Why Real IP Shows When Using VPN on Android
Seeing your real IP address while connected to a VPN on Android is worrying, but it’s usually caused by specific leaks or app/settings issues. This guide explains the common causes, step-by-step fixes, and testing methods to ensure Free VPN Grass hides your IP properly.
Your real IP can still show because of DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks, a misconfigured or split‑tunnel VPN, or Android app/network settings. Check the VPN connection, enable DNS leak protection, disable IPv6, revoke conflicting apps, and run leak tests to confirm Free VPN Grass is routing traffic correctly.
Why does my real IP show when connected to Free VPN Grass?
If your real IP address appears while Free VPN Grass shows as connected, traffic might bypass the VPN tunnel or some network feature leaks your address. Android’s networking stack, certain apps or websites (via WebRTC), and unprotected IPv6/DNS queries are typical culprits. Understanding the leak type helps target the right fix.
Benefits of using Free VPN Grass when configured correctly:
- Easy on-demand IP masking and location change
- DNS leak protection and basic privacy features
- Lightweight operation for Android devices
- Completely free with simple setup
Common causes of IP leaks on Android
Here are the typical reasons your device might reveal its true IP address while a VPN app appears active:
- DNS leaks: DNS requests go to your ISP rather than the VPN DNS server.
- WebRTC leaks: Browser-based peer-to-peer features can expose local/public IPs.
- IPv6 leaks: VPNs that only tunnel IPv4 traffic can leave IPv6 traffic exposed.
- Split tunneling or per-app VPN settings: Some apps bypass the VPN by design or misconfiguration.
- Routing or Android bug: Temporary routing issues or outdated Android versions can cause leaks.
- Permissions and VPN re-establishment: If the VPN disconnects or lacks proper permissions, traffic can revert to the carrier/Wi‑Fi network.
How to fix IP leaks on Android (step-by-step)
This step-by-step HowTo helps you fix the most common leaks so Free VPN Grass hides your real IP reliably. Follow the steps in order and re-test after each major change.
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1. Confirm VPN status and permissions
Open Free VPN Grass and verify it shows a connected status. If prompted, grant the app VPN permissions, allow background activity, and enable auto-reconnect. Force-stop the app and restart the VPN if needed.
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2. Reconnect and switch servers
Disconnect, then reconnect. If your IP still shows, switch to a different VPN server in Free VPN Grass — server-side routing can sometimes cause visible IPs if a node is misconfigured.
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3. Enable DNS leak protection
In the app settings, enable DNS leak protection or set the DNS to the VPN’s DNS. If Free VPN Grass offers a secure DNS option, enable it to force DNS queries through the tunnel.
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4. Disable IPv6 on Android
Android doesn’t always tunnel IPv6 traffic. If your carrier or network uses IPv6, disable IPv6 at the network level (if possible) or use Free VPN Grass settings that support IPv6 blocking.
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5. Block WebRTC leaks in browsers
In browsers like Chrome or Firefox, WebRTC can expose IPs. Use browser settings, extensions, or privacy-focused browsers to block WebRTC. For testing, try a different browser or install a WebRTC-blocking add-on.
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6. Turn off split tunneling or exclude risky apps
If split tunneling is enabled, ensure sensitive apps are routed through Free VPN Grass. Disable split tunneling temporarily to force all traffic through the VPN and see if the leak stops.
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7. Update apps and Android system
Make sure Free VPN Grass and your Android OS are up to date. Bug fixes in app updates or Android releases can resolve routing and permission issues that cause leaks.
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8. Reboot your device and retest
A device reboot clears stale routes and network stacks. After rebooting, reconnect Free VPN Grass and run leak tests to confirm the fix.
Advanced checks: DNS, WebRTC, IPv6, and apps
For persistent leaks, dig deeper with these advanced checks:
- DNS servers: Use online tools to see which DNS servers your device uses while the VPN is connected. If you see your ISP’s DNS, configure Free VPN Grass to use the VPN DNS or a trusted public DNS within the tunnel.
