Tutorial

How to Disable WebRTC on Edge: Step-by-Step Guide

Tiffany Krance

• 2 min read
How to Disable WebRTC on Edge: Step-by-Step Guide
Photo by Windows / Unsplash

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology that allows for real-time communication between browsers without the need for any plugins or additional software. While it has its benefits, it can also pose a threat to privacy and security, as it can leak your IP address even if you are using a VPN. In this article, we'll show you how to disable WebRTC on Microsoft Edge to ensure your privacy and security.

Why Disable WebRTC?

Disabling WebRTC is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Protecting Privacy: Prevents exposure of your real IP address.
  2. Enhancing Security: Reduces the risk of potential data leaks.
  3. Improving VPN Effectiveness: Ensures your VPN can effectively mask your online activities.

Disabling WebRTC in Microsoft Edge

Using Edge Settings

Microsoft Edge allows you to disable WebRTC directly through its settings. This method is straightforward and effective.

Open Edge:

  • Launch your Microsoft Edge browser.

Access Advanced Settings:

  • In the address bar, type edge://flags and press Enter.

Search for WebRTC:

  • Use the search bar on the flags page and type "WebRTC."

Disable WebRTC STUN Origin Header:

  • Find the flag titled "Anonymize local IPs exposed by WebRTC" and set it to "Enabled."

Restart Edge:

  • Restart your browser to apply the changes.

Using Edge Extensions

If you prefer using extensions to manage your browser settings, several Microsoft Edge extensions can disable WebRTC for you.

uBlock Origin

  • Step 1: Open Edge and go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons site.
  • Step 2: Search for "uBlock Origin."
  • Step 3: Click "Get" to install the extension.
  • Step 4: Open uBlock Origin settings by clicking on the extension icon.
  • Step 5: Go to the "Dashboard" and select the "Settings" tab.
  • Step 6: Enable the "Prevent WebRTC from leaking local IP addresses" option.

WebRTC Control

  • Step 1: Open Edge and go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons site.
  • Step 2: Search for "WebRTC Control."
  • Step 3: Click "Get" to install the extension.
  • Step 4: The extension will automatically block WebRTC leaks.

Verifying WebRTC is Disabled

To confirm that WebRTC is successfully disabled, you can use an online tool to check for leaks:

  1. WebRTC Leak Test:
  • Visit a site like veilock.com/webrtc-leaks/.
  • If WebRTC is disabled correctly, these sites should not show your real IP address.

Disabling WebRTC on Microsoft Edge is an easy process that can greatly enhance your privacy and security while browsing the web. With this simple step, you can prevent IP address leaks, reduce your data usage, and speed up your browsing experience. So, why not give it a try today and take back control of your online privacy!