

To do this, go to your operating system’s DNS settings, disable the default ISP DNS servers, and input the DNS addresses of your preferred provider. Make sure to use DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS if your system supports these options for further security.

Testing for DNS Leaks

After configuring your IPv4 proxy settings and taking steps to prevent DNS leaks, it is important to test your connection to ensure that no leaks are occurring. There are various online tools available that can help you check whether your DNS requests are being leaked. Simply visit a DNS leak test website while connected to the proxy to check if any DNS queries are being sent to your ISP’s servers.

If the test reveals any DNS leaks, revisit your settings and check for any misconfigurations or ensure that the correct DNS server addresses are being used.

Conclusion

Preventing DNS leaks is essential when configuring proxy IPv4 settings, as it ensures that your online activities remain private and protected. By using a proxy service that offers built-in DNS leak protection, configuring secure DNS servers manually, disabling IPv6, or using encrypted DNS protocols such as DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS, users can effectively prevent DNS leaks and protect their privacy. Always test your connection for potential leaks to confirm that your configurations are working as expected. With these steps, you can secure your connection and maintain the privacy and anonymity you seek while browsing the internet.

Related Posts

Clicky