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Home/ Blog/ How to avoid DNS leakage when using proxy services to open blocked websites?

How to avoid DNS leakage when using proxy services to open blocked websites?

PYPROXY PYPROXY · Jul 11, 2025

When using proxy services to access blocked websites, one of the most critical issues to be aware of is DNS leaks. DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating website names into IP addresses, and if DNS queries are sent through an unsecured or unintended path, sensitive browsing data can be exposed. This is particularly concerning when using proxy servers to maintain anonymity or access restricted content. DNS leaks can compromise privacy by revealing your real IP address or location. In this article, we will explore the concept of DNS leaks, how they occur, and effective strategies for preventing them when using proxy services.

Understanding DNS Leaks: What Are They and Why Are They a Concern?

To fully grasp the concept of DNS leaks, it is crucial to understand how DNS works in the context of proxy services. When you visit a website, your device sends a request to a DNS server to resolve the domain name into an IP address. A proxy server is designed to mask your IP address by acting as an intermediary between your device and the target website. However, a DNS leak occurs when these DNS queries bypass the proxy server and are sent directly to your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) DNS server. This exposes your browsing activity to the ISP, which can defeat the purpose of using a proxy in the first place.

The main concern here is privacy. Without proper measures in place, your ISP can see every website you visit, potentially monitoring your online behavior. This is particularly troubling for users trying to access restricted or blocked content from a location with heavy internet censorship. DNS leaks undermine the security and anonymity that proxies are supposed to provide.

How DNS Leaks Happen

Several factors contribute to DNS leaks when using proxy services. Understanding these factors is key to addressing the issue effectively. Here are some of the most common reasons for DNS leaks:

1. Default DNS Settings: By default, most devices are configured to use the DNS servers provided by the ISP. If a proxy service doesn't fully handle DNS requests, these requests can end up being sent directly to the ISP’s DNS servers, which creates a leak.

2. Improper Proxy Configuration: Not all proxy services are configured to handle DNS queries. Some proxies forward DNS queries to the local DNS server, which can cause leaks if the traffic isn't properly routed.

3. VPN or Proxy Application Errors: Some VPNs or proxy applications may fail to reroute DNS requests effectively. Bugs or errors in the software can allow DNS queries to bypass the secure tunnel and be exposed to the ISP.

4. IPv6 Leaks: While many users focus on IPv4 traffic, IPv6 traffic can also cause DNS leaks. If IPv6 is enabled on your device and the proxy doesn't support IPv6, DNS queries can leak through the IPv6 protocol, exposing your online activity.

How to Prevent DNS Leaks When Using a Proxy Service

Now that we understand what DNS leaks are and how they occur, let’s look at the steps you can take to prevent them. These solutions are essential for maintaining privacy and security when using proxy services.

1. Use a Proxy with DNS Leak Protection

The easiest way to avoid DNS leaks is to use a proxy service that has built-in DNS leak protection. Many modern proxy services offer this feature, which ensures that all DNS requests are routed through the proxy’s secure servers. This prevents DNS queries from being sent to your ISP’s DNS servers.

2. Configure Your DNS Manually

If your proxy service doesn’t handle DNS queries securely, you can manually configure your DNS settings to use a secure third-party DNS provider. There are several DNS providers that prioritize privacy, such as those that offer encrypted DNS services. By setting up your device to use these providers, you can ensure that all DNS requests are handled securely and privately, even when using a proxy.

3. Disable IPv6

Since IPv6 can sometimes cause DNS leaks if not properly supported by your proxy, it is recommended to disable IPv6 on your device. This can be done through your device’s network settings. By disabling IPv6, you limit the potential for DNS leaks caused by the IPv6 protocol.

4. Check for DNS Leaks Regularly

It is important to check if your connection is leaking DNS queries regularly. There are several online tools available that allow you to test for DNS leaks. Running these tests ensures that your proxy is functioning as expected and not revealing any sensitive information.

5. Use a VPN with DNS Leak Protection

While proxies are effective for bypassing geo-restrictions, VPNs are often a better option for privacy protection because they encrypt your entire internet connection. Many VPN providers offer DNS leak protection features that ensure DNS queries are routed securely, eliminating the risk of DNS leaks. A VPN can offer a higher level of security than a basic proxy, making it a preferred option for users concerned about privacy.

6. Choose a Proxy Service with Secure DNS Servers

Some proxy services operate their own secure DNS servers, ensuring that DNS queries are handled within the protected network. This eliminates the need to rely on third-party DNS providers, further minimizing the risk of leaks.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Online Privacy

In addition to preventing DNS leaks, there are several other measures you can take to further enhance your online privacy when using proxy services:

1. Use HTTPS Websites

Whenever possible, make sure you are accessing websites via HTTPS. This ensures that your connection to the site is encrypted, adding another layer of security to your online activity.

2. Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a protocol that encrypts DNS queries, preventing anyone from intercepting or monitoring your DNS requests. Many browsers and devices now support DoH, and it can be a valuable addition to your privacy toolkit.

3. Regularly Update Your Proxy or VPN Software

Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that could potentially expose your DNS queries or other sensitive information. Regular updates ensure that you benefit from the latest security patches and features, reducing the chances of a leak.

4. Consider Using a Tor Network

For users seeking the highest level of anonymity, the Tor network is an option worth considering. Tor routes your internet traffic through multiple layers of encryption and random nodes, making it extremely difficult to track your online activity. However, using Tor may come with slower speeds, so it is not always the best option for streaming or downloading large files.

Conclusion

DNS leaks pose a significant threat to privacy when using proxy services to access blocked websites. By understanding how DNS leaks occur and implementing the preventive measures discussed above, you can greatly reduce the risk of exposing your sensitive data. Whether you choose to use a proxy service with DNS leak protection, manually configure your DNS settings, or switch to a VPN, taking the necessary steps to protect your online activity will ensure that your browsing remains secure and private. Always test your connection regularly, stay up-to-date with software updates, and consider additional privacy tools to further safeguard your digital presence.

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