Can I use uBlock Origin to stop WebRTC leaks?

uBlock Origin is a widely used browser extension for Firefox and Chrome. It prevents your device’s browser from local IP address leaks but does not protect against public IP address leaks. Therefore, using uBlock Origin in conjunction with other solutions is recommended rather than as a standalone solution for protecting against WebRTC leaks.

Can browser extensions prevent WebRTC leaks?

Most VPN browser extensions do not protect against WebRTC leaks. NordVPN is the only known standalone VPN add-on that effectively prevents WebRTC leaks. In addition to its desktop and mobile applications, its browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox also protect against WebRTC leaks.

Does disabling WebRTC break VoIP apps?

If you're looking to prevent WebRTC leaks but still want to use voice and video chat apps like Skype or Discord, you can do so without any issues. Disabling WebRTC generally won't affect these apps' functionality; they will switch to using a different communication method. Although the audio and video call quality may be slightly affected, you can still use voice and video chat with WebRTC disabled without interruption.

Should I turn off WebRTC?

WebRTC enables audio and video calls and file sharing on browser-based P2P platforms. Disabling it may affect the functionality of services on your browser, such as Discord and Zoom. However, turning off WebRTC can prevent IP leaks and enhance privacy when combined with a VPN like NordVPN, which offers apps for various operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to Disable WebRTC in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Others

Rob Githinji - Tech Expert

Last updated: February 11, 2024

Read time: 14 minutes

This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.

This article provides steps on how to disable WebRTC from your browser. Learn all about this feature and why you may want to turn it off.

THE TAKEAWAYS

WebRTC constitutes a critical communication component for most web browsers, empowering users with audio/video communication functionalities. However, despite all its usefulness, it can threaten your online privacy by leaking your IP address, which can be big trouble for VPN users. Therefore, you should know how to disable WebRTC whenever you wish to go anonymous online. This guide elaborates on how to disable WebRTC on Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and other popular browsers.

Websites can take advantage of WebRTC technology to make a direct connection between your browser and its servers. These connections can potentially leak your IP address, thus rendering your VPN useless. Consequently, third parties such as hackers and advertisers can access your location, ISP, and device if they get your IP address.

WebRTC is intended to work on all browsers, so it doesn’t matter what you use. Fortunately, it is effortless to disable it.

Wondering how to do that? Don’t worry. This article explains the different ways to deactivate WebRTC to stay private online. You’ll also discover how a trustworthy VPN such as NordVPN will keep you safe.

Quick guide on how to disable WebRTC on popular browsers

Open the Chrome Web Store.
Search for ‘WebRTC Control.’
Click ‘Add to Chrome’ and then ‘Add Extension’ to install the add-on.
Right-click on the add-on icon to change its options.

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