- WebRTC inspection: Visit a WebRTC leak test page in different browsers. If a browser reveals your IP, use browser-specific fixes or a different browser for sensitive tasks.
- IPv6 handling: Check if your public IPv6 address appears. If so, either disable IPv6 in your network settings, or use a VPN that supports IPv6 tunneling.
- Per-app routing: Confirm that messaging or system apps aren’t bypassing the VPN. On Android, some OEM customizations permit per-app VPN settings — ensure they route through Free VPN Grass.
If you’re comfortable with advanced networking, capture packet traces using adb or Android debugging tools to confirm whether traffic escapes the VPN. This is usually only necessary for developers or power users.
Testing your connection and verifying fixes
After applying fixes, verify that your real IP is hidden:
- Open Free VPN Grass and connect to a chosen server.
- Visit one or more reputable IP leak test websites (e.g., “what is my IP”, DNS leak test, WebRTC leak testers).
- Check IPv4 and IPv6 addresses; confirm DNS server shown belongs to the VPN provider or a private DNS.
- Test in multiple browsers and apps to ensure no per-application leaks.
- If a leak appears, follow the specific fix in the HowTo steps above and retest.
Tip: Testing on both Wi‑Fi and mobile data helps isolate whether the leak is network-specific or device-specific.
Comparison: leak types and fixes
Use this quick table to match leak types with likely causes and solutions.
| Leak Type | Typical Cause | Recommended Fix |
|---|---|---|
| DNS leak | DNS queries go to ISP resolver | Enable DNS leak protection in Free VPN Grass or set VPN DNS |
| WebRTC leak | Browser peer-to-peer feature exposes IP | Block WebRTC in browser or use privacy-focused browser/extensions |
| IPv6 leak | VPN tunnels only IPv4 | Disable IPv6 or use VPN with IPv6 support |
| Split-tunnel bypass | Per-app or OS-level split tunneling | Disable split tunneling or include apps in VPN routing |
| Temporary disconnect | VPN dropped/reconnect failed | Enable auto-reconnect, kill-switch if available, restart app |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my browser show my real IP but the app shows connected?
Browsers can leak via WebRTC or cached DNS even when the VPN app reports connected. Disable or block WebRTC in the browser, clear the browser cache, and ensure DNS requests go through Free VPN Grass. Retest after reconnecting the VPN.
Does disabling IPv6 always fix IP leaks on Android?
Disabling IPv6 often stops IPv6-related leaks, but it may not address DNS or WebRTC leaks. If Free VPN Grass supports IPv6 tunneling, enabling that is a better long-term solution; otherwise disabling IPv6 can be an effective workaround.
How can I test for DNS or WebRTC leaks safely?
Use reputable online leak tests that check IP, DNS, and WebRTC. While connected to Free VPN Grass, open test pages in multiple browsers and on different networks (Wi‑Fi and mobile data). If any test shows your ISP information, apply the corresponding fix and retest.
Can a VPN app on Android hide IPv6 traffic?
Some VPNs support IPv6 tunneling; others only handle IPv4. Check Free VPN Grass settings or documentation for IPv6 support. If unsupported, disable IPv6 on your network or device to prevent leaks, or use a VPN that explicitly supports IPv6.
What if my IP still shows after following all steps?
If leaks persist, contact Free VPN Grass support with detailed test results (screenshots of leak tests, server used, Android version). Advanced diagnosis may require logs or a device/network reset. Consider trying a different VPN server or re-installing the app.
Conclusion
Seeing your real IP while connected to a VPN almost always points to a specific leak or configuration issue. By following the steps above—checking DNS and WebRTC, disabling IPv6 if needed, and ensuring Free VPN Grass is configured correctly—you can secure your Android traffic and hide your true IP reliably.
Ready to get started? Download Free VPN Grass today and enjoy secure, private browsing!
