VPN test: How to check if your VPN is working

How to tell if a VPN is working

There are several different ways to check that your VPN service is working properly and protecting your internet traffic and personal data.

• Check your IP address. Take note of your current IP address, connect to a VPN server, and recheck the IP address. If it differs from the one you initially noted, your VPN works.
• Check for DNS leaks. Domain name system (DNS) leaks happen when a VPN fails to encipher your DNS traffic, and your DNS queries go through to your ISP’s DNS servers.
• Check for WebRTC leaks. Every browser has a built-in Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) protocol for real-time communication.
• Check your VPN status. Most VPN software shows if you are connected to a VPN. Make sure your status is "Connected."
• Test your internet speed. Connect to a VPN and run an internet speed test. If the internet speed is lower than usual, there might be some issues.

Follow the instructions to find out more about how running occasional VPN tests is important to ensure the effectiveness, performance, and security of a VPN, safeguarding your privacy and sensitive data.

Test a VPN for IP address leaks

Your IP address says a lot about you, like your location or the websites you visit. A VPN protects your IP address from snoopers trying to access this information, so if your original IP leaks, it defeats the purpose of using a VPN. This usually happens due to two internet protocols, IPv4 and IPv6, and their incompatibility. Once someone has your real IP address, it will allow them to monitor your online behavior.

Test a VPN for DNS leaks

Sometimes your IP address might stay hidden while your DNS address secretly reveals your location. The DNS server changes plain text URLs into numerical IP addresses. If you’re not using a VPN, this process is handled by your internet service provider (ISP) and its servers, which can see who visited what websites. If your DNS leaks, anyone snooping on your traffic will be able to access this information too. It could even lead to a DNS hijacking attack.

Test a VPN for WebRTC leaks

WebRTC allows a website or app to provide video and audio communications and even some file-sharing services without extra software. A WebRTC leak is when your browser inadvertently reveals your actual IP address when using WebRTC services. A robust VPN with up-to-date security protocols typically prevents WebRTC leaks, although not all VPNs have that capability.

Test your VPN speed

You need to run a VPN speed test to check your VPN speed. You can try Speedtest to evaluate your VPN speed. Here’s how to do it:

1. 1.Turn on your VPN and choose a server.
2. 2.Run a speed test.
3. 3.Turn off your VPN, run the speed test again, and note the difference.
4. 4.The smaller the speed difference, the less it affects your internet speed.

PRO tip: Remember – many factors determine VPN speed, such as your overall internet speed, the distance between you and your VPN server, and your VPN protocol. So if you are unsatisfied with your VPN speed, you can try changing VPN servers or protocols.

Test if your VPN connection is blocked

Some websites restrict access for VPN users and may ask you to turn off your VPN in order to reach the site. This may be a problem when you are traveling, for example, and want to access your home content.

PRO tip: If you cannot access your preferred website while connected to a VPN, try changing to an obfuscated server or your own dedicated IP address. If connecting to a different VPN server allows you to access previously unreachable websites, your VPN works perfectly.

Test a VPN for malware

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your VPN program doesn’t contain any malware:

• Choose a secure VPN provider. Check your VPN provider’s reputation before purchasing a service. Read some reviews and comments, and check its privacy policy, no-logs policy, and encryption methods to ensure the VPN is trustworthy.
• Use anti-malware software. Before installing any software on your computer, make sure you use an anti-malware solution, like NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™, which detects and blocks malicious software from infecting your device.
• Use a sandbox environment. Test your VPN in a sandbox environment first. Checking software in an isolated environment may protect your device from potential malware.
• Monitor your network activity. Check your network for suspicious activity while using a VPN. If you see something fishy, disable the VPN immediately and run a malware scan.

What is the importance of testing if your VPN is working?

Testing if your VPN is working is essential to determine if the core functions that define the meaning of “VPN” are operating properly. VPN testing helps prevent IP or DNS leaks, confirm data encryption, detect speed issues, spot server malfunctions, and make sure that your online presence isn’t exposed to cyber threats. 

How often should you test a VPN?

Testing your VPN is a simple way to make sure your online presence is safe. Reliable and high-quality VPNs are usually designed on the “set-and-forget” principle, so you don’t need frequent checks. That said, depending on your VPN provider, occasional tests might give you peace of mind that your VPN is working as it should.

Run a quick VPN test:

• Before performing sensitive tasks, like online banking, sharing confidential files, or before using public Wi-Fi.
• After updating your VPN app, operating system, or browser because updates might alter settings or create compatibility issues.
• When switching to a new server or adjusting configuration settings like protocols.
• When experiencing slow speeds or frequent disconnections.
• For preventative testing, especially if you use your VPN for privacy-critical tasks or keep it active for long periods.

Does NordVPN provide tools for VPN testing?

Yes, NordVPN equips you with user-friendly tools that test whether your VPN is functioning as it should. First, there's the "What is my IP address?" tool — a quick way to check if your real IP address is swapped with a virtual one. Next, NordVPN's DNS leak test checks that your online queries stay private and encrypted.

With these smart tools, testing and optimizing your VPN is easy and secure. Give them a try and rest easy knowing your privacy is in good hands.

