How Do I Know If My VPN Is Working?
🔍 Quick answer:
To know if your VPN is working, run these 4 tests: 1) IP check — visit whatismyip.com. If the location matches your VPN server (not your real location), your IP is hidden. 2) DNS leak test — visit dnsleaktest.com and run the extended test. Only VPN DNS servers should appear. 3) WebRTC leak test — visit browserleaks.com/webrtc. No real IP should be displayed. 4) Kill switch test — disconnect your VPN. If your internet stops working, the kill switch is active. If all tests pass, your VPN is working correctly.
4 tests to verify your VPN is working
Test 1: IP address check
Visit MY IP. Your IP address and location should match the VPN server you're connected to — NOT your real location. If you see your real city/ISP, your VPN is NOT working.
Test 2: DNS leak test
Go to dnsleaktest.com → Run the extended test. You should only see DNS servers belonging to your VPN provider. If you see your ISP's DNS servers (like Comcast, Verizon, AT&T), you have a DNS leak.
Test 3: WebRTC leak test
Visit browserleaks.com/webrtc. WebRTC is a browser technology that can expose your real IP even through a VPN. If you see your real IP listed, you have a WebRTC leak. Fix by disabling WebRTC or using a browser extension like "WebRTC Leak Prevent" (Chrome/Firefox).
Test 4: Kill switch test
Temporarily disconnect your VPN (or force-close the VPN app). If your internet instantly stops working, your kill switch is active. If you can still browse, your kill switch is NOT enabled — enable it in your VPN app settings (Windows/Mac) or enable "Always-on VPN" (Android).
Quick checklist: Is my VPN working?
| Test | Pass (VPN working) | Fail (VPN not working) |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | Shows VPN server location | Shows your real location/ISP |
| DNS test | Only VPN provider DNS servers | Your ISP's DNS servers appear |
| WebRTC test | Only VPN IP shown | Your real IP appears |
| Kill switch | Internet stops when VPN disconnects | Internet continues when VPN drops |
What to do if your VPN isn't working
- Wrong IP showing: Disconnect and reconnect to a different server, or try switching protocols (WireGuard → OpenVPN TCP).
- DNS leak: Enable "DNS leak protection" in VPN settings, or manually set DNS to Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8) in your device's network settings.
- WebRTC leak: Install "WebRTC Leak Prevent" extension (Chrome/Firefox) or disable WebRTC in browser settings. For Chrome: type "chrome://flags/#disable-webrtc" and enable "Disable WebRTC".
- Kill switch not working: Enable "Always-on VPN" (Android) or "Connect on Demand" (iPhone) in VPN settings. On desktop, ensure kill switch is enabled in the VPN app settings.
💡 Pro tip: Run these tests after every VPN install and periodically afterward. A VPN can appear connected while still leaking your real IP through DNS or WebRTC — testing ensures you're actually protected. Bookmark these test sites for quick checks: whatismyip.com, dnsleaktest.com, and browserleaks.com/webrtc.
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Terms you'll meet
- IP address
- Your device's public ID online.
- Encryption
- Scrambling data so only you can read it.
- No‑logs policy
- VPN doesn't store your activity.