WebRTC privacy before a conference presentation

You may have a VPN connected before a conference presentation and still wonder whether a browser can reveal your regular IP address. WebRTC, a browser feature used by some live audio and video connections, can sometimes expose network addresses differently from ordinary web traffic.

Check your setup before the event, using the same browser and VPN connection you plan to present with. The VPN Leak Test checks for exposure through WebRTC or IPv6 while your VPN is on. It can help you spot a routing issue, but it does not prove that you are anonymous or check what a meeting app shares.

Check WebRTC and IPv6 with your VPN on

Connect to the VPN you expect to use during the presentation. Open the VPN Leak Test in the browser you will present from.
Follow the on-screen instructions and let the checks finish. Keep the VPN connected, and avoid switching networks or VPN servers while the test runs.
Review the WebRTC and IPv6 results. Compare any public address shown with the address you expect from your VPN connection. A VPN provider's own connection screen may show the connected location or server, but the displayed address can vary.
If the result is unclear, reconnect the VPN and run the check again in the same browser. A single test can be affected by a momentary connection change.

Run this check on the computer you will present from, not on a phone or a second device. Browser settings, VPN routing, and network connections can differ between devices. If the presentation will use a managed work computer or corporate VPN, follow your organization's instructions before changing any settings.

What the result means

The VPN address appears, with no leak reported

This is the expected result for the checks the tool runs: the test did not find your regular public address exposed through WebRTC or IPv6. It is a useful check, not a guarantee that every website, app, or network connection is private. Your VPN may also use different addresses for different services.

Your regular public address appears

The browser may be sending some traffic outside the VPN, or the VPN may not be handling WebRTC or IPv6 traffic as expected. Reconnect the VPN and check its settings before presenting. If it is a work VPN, ask your IT team to verify the profile rather than changing routing options yourself.

The check does not show a clear result

A blocked request, browser restriction, temporary network issue, or VPN reconnect can make a result incomplete. That does not automatically mean you have a leak. Try again after confirming the VPN is connected. If the result remains unclear, use your VPN provider's or organization's support process to check the configuration.

How to reduce the risk

Confirm the VPN is connected. Check its connection status immediately before the event. On Windows 11, open Settings › Network & internet › VPN. On macOS, open System Settings › VPN. If you connect through a VPN app, check its own status too.
Check for split tunneling. Split tunneling sends selected apps or websites outside the VPN. If your presentation browser is excluded, it may use your regular connection. VPN settings and labels vary, so check the app's documentation or ask your IT team before changing this option.
Review IPv6 handling. Some VPNs route IPv4 traffic but handle IPv6 differently. Look for an IPv6 leak protection or IPv6 routing setting in the VPN app. Do not disable IPv6 across your computer just to clear a test, especially on a managed device. Ask the VPN provider or your IT team what setting is appropriate.
Retest after network changes. Switching from office Wi-Fi to a hotspot, reconnecting to a different VPN server, or waking a laptop from sleep can change the route. Recheck the connection after any such change, before you share your screen.
Use the approved VPN setup. Avoid installing an unfamiliar browser extension or changing hidden browser settings to prevent a suspected leak. Those changes can affect video calls or violate work policies. If the test shows your regular address on a company network, send the result and the time of the check to your IT team.

What the test does not check

A WebRTC or IPv6 check is about network addresses, not the contents of your presentation. It does not tell you whether a meeting app is sharing the right window, whether notifications are visible, or whether participants can access a shared link. Before the call, close private tabs and documents, turn off notifications if appropriate, and confirm that the presentation window is the one being shared.

The test also cannot guarantee that every app routes through the VPN. A video meeting may use separate network services, and a VPN can disconnect after you test. Keep an eye on its connection status during the event, and follow your organization's guidance if privacy requirements are strict.

A VPN leak check is one useful preparation step, not a substitute for careful screen sharing or your organization's security policy.