How to Check If Your VPN Is Actually Working (5 Simple Tests)

You're paying for a VPN to protect your privacy, but how do you know it's actually working? A faulty VPN connection might leave you exposed without realizing it.

Here are five simple tests to verify your VPN is doing its job.

Test 1: Check Your IP Address

This is the most basic and important test.

How to do it:

1. Disconnect your VPN
2. Visit whatismylocation.org/my-ip
3. Note your real IP address and location
4. Connect to your VPN
5. Refresh the page
6. Compare the results

What to look for:

• Success: IP address changed to VPN server location
• Failure: IP address remains the same

If your IP hasn't changed, your VPN isn't working. Try:

• Reconnecting to a different server
• Restarting the VPN application
• Checking your VPN subscription status

Test 2: DNS Leak Test

Even if your IP changes, your DNS requests might still go through your ISP, revealing your browsing activity.

What is a DNS leak?

When you type a website name, your device asks a DNS server to translate it to an IP address. If these requests bypass your VPN, your ISP can see every site you visit.

How to do it:

1. Connect to your VPN
2. Use our DNS Lookup tool or visit a DNS leak test site
3. Check which DNS servers are handling your requests

What to look for:

• Success: DNS servers belong to your VPN provider or neutral servers (like Cloudflare or Google)
• Failure: DNS servers belong to your ISP

How to fix DNS leaks:

• Enable "DNS leak protection" in VPN settings
• Manually set DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google)
• Use your VPN's proprietary DNS servers

Test 3: WebRTC Leak Test

WebRTC is a browser technology for real-time communication. It can accidentally expose your real IP address even when using a VPN.

How to do it:

1. Connect to your VPN
2. Visit a WebRTC leak test site
3. Check if your real IP is exposed

What to look for:

• Success: Only VPN's IP address shown (or no IP at all)
• Failure: Your real public IP or local IP visible

How to fix WebRTC leaks:

Firefox:

1. Type about:config in address bar
2. Search for media.peerconnection.enabled
3. Set to false

Chrome:

Install a WebRTC blocking extension like "WebRTC Leak Prevent"

Brave:

Settings > Privacy > Block WebRTC

Test 4: Kill Switch Test

A kill switch stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental exposure.

How to do it:

1. Connect to your VPN
2. Start a continuous ping: ping google.com -t (Windows) or ping google.com (Mac/Linux)
3. Disconnect from the VPN (simulate a drop)
4. Watch what happens

What to look for:

• Success: Ping stops immediately—no internet without VPN
• Failure: Ping continues—traffic flows without protection

How to enable kill switch:

Most quality VPNs have this in settings. Look for:

• "Kill switch"
• "Network lock"
• "Internet kill switch"
• "Always-on VPN"

Test 5: Speed and Performance Test

A working VPN should provide reasonable speeds. Extremely slow speeds might indicate connection problems.

How to do it:

1. Run a speed test without VPN
2. Connect to your VPN
3. Run the speed test again
4. Compare results

What to expect:

• Normal: 10-30% speed reduction
• Acceptable: Up to 50% reduction on distant servers
• Problem: More than 70% reduction or constant disconnections

How to improve VPN speed:

• Connect to a closer server
• Try different VPN protocols (WireGuard is usually fastest)
• Use wired instead of Wi-Fi
• Avoid servers in high-censorship countries

Quick VPN Health Checklist

Run through this checklist periodically:

• [ ] IP address shows VPN server location
• [ ] DNS requests go through VPN
• [ ] No WebRTC leaks detected
• [ ] Kill switch is enabled and working
• [ ] Speeds are acceptable
• [ ] VPN app is up to date

Signs Your VPN Might Not Be Working

Watch for these red flags:

1. Websites know your location despite VPN
2. Targeted ads based on your real location
3. ISP throttling continues with VPN on
4. Geo-blocked content won't load
5. Connection drops frequently

When VPNs Won't Help

VPNs have limitations. They don't protect against:

• Logging into accounts (Google, Facebook know who you are)
• Malware and phishing
• Browser fingerprinting
• Cookies tracking you across sites

For complete privacy, combine your VPN with:

• Privacy-focused browser (Firefox, Brave)
• Ad/tracker blockers
• Secure passwords and 2FA
• Good security practices

Testing Tools Summary

Key Takeaways

1. Always verify your IP changed after connecting
2. Check for DNS leaks regularly
3. Disable WebRTC in your browser
4. Enable kill switch for continuous protection
5. Test speeds to ensure usable performance

Your VPN is only useful if it's actually working. Take five minutes to run these tests now, and recheck monthly to ensure continued protection.

Check your current IP at whatismylocation.org/my-ip to start testing.

Related Articles:

• How to Hide Your IP Address: Complete Guide
• Does Incognito Mode Hide Your Location?
• Public WiFi Security Risks