Fix DNS Leak on Android Quickly — Full Guide
DNS leaks can expose the websites and services you visit even when your VPN is connected. On Android, a combination of app settings, system DNS, and IPv6 behavior can cause leaks. This guide shows practical, step-by-step fixes to stop DNS leak errors when using Free VPN Grass on Android.
Use Free VPN Grass plus Android’s Private DNS and Always-on VPN: enable any DNS/IPv6 leak protections in the app, set the VPN as Always-on and block connections without VPN, configure a trusted DNS provider (Cloudflare/Quad9), then test with a DNS leak test to confirm the issue is resolved.
What is a DNS leak and why it matters?
A DNS leak happens when domain name requests (DNS queries) bypass the VPN tunnel and go to your ISP or another external DNS server. This exposes which websites you visit and defeats the privacy purpose of a VPN. On Android, leaks commonly occur due to system DNS settings, IPv6 traffic, or apps using their own DNS methods.
- Privacy risk: your ISP or third-party DNS can log visited domains.
- Geo-leak risk: DNS responses can reveal your real location even if your IP is masked.
- Security risk: unencrypted DNS may be intercepted or manipulated.
How to detect DNS leaks on Android
Before fixing anything, confirm the leak exists. Use these detection methods:
- Open Free VPN Grass and connect to a server.
- Visit a DNS test site in your Android browser: dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net.
- Run a Standard and Extended DNS leak test and note the DNS server names and locations returned.
- If results show your ISP or unexpected DNS providers instead of your VPN provider or trusted DNS, you have a DNS leak.
Tip: Test in multiple browsers and in incognito mode to rule out cached results.
How to fix DNS leak errors in Free VPN Grass on Android
This step-by-step HowTo shows the most reliable fixes. Follow the steps in order and re-test after each major change.
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Update Free VPN Grass and Android
Ensure Free VPN Grass is the latest version (Google Play) and your Android OS is up to date. App updates often fix network bugs and add leak protection. After updating, restart your device to apply system network fixes.
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Enable DNS leak protection inside the app (if available)
Open Free VPN Grass → Settings. Look for “DNS leak protection”, “IPv6 leak protection”, or “Use secure DNS” toggles and enable them. If such switches exist, turning them on forces the app to route DNS through the VPN tunnel.
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Set Free VPN Grass as Always-on VPN and block non-VPN traffic
Go to Android Settings → Network & internet → VPN. Tap the gear or the app name for Free VPN Grass. Enable “Always-on VPN” and turn on “Block connections without VPN” (or similar). This prevents apps from sending DNS queries outside the VPN.
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Use Android Private DNS with a trusted provider
Android 9+ supports Private DNS. Go to Settings → Network & internet → Private DNS and set a provider hostname such as 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com or dns.quad9.net. Private DNS forces encrypted DNS (DNS-over-TLS) system-wide and reduces leaks.
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Disable IPv6 or ensure IPv6 is routed through the VPN
IPv6 traffic can leak DNS. If Free VPN Grass has an IPv6 leak protection setting, enable it. If not, consider using Private DNS or a VPN server that supports IPv6. As a last resort, disable IPv6 in your network configuration or contact your carrier for guidance.
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Clear device DNS cache and browser caches
Restart your device. Clear browser cache and app data for browsers that show leaked results. This ensures cached DNS entries don’t cause false positives during testing.
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Check app-level split tunneling or per-app routing
If Free VPN Grass or other tools are configured to exempt apps from the VPN (split tunneling), remove sensitive apps from the bypass list so their DNS requests go through the VPN.
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Re-test with online DNS leak tools
After applying changes, reconnect Free VPN Grass and run dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net again. Confirm the DNS servers belong to your VPN provider or the private DNS provider you configured.
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Reinstall Free VPN Grass or contact support
If leaks persist, uninstall and reinstall Free VPN Grass, then repeat the steps. Contact the app’s support team with test results (screenshots) so they can help diagnose server-side or app-specific issues.
Preventive settings and best practices
Keep these proactive measures in place to avoid future DNS leaks.
- Enable Always-on VPN and block non-VPN connections.
- Use system Private DNS set to Cloudflare or Quad9.
- Keep Free VPN Grass and Android updated.
- Avoid using multiple VPNs or DNS-over-HTTPS clients simultaneously.
- Check IPv6 behavior: prefer VPNs that handle IPv6 or use Private DNS.
Benefits of following these steps:
- Stronger privacy and reduced exposure to ISP logging.
- More consistent geo-unblocking behavior.
- Simpler troubleshooting when problems arise.
Quick comparison of DNS leak fixes
Use this table to choose the right approach for your situation.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Enable app DNS leak protection (Free VPN Grass) | Simple, app-level fix; works across networks | Depends on app implementation; not always available |
| Always-on VPN + block non-VPN | System-level enforcement; prevents most leaks | May block some legitimate connections; requires Android settings |
| Android Private DNS (Cloudflare/Quad9) | Encrypts DNS system-wide; reduces ISP leaks | Some VPNs may conflict; needs Android 9+ |
| Disable IPv6 or use IPv6-capable VPN | Stops IPv6-related leaks | Not always possible on mobile carriers |
Advanced troubleshooting
If basic fixes don’t stop leaks, try these advanced checks:
- Inspect VPN logs in Free VPN Grass (if available) for DNS errors.
- Temporarily test a different VPN app to confirm whether the leak is app-specific.
- Use a packet-capture tool (requires technical knowledge or root) to confirm DNS packets’ destination.
- Check for carrier-level DNS interception — contact your mobile carrier if DNS requests still go to their servers after all steps.
- Consider using a reputable DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS provider at system level if Private DNS isn’t available.
If you’re unsure about any advanced step, reach out to Free VPN Grass support with test results and device logs so they can advise on app-specific behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will a DNS leak fix take effect in Free VPN Grass?
Most fixes (enabling app protection or Always-on VPN) take effect immediately after reconnecting. System-level changes like Private DNS or Android updates may require a restart. Always re-test with a DNS leak tool after making changes to confirm the leak is resolved.
Can Android Private DNS break Free VPN Grass?
Generally Private DNS (DoT) is compatible with VPNs, but a few VPNs or networks may conflict. If you see connectivity issues after enabling Private DNS, temporarily disable it to isolate the problem and report details to Free VPN Grass support for guidance.
Does Always-on VPN prevent all DNS leaks?
Always-on VPN combined with “block connections without VPN” greatly reduces DNS leaks by forcing traffic through the tunnel. However, IPv6 leaks or misconfigured apps can still cause issues, so pair Always-on with DNS/IPv6 protections and re-test after changes.
Why does DNS leak happen only on mobile networks?
Mobile carriers often use DNS proxies and IPv6 routing that behave differently from Wi‑Fi. Some carriers intercept DNS requests or use IPv6 paths that aren’t routed through the VPN, causing leaks. Using Private DNS or carrier-compatible VPN servers helps mitigate this.
Is it better to change Android DNS or rely on the VPN app?
Both methods help. App-level DNS protection ensures the VPN controls queries, while Android Private DNS secures system-wide DNS. Combining them gives stronger protection: app enforcement for tunnel routing and Private DNS for encrypted queries when the VPN is disconnected.
Conclusion
Fixing DNS leak errors on Android involves a mix of app settings, system DNS configuration, and testing. Start by updating Free VPN Grass, enabling any built-in leak protections, setting the VPN as Always-on, and using Android Private DNS. Re-test with online tools and use the advanced steps if needed to fully secure your DNS traffic.
Ready to get started? Download Free VPN Grass today and enjoy secure, private browsing!