What are the signs that a VPN is not working?

Knowing the key signs that your VPN isn't working properly may help you fix issues before your privacy gets compromised. Some common red flags to watch out for:

• Your IP address remains unchanged. If your real IP address doesn’t switch to the VPN server’s IP, your location and identity are still exposed to websites and online services.
• DNS leaks. DNS leaks happen if your internet traffic bypasses the VPN tunnel. It may expose your browsing data to third parties.
• Frequent disconnections. Random VPN connection drops might signal an issue that could expose you online.
• Slow connection. Slow internet speeds might indicate a server problem, an overloaded network, or faulty VPN configuration.
• WebRTC leaks. WebRTC leaks might expose your IP address to third parties, which undermines the essence of a VPN and compromises your privacy.

What are the most common VPN issues?

VPNs are helpful, but they're not always perfect. The most common problems people face include:

• Drastically slower speeds. Overloaded servers or inefficient protocol settings might make your connection slower than molasses running uphill.
• Connection failures. The VPN simply won’t connect, leaving your online traffic unencrypted.
• VPN client crashes. The VPN app freezes or closes unexpectedly, making it impossible to connect to a VPN and protect online traffic.
• Blocked websites or apps. Some websites, streaming services, or networks block VPNs entirely.

Remember — premium VPN services usually experience fewer issues in general because they invest in product development and high-quality server infrastructure, which makes the service both safe and enjoyable to use. NordVPN is among the best VPN services available on the market, known for blazing-fast connection speeds, advanced encryption, and an extensive network of servers that provide reliable service. Try NordVPN, that's the online security you deserve.

Why isn't my VPN working even when it’s connected?

If you’ve performed all of these tests and you still can’t connect to a VPN, there may be other reasons why it might seem that your VPN isn’t working:

• Your connection is unstable. Check if your firewall or other security tools are interfering with your VPN network.
• Your browsing speed has dropped. A slower browser speed is a sign of connecting to a server on the other side of the world, the server is overloaded, or your ISP is throttling bandwidth. However, you can check and increase your VPN speed with a few simple tricks.
• Your ISP or your country is blocking VPN usage. In some countries, especially those with online censorship, VPN usage can be blocked or considered illegal. In China, for example, only government-approved VPNs are legal.
• VPN malware. Technology experts never recommend using free VPN apps. Not only do most contain intrusive ads, but some also contain malware. If using a free VPN, you may be exposing more personal information than you wanted to.
• VPN settings. Check your VPN settings and ensure you are connected to the correct VPN protocol, server, and port.
• You’ve been hacked. It takes a lot of work to break into someone’s secure online account and requires a suitable amount of expertise. It’s more likely that you’ve visited a malicious website or fallen for a phishing attack. Unfortunately, if someone hacks you, a VPN can’t do much to protect you.
• Contact your VPN provider. If none of the above solutions work, contact your VPN service provider for help.

What are the types of VPN leaks?

Below are the main types of VPN leaks that could affect your online security:

• IP address leaks. This occurs when your real IP address gets exposed instead of the VPN server's IP, which reveals your approximate location.
• DNS leaks. It happens when your DNS requests bypass the VPN tunnel and are handled by your ISP, which might expose your browsing activity.
• WebRTC leaks. Browsers (like Chrome and Firefox) might leak your real IP address via WebRTC, even when you’re using a VPN.
• IPv6 leaks. If your VPN doesn't support IPv6, your IPv6 traffic might bypass the encrypted tunnel and become visible to snoopers.

Are free VPNs more prone to leaks?

Yes, free VPNs are generally more prone to leaks than paid VPNs. Simply because most free VPNs lack security protocols, encryption standards, and reliable infrastructure that premium services offer. This makes them far more vulnerable to DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks.

Moreover, free VPNs, compared to paid VPNs, often have fewer servers and employ outdated technology, which greatly increases the risk of improper data encryption. Plus, some free services log, store, and sell your data to third parties, meaning the provider’s priority is not your privacy. However, if online privacy and security are your priorities, opt for a trusted, paid VPN that is typically safer and more reliable than a free one.

What to do if your VPN isn’t working 

Sometimes your VPN connection drops for no discernable reason, or your VPN speed might be slow. Here are a few tips for solving your VPN issues:

• Reset your VPN app. This is probably the most obvious advice, but resetting your VPN can do miracles. Switch off the app, use the “Force stop” function on your phone if necessary, and restart.
• Change the VPN protocol. If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, try changing from UDP to TCP protocol in your VPN app.
• Hop between servers. A slow VPN network might suggest that something’s wrong with the server you’ve connected to. Change to another server and see if your VPN works better.
• Check your internet connection. Unstable Wi-Fi may also be why your VPN service is not working. You can connect your device directly to a router to get more speed or contact your ISP.
• Update your VPN software. Keep your software updated because it can help you fix VPN issues and provide the latest security and privacy features.
• Check your firewall settings. Your firewall might block your VPN traffic, preventing you from connecting to the server. Try disabling your firewall temporarily to see if this is the problem.
• Talk to technical support. If you still need help understanding what’s wrong with your VPN, contact technical support, usually available 24/7, and they will help you solve issues.