5 Essential Tests to Verify Your VPN Is Actually Working

One of the most disconcerting aspects of using a virtual private network is the silence of its operation. The best VPNs work entirely in the background, keeping your IP address hidden and your communications with their servers encrypted. The better the VPN, the less you notice it, which can make a top-performing service feel uncomfortably similar to one that isn't working at all.

Luckily, you don't have to rely solely on the app's word. There are specific methods to verify whether your VPN is actually protecting you. This guide covers the basics and walks through five different tests you can run to ensure you are using an encrypted VPN server.

The better the VPN, the less you notice it.

Before diving into technical tests, it is essential to confirm the basics. The most common reason for a VPN failure is simply that it isn't turned on. It is easy to open the client app, choose a server, tweak preferences, and assume the work is done without actually establishing a connection.

To check that your VPN is active, open the app on your desktop or mobile device. While designs vary, common indicators include the color green, the word Connected, and specific information regarding the server location you are using. If you do not see these signs, click the On button or select a server location to initiate the connection.

Additionally, ensure your internet connection is active, as a VPN cannot function without an underlying network. For all subsequent tests, you must be connected to a VPN server and have an active internet connection.

The primary function of a VPN is to change your IP address to one matching its own server, disassociating your identity from your online activities. If this fundamental step fails, the VPN is either reporting a false connection or failing to route traffic through the encrypted tunnel.

To verify this functionality:

1. Visit an IP address checker like whatismyipaddress.com or ipleak.net without the VPN active.
2. Record your public IP address and geographic location.
3. Connect to your VPN and refresh the IP checker page.
4. Compare the new IP address with the VPN server details.

If the displayed IP address matches your original one, the VPN is not working. To troubleshoot, disconnect from the server, wait ten seconds, and reconnect. If the issue persists, try a different server location or VPN protocol. Restarting the VPN client, your device, and your modem in that order can also resolve the issue.

A Domain Name System (DNS) server translates URLs into IP addresses. If your VPN client allows your device to contact a DNS server owned by your internet service provider without routing it through the encrypted tunnel, the request can reveal your real IP address.

To check for DNS leaks, connect to your VPN and visit dnsleaktest.com. The tool sends innocuous DNS requests and scans which servers resolve them. If your real ISP appears in the results, you have a leak.

If leaks are detected, check your VPN's control panel to activate any built-in DNS leak protection. You can also clear your computer's DNS cache to resolve the issue.

• Windows: Enter ipconfig/flushdns in Command Prompt.
• Mac: Enter sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder in Terminal.

Two other common vulnerabilities are WebRTC and IPv6 leaks. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) allows browsers to exchange data directly, which can inadvertently bypass the VPN tunnel. IPv6 is a newer internet protocol that many older VPNs fail to encrypt properly.

For WebRTC leaks, use ipleak.net or browserleaks.com/webrtc. If your real IP address appears, the leak is active. You can disable WebRTC in your browser settings, though this will disable features like Zoom and Google Meet.

For IPv6 leaks, visit test-ipv6.com. If your IPv4 address matches the VPN but your IPv6 address does not, you are leaking. The easiest fix is to disable IPv6 entirely on your computer via network adapter settings (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac).

Streaming sites like Netflix often block VPN traffic to comply with copyright laws. If a site loads but shows your local content rather than the region you connected to, it may indicate a VPN leak. Clearing your browser cache and cookies often resolves this.

Finally, test your VPN's kill switch. This feature cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data exposure. To test it, ensure the kill switch is enabled, connect to a server, and then quit the VPN app without disconnecting first. If you can still browse the internet, the kill switch is not functioning correctly.

With your kill switch active, you shouldn't be at any risk of accidentally broadcasting your real IP address.

Verifying your VPN's functionality requires more than trusting the app's interface. By systematically checking your IP address, DNS requests, WebRTC, and IPv6 traffic, you can ensure your digital footprint remains private. Regular testing is the only way to guarantee that your encrypted tunnel is truly secure.

Remember that a VPN is a tool, and like any tool, it requires maintenance. If standard troubleshooting steps fail to fix leaks, consider switching to a provider that offers robust protection for all protocols, including IPv6.