DNS (Domain Name System)

DNS translates human-readable domain names (like a website address) into IP addresses so your device can connect. DNS matters for VPN privacy because DNS queries reveal which domains you intend to visit, even when the web content is encrypted. A well-configured VPN routes DNS through the tunnel and uses secure resolvers to prevent leaks. Problems arise when the OS falls back to the ISP resolver, when split tunneling sends DNS outside the tunnel, or when IPv6 causes a mismatch. Some VPNs offer “secure DNS” settings, and some users also use encrypted DNS technologies - though you should ensure those encrypted DNS connections still go through the VPN if your goal is to hide DNS from the local network. Best practice is to treat DNS as part of the VPN configuration: enable leak protection, verify resolvers via leak tests, and avoid mixing multiple DNS tools without understanding routing. In DVPN networks, DNS can be resolved at the client, at the entry, or at the exit; whichever model is used, consistency and leak prevention are crucial. If DNS leaks, the VPN’s privacy value drops sharply, even if the tunnel encryption is strong.

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