WebRTC enables browser-to-browser communication but can expose your real IP address even when using VPNs or proxies. In 2026, WebRTC leaks remain one of the most critical privacy threats—modern detection systems now combine WebRTC IP data with timing patterns and ICE candidate counts to create sophisticated fingerprinting profiles that can track users across sessions.
Research updated: January 2026
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) enables peer-to-peer video, audio, and data sharing directly in browsers. To establish direct connections, it needs to discover your network addresses - and this is where leaks happen.
Local IP Discovery
WebRTC queries all local network interfaces
STUN Server Request
Browser sends UDP to STUN server to discover public IP
ICE Candidates Generated
All discovered IPs become "candidates" for connection
JavaScript Access
Websites can read these candidates via JS API
VPNs and HTTP proxies route TCP traffic through their servers. But WebRTC uses UDP and makes direct STUN requests outside the VPN tunnel.
WebRTC can leak multiple types of IP addresses. Understanding each helps you verify your protection is complete.
Reveals your private/local IP address (192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x)
Risk: Can correlate sessions across different external IPs, revealing device identity
Exposes your real public IP address even through VPN or proxy
Risk: Completely bypasses VPN/proxy protection, revealing true identity
Reveals IPv6 address when IPv4 VPN doesn't tunnel IPv6
Risk: IPv6 addresses are often unique per device, enabling precise tracking
Direct requests to STUN servers bypass proxy settings
Risk: STUN servers log your real IP during connectivity checks
Detection systems use simple JavaScript to extract ICE candidates and reveal your real IPs.
// WebRTC leak detection code (simplified)
async function detectWebRTCLeaks() {
const ips = new Set();
const pc = new RTCPeerConnection({
iceServers: [{ urls: "stun:stun.l.google.com:19302" }]
});
pc.createDataChannel("");
pc.onicecandidate = (event) => {
if (event.candidate) {
// Extract IP from ICE candidate
const regex = /([0-9]{1,3}(\.[0-9]{1,3}){3}|[a-f0-9]{1,4}(:[a-f0-9]{1,4}){7})/;
const match = regex.exec(event.candidate.candidate);
if (match) {
ips.add(match[1]);
console.log("Leaked IP:", match[1]);
}
}
};
await pc.createOffer().then(offer => pc.setLocalDescription(offer));
// IPs collected include:
// - Your local IP (192.168.x.x)
// - Your real public IP (bypasses VPN!)
// - IPv6 addresses
}This code runs silently on any website without user permission. No camera or microphone access required - just JavaScript.
Each browser handles WebRTC differently in 2026. While Chrome remains vulnerable by default, Brave, Firefox, and Vivaldi now offer built-in protection options. Safari uses mDNS to mask local IPs. Here's the current state of browser-specific WebRTC protection.
Solution
WebRTC Network Limiter extension, uBlock Origin, or WebRTC Leak ShieldStill no built-in protection in 2026. Extensions required. Use WebRTC Leak Shield or Trace extension for comprehensive coverage.
Solution
about:config → media.peerconnection.enabled = falseFull disable available but breaks video calls. Enhanced Tracking Protection in Strict mode now helps reduce WebRTC exposure.
Solution
Settings → Privacy → WebRTC IP Handling PolicyBest built-in protection in 2026. Fingerprinting blocking enabled by default prevents most WebRTC leaks without manual config.
Solution
mDNS ICE candidates enabled by default since Safari 17Uses mDNS to hide local IPs automatically. Local network addresses replaced with random .local hostnames.
Professional antidetect browsers provide the best WebRTC protection for automation.
Three WebRTC modes: Disabled, Altered (uses proxy IP), or Real. Per-profile control with automatic leak testing.
Automatic WebRTC IP masking that matches your proxy IP. Built-in leak prevention with no configuration needed.
WebRTC substitution with custom local and public IP settings. Full control over ICE candidate generation.
Mobile proxies alone don't prevent WebRTC leaks. Here's the complete solution.
HTTP/SOCKS5 proxies don't handle WebRTC's UDP STUN requests. Even with a mobile proxy, your real IP can leak via WebRTC.
Combine mobile proxies with WebRTC protection in your browser or antidetect tool.
Always verify your WebRTC protection before starting operations.
Comprehensive WebRTC leak test showing local IPs, public IPs, and STUN results. Best for detailed analysis.
Quick combined test for WebRTC, DNS, and torrent IP leaks. Good for fast verification.
Simple pass/fail WebRTC leak test with clear results. Easy to understand for quick checks.
Full proxy test including IP detection, DNS leak test, and anonymity check. Verify your complete setup.
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