How to Tell if Your VPN Is Really Working

Introduction: Why Trust but Verify?

You've subscribed to a VPN, installed the app, and clicked "Connect." That shield icon is active, and the app says you're "Secure." But how do you *really* know it's working? It's not just about trusting the app; it's about verifying that your digital identity is truly shielded. A misconfigured VPN or a buggy app could leave you exposed, leaking your real IP address or browsing habits without you ever knowing.

This guide will walk you through four simple but critical tests to confirm your VPN is doing its job, moving you from blind trust to verified security. These tests are quick, easy, and require no technical expertise, giving you tangible proof that your connection is encrypted and your privacy is intact.

Test 1: The Basic IP Address Check

This is the most fundamental test. Your IP (Internet Protocol) address is your unique identifier online, like a digital street address. The entire point of a VPN is to mask your real IP with one from its own servers. Here's how to check it:

1. Turn your VPN OFF. Open a web browser and use a tool to find your public IP. Our What Is My IP Address tool will show you your real IP and approximate location. Note this down.
2. Turn your VPN ON. Connect to a server in a specific city or country (e.g., "London, UK").
3. Check again. Refresh the IP-checking website or open it in a new tab. The IP address and location shown should now be completely different, matching the VPN server you selected (e.g., an IP address based in London).

Test 2: Check for DNS Leaks

When you type "findcheapvpns.com" into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS (Domain Name System) server to find that site's IP address. Normally, this request goes to your ISP's servers, meaning they can log every site you visit. A good VPN should route these DNS requests through its own encrypted tunnel to anonymous servers.

A DNS leak occurs when these requests "leak" out of the VPN tunnel and go to your ISP's servers, exposing your browsing activity. Here's how to test for it:

1. Connect to your VPN.
2. Visit a specialized testing site. Our comprehensive Is My VPN Working tool includes a DNS leak test, or you can use a dedicated site like dnsleaktest.com.
3. Run the "Standard Test" or "Extended Test." The test will show you the IP addresses and owners of the DNS servers your browser is using.

Test 3: Investigate WebRTC Leaks

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology built into modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. It allows for real-time voice and video chat directly in the browser, but it has a known vulnerability: it can be tricked into revealing your true, underlying IP address, even when a VPN is active.

Many reputable VPNs have this leak patched in their apps or browser extensions, but it's crucial to check:

1. Connect to your VPN.
2. Visit a WebRTC leak test tool. You can use our simple WebRTC Leak Test tool or another site like BrowserLeaks.
3. The page will analyze your connection and show you what IP addresses are detected.

Test 4: The Kill Switch Test

A kill switch is a critical feature that automatically blocks your device's internet access if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. This prevents your device from reverting to its real IP address and leaking data. Testing it is simple but important:

1. Connect to your VPN and ensure the kill switch feature is enabled in the app's settings.
2. Start a download or stream a video to ensure you have an active data flow.
3. Forcibly disconnect the VPN. Don't just click "Disconnect." Instead, simulate a failure:
   • Turn off your computer's Wi-Fi, then turn it back on.
   • Unplug your Ethernet cable for a few seconds.
   • If your VPN app has a "Stop" or "Pause" function for the underlying service (not the main disconnect button), use that.
4. Observe your browser. The download should stop, and you should be unable to load any new web pages. Your internet access should be completely "killed."

Conclusion: Confidence in Your Connection

Running these four tests takes less than five minutes, but the peace of mind they provide is invaluable. By verifying your IP mask, checking for DNS and WebRTC leaks, and confirming your kill switch is functional, you can be confident that your VPN is actually delivering the privacy and security you're paying for.

Don't just trust the green "Connected" light. Take a moment to verify your connection, and then browse with the true confidence that comes from knowing your digital shield is solid.