How Do I Know My VPN is Working?

Check 1: IP address (30 seconds)

1. With the VPN disconnected, visit whatismyip.com and note your real IP and country
2. Connect to your VPN (pick a server in, say, Germany)
3. Refresh whatismyip.com — the IP should change and the country should show as Germany

Check 2: DNS leak test (1 minute)

A DNS leak means your browser is asking your ISP's DNS servers (instead of your VPN's) which websites to visit — exposing your activity even though the connection is "encrypted."

1. With VPN connected, go to dnsleaktest.com
2. Click Extended Test (more thorough than the standard test)
3. Look at the list of DNS servers that resolve — these should belong to your VPN provider (e.g., "M247", "Datacamp Limited", or the provider's branded name)
4. You should NOT see your ISP's name (e.g., "Comcast", "Verizon", "BT")

Check 3: WebRTC leak (30 seconds)

WebRTC is built into every modern browser to support video calls. It can accidentally reveal your real local IP (192.168.x.x) or even your public IP, even with a VPN active.

1. Visit browserleaks.com/webrtc
2. Look for "Public IP Address" and "Local IP Address" — these should not show your real IPs
3. If they do, install the WebRTC Leak Prevent extension (Chrome/Firefox) and disable WebRTC

Check 4: Kill switch test (30 seconds)

The kill switch is supposed to cut all internet traffic if your VPN drops — preventing accidental leaks. To verify:

1. Start a large download or stream a video
2. Force-kill the VPN app (or disconnect the VPN server)
3. The download should stop within 1-2 seconds
4. If it keeps downloading, the kill switch is broken — enable it in your VPN's settings (often off by default)

All-in-one tools

• ipleak.net — runs IP, DNS, WebRTC, and torrent address detection in one page
• perfect-privacy.com/check-ip — comprehensive multi-leak detection with IPv4 and IPv6
• BrowserLeaks.com — deep dive on WebRTC, fonts, geolocation, and more

Common false alarms

• "My VPN shows a different IP than what whatismyip.com shows" — Some VPN apps have a separate "reported IP" vs. actual exit IP. Trust the website, not the app's claim.
• "Speed test still shows my real location" — Some speed test sites geolocate by IP and latency, which can give weird results. Run with VPN off and on, then compare.
• "Google is still in my language" — Google's a stubborn one. Clear cookies or use a private window.