How to disable WebRTC in popular browsers

Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) is a technology that enables data transfer directly within a browser. This allows users to connect with others without the need for additional plugins or programs.

Here's what WebRTC is used for:

• WebRTC allows for the direct transmission of audio, video, and other data, bypassing central servers. This results in lower latency during user-to-user data transfer.
• The technology enables faster and more efficient web communication. With WebRTC, video chats and audio calls can be conducted directly through a web browser, eliminating the need for extra software or plugins.
• Beyond webcam video, WebRTC also supports screen sharing, making it valuable for webinars, video conferencing, training sessions, and online demonstrations.
• WebRTC can be used to create virtual environments for collaborative activities, such as document editing and other forms of teamwork.

Now that you understand what WebRTC is, let's explore why it's often recommended to disable this technology in your browser.

Why do you need to disable WebRTC

Despite the fact that WebRTC supports data encryption, there are still potential risks associated with its use. One of the most significant threats is the disclosure of the user's IP address.

WebRTC can utilize a technology called “STUN” (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) during its operation. As a result, a user's real IP address may be exposed, even when using tools designed for anonymization.

To safeguard against leaks through WebRTC, we recommend following our guide on how to disable this technology. We'll cover the steps for doing so in the five most popular browsers.

How to disable WebRTC in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge

In these browsers, there isn't a built-in option to disable WebRTC. However, you can use specific extensions available from the official Google store. Let's explore how to disable WebRTC in Chrome using the “WebRTC Control” extension as an example. The same instructions apply to Edge since it operates on the same engine as Chrome, allowing you to use the same extension.

1. Add the “WebRTC Control” extension to your browser and pin it to your browser bar for easy access.
2. Click on the extension icon. When it's active, WebRTC is disabled, preventing your IP from being leaked.

   

3. Right-click on the icon and select “Options” to configure extra settings.

   

4. In the settings, you can choose to disable multimedia devices when the extension is active for added privacy.

   

This method is currently the simplest way to disable WebRTC in these browsers.

How to Disable WebRTC in the Safari Browser

In Safari, disabling WebRTC is a straightforward process that can be done through the browser's settings. Here's how:

1. Open the browser's main menu and navigate to “Preferences”.

   

2. In the “Advanced” section, enable the option as shown in the screenshot.

   

3. Next, head to the “Develop” menu. Within the “WebRTC” drop-down list, locate the WebRTC-related item and activate it.

   

Once completed, your real IP will not be transmitted via WebRTC technology while using Safari.

How to disable WebRTC in the Firefox browser

Disabling WebRTC in Firefox is a straightforward process that doesn't require any additional extensions. Here's how to do it through the browser's search bar:

1. Launch Firefox and type “about:config” in the URL bar.

   

2. Accept risks.

   

3. In the search bar within the browser options, type “media.peerconnection.enabled”.

   

4. Click on the toggle switch so that the value next to the parameter changes to “false”.

   

Once you've completed these steps, restart your browser to apply the changes. With this adjustment, WebRTC technology will no longer transmit your IP.

Disabling WebRTC through an extension in Firefox

For a quicker way to manage WebRTC settings, consider using a specialized browser extension. Here's how to disable WebRTC using the “Disable WebRTC” extension as an example:

1. Add the “Disable WebRTC” extension to your browser and pin its icon to your browser's toolbar for easy access.

   

2. Click on the extension icon to switch it on or off. A green icon indicates that WebRTC is disabled and your IP is secure. A red icon means the extension is inactive, and WebRTC may expose your IP.

   

How to Disable WebRTC in Opera

In Opera, you can also disable WebRTC directly through the browser's settings. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the browser and navigate to the “Privacy and security” tab in the settings.

   

2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and expand the “Advanced” menu.

   

3. Find the “WebRTC” subsection. By default, the first option in the list is usually enabled.

   

4. Select the last option, “Disable non-proxied UDP”.

   

With these steps completed, your data is now protected from leaks through WebRTC technology in Opera.

Extension for disabling WebRTC in Opera

In this browser, you can install an extension to quickly toggle WebRTC data leak protection. For instance, consider using “WebRTC Protect”. Here's how to set it up:

1. Install the WebRTC Protect extension and pin it to your browser's toolbar for easy access.

   

2. Click on the extension icon to enable leak prevention. The icon will turn blue when active.

   

Extensions like this are handy when you frequently need to switch WebRTC on and off. They provide a quicker alternative to manually adjusting settings in your browser.

Turning off WebRTC enhances your online privacy without compromising safety. However, it's worth noting that some services, such as Google Meet, require WebRTC to function properly. If you're planning to join or host a conference, make sure WebRTC is enabled in your settings and that no extensions are blocking it.