What to Know
- The free WebRTC Control addon is the nice manner to disable WebRTC in Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and different browsers.
- Firefox users have every other option: transfer the media.Peerconnection.Permit flag to false.
- You guard your public IP deal with from leaks whilst you turn off WebRTC.
This article will train you how to turn off WebRTC in Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Opera.
How to Disable WebRTC in Any Browser
The WebRTC Control extension is the easiest manner to disable WebRTC. It’s to be had for Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Edge.
- Visit the WebRTC Control download web page.
- Select the icon in your browser.
- Select the Add button on your browser to begin the set up procedure.
- Click through any set up prompts. Depending on your browser, there is probably an Add extension or Add button, plus an OK button to finalize it.
- The extension’s icon displays within the higher-right corner of the browser. When the circle is blue, WebRTC leak safety is enabled. Select the extension to toggle the fame.
Tip: Right-click the extension and choose Test WebRTC Leak to go to WebBrowserTools to look if the extension is working.
The Other Way to Turn Off WebRTC in Firefox
Firefox additionally lets you switch off WebRTC inside its settings. The extension defined above is the less difficult approach, however if you don’t want to install an upload-on for something motive, you do have another option.
- Enter approximately:config into the URL box at the top of Firefox.
- If you notice a Proceed with Caution message, pick out Accept the Risk and Continue.
- Type media.Peerconnection.Permit into the search field at the top of the browser.
- Double-click the entry from the list. The value will trade to false, which suggests peer connections are disabled.
What Is a WebRTC Leak?
WebRTC lets net browsers create peer-to-peer connections for real-time communique without having plugins. WebRTC may additionally divulge a tool’s neighborhood and public net addresses, even if you difficult to understand the place with a digital personal network (VPN). This is referred to as a WebRTC leak since it leaks personal records. Once an advertiser or website host is aware of the public net address of a device, they could pick out the location, city, and net provider provider linked to that cope with.
Prevent WebRTC Leaks in Any Browser With a VPN
Some browsers, specifically on cellular devices, don’t permit you to disable WebRTC. To shield against WebRTC leaks, don’t forget using a VPN. While a VPN may not disable WebRTC, it is able to mask your location.
For instance, in case you’re in Chicago however connect via a VPN in Los Angeles, WebRTC will document your public IP address as being in Los Angeles. Most VPN offerings guard your area while the usage of WebRTC because the company’s IP deal with is seen as opposed to yours, but it’s satisfactory to affirm with your company.
Additionally, the WebRTC Network Limiter Chrome extension can paintings with a VPN to help hold your privacy.
Check Your Browser for a WebRTC Leak
Open the browser you use and go to Browserleaks’ WebRTC Leak Test. This web page tests the browser for WebRTC leaks and shows various beneficial facts:
- If you notice True subsequent to RTCPeerConnection and RTC DataChannel, the browser helps WebRTC.
- If numbers are displayed subsequent to the Public IP Address segment, it really is your IP address.
- Next to WebRTC Leak Test is the leak fame. No Leak is what you want to see.
- The Media Devices section might also display facts approximately the device’s microphone and digicam.
After you’re making any of the modifications explained above, return to this page to verify the effect.