I haven’t used Mullvad’s Leak Test very often. I prefer using a provider-independent check like, ipleak.net.
With Mullvad’s DNS Leak news posting, I decided to try Mullvad’s Leak Test, and I apparently I have DNS leaks. I have tried Mullvad’s browser setting suggestions on protecting against DNS leaks, but nothing seems to have an effect.
What should I do to protect against DNS leaks?
Hey, guys - Thanks for the support on this!
It turns out that it was my own stupidity on this one. I started to dig down into my whole network configuration, from the modem down to my PC network adapters.
It turns out that many, many months ago (long enough ago to forget that I did this, anyways), I had manually set the DNS servers on my PC’s wired Ethernet adapter to Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS Server.
When I set the PC Ethernet adapter settings back to “Automatic”, I don’t see the DNS Leak anymore on Mullvad’s Leak Check tool.
So, Mullvad was reporting the right stuff, and I was just stupid.
Sorry for the bother, but thanks for the great help!
IFAIK, I am using Mullvad’s DNS server when my Mullvad VPN is enabled. I do enable some of the Mullvad Content Blockers, like Malware and Trackers - which I believe forces me to use Mullvad’s DNS server.
That’s part of the reason I’m concerned, is because I wouldn’t expect DNS Leaks if I am actually using Mullvad’s DNS.
This is kinda weird. What is the problem with settings your DNS server manually ? I thought everyone had their server set manually. Why on earth would you set it on auto to use god knows whatever your IPs gives you. Mine has been set to the same Cloudflare server for enternity and I don’t have any leaks on the mullvad either. I don’t really think that is your problem. When you use Mullvad it should automatically use their DNS instead. Are you sure you don’t have one of those DNS over something modes( I think DSN over HTTPS was the exact) active (it is usually automatically on if u use firefox in US) ? This is part of their guide and one possible way your DNS to leak
If you are using Mullvad as your VPN provider, and if you’re certain that you are using Mullvad DNS, and if you are using Mullvad’s Connection Check; then you absolutely should not be showing any DNS leaks. If you, nonetheless, are showing DNS leaks, I would strongly suggest that you email Mullvad support.
I get what you’re saying. I’m a bit confused, too.
I had my PC’s network adapter (the hardware device) manually set to Cloudflare’s DNS service. I think this is where the leak was detected, because I was overriding and preventing connection to Mullvad’s DNS server. Mullvad’s DNS Leak Detector must be checking to see if I am connecting to Mullvad’s DNS service, and declaring a leak if I wasn’t. (Note: I implemented this better by manually changing my router’s DNS Servers to Cloudflare, and changed my hardware adapter back to automatic. I now get Cloudflare for normal internet, and Mullvad DNS for VPN. This fixed the reported DNS Leak)
But when I am using the VPN, I’m sure that I am using the “Mullvad” virtual network adapter, which has a fixed DNS server value (I expect is a Mullvad’s DNS Server). I would think that setting would have overridden the hardware network adapter’s DNS server setting.