Complete Guide to DNS Leak Testing for Windows, Mac, and Mobile Phones

Many people have experienced this situation: even after enabling a proxy and changing the IP, everything seems normal, yet the platform still identifies the real network environment. In most cases, this happens because DNS has already leaked.

More and more people engaged in cross-border e-commerce and overseas access are beginning to pay attention to DNS leak protection. However, for everyday devices such as Windows, Mac, and mobile phones, many users still don’t know how to perform DNS leak detection.

Next, let us share a detailed DNS leak detection guide that even complete beginners can easily understand, applicable to Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

1. What Is DNS Leakage? Why Should You Test for It?

DNS works like a “contact list,” translating domain names into IP addresses. If you use a proxy but DNS requests are still routed through your local network, it’s like “wearing a mask while your voice is still being recorded.”

The risks of DNS leakage include:

•  Browsing records being visible to ISPs

•  Exposure of your real location and real IP

•  Websites identifying your real environment, affecting account security

•  Significantly reduced effectiveness of cross-border access and private browsing

Therefore, whether you are a regular user or engaged in cross-border e-commerce and overseas business, DNS leak detection is a step you must not skip.

2. General DNS Leak Detection Methods (Windows / Mac / Mobile)

Using an online DNS leak detection website (https://www.todetect.cn/) is the simplest and most commonly used method.

Steps:

First connect your proxy or IP tool → open a DNS leak detection website → click “Start Test” → review the returned DNS server information.

Judgment criteria:

•  If it shows a local ISP (such as China Telecom or China Unicom), DNS leakage exists

•  If it shows the proxy location or public DNS (such as Cloudflare or Google DNS), it is relatively safe

It is recommended to use this together with the ToDetect fingerprint checking tool. It not only detects DNS leaks but also checks IP, system information, WebRTC, and many other dimensions.

3. DNS Leak Detection and Protection on Windows

Key points for Windows detection:

•  Open a DNS leak detection page in your browser

•  Refresh multiple times and observe whether DNS changes

•  Pay attention to whether IPv6 DNS appears (many leaks are related to IPv6)

DNS leak protection recommendations for Windows:

•  Enable the “DNS leak protection” option in your proxy software

•  Disable system IPv6 (often very effective)

•  Manually set secure DNS (such as 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8)

Many people overlook system-level DNS settings and rely solely on proxy software, which is often not sufficient.

4. Tips for DNS Leak Detection on macOS

Mac users are relatively more “hidden,” but also more prone to pitfalls.

Common causes of DNS leaks on macOS include the system prioritizing local DNS and incorrect configuration of browser DNS over HTTPS.

DNS leak protection recommendations:

•  Manually specify DNS in network settings

•  Enable secure DNS (DoH) in your browser

•  Regularly recheck using DNS leak detection tools

Tests show that for Mac users, DNS information is often one of the exposure points during browser fingerprint detection.

5. DNS Leak Detection on Mobile Phones (Android / iOS)

•  Turn off Wi-Fi and test once using mobile data only

•  Then connect Wi-Fi + proxy and test again

•  Compare the DNS server results

Mobile protection recommendations:

•  Use proxy tools that support DNS protection

•  On Android, set a Private DNS (such as dns.google)

•  On iOS, enable the system’s built-in secure DNS

If you frequently log in to overseas platforms on your phone, DNS leak detection on mobile devices is absolutely essential.

6. DNS Leakage vs Browser Fingerprint Detection

Many people think that as long as DNS is not leaking, everything is safe—but that’s not enough.

Platforms usually combine DNS information, IP address, browser fingerprint, system timezone, and language for comprehensive evaluation.

This is why it is recommended to perform a full browser fingerprint check with the ToDetect fingerprint tool while doing DNS leak detection, to identify any other hidden exposure points.

Final Notes: Regular Checks Matter More Than One-Time Setup

DNS leakage is not something that becomes permanently safe after a single configuration. System updates, browser upgrades, and proxy changes can all invalidate previous settings.

Make it a habit to perform a DNS leak check whenever you change your network environment, and use it together with the ToDetect browser fingerprint detection tool. If anomalies appear, promptly adjust your DNS and proxy configurations.

Privacy and security can be complex or simple—the key lies in whether you seriously check those “invisible” details.