VPN test: How to check if your VPN is working

How to tell if a VPN is working

You can use several methods to confirm your VPN is protecting your internet traffic and personal data.

• Check your IP address. Before turning your VPN on, take note of your current IP address. Then 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 your VPN fails to encipher your DNS traffic. This leak sends your DNS queries to your ISP’s DNS servers instead, which could expose your online activity. 
• Check for WebRTC leaks. Every browser has a built-in Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) protocol. If this protocol isn’t secure, it could reveal your IP address. Many free online tools can check for WebRTC leaks.
• Check your VPN status. Most VPNs display your real-time connection status. Make sure it says “Connected.”
• Test your internet speed. Connect to your VPN and run an internet speed test. If your internet speed drops significantly, your VPN connection or ISP may be responsible.

Even if your VPN appears to be working correctly, running tests periodically ensures your privacy remains protected and your sensitive data stays secure online. Below are steps to troubleshoot different types of VPN tests.

Test a VPN for IP address leaks

Your IP address reveals information about you, such as your location and the websites you visit. A VPN protects this information by routing your web traffic through a remote server, hiding your real IP address from snoopers. If your actual IP leaks, the VPN’s main purpose of protecting your privacy is defeated.

IP leaks often occur due to two internet protocols, IPv4 and IPv6, and their incompatibility. Some VPNs only block IPv4 IP addresses and not IPv6 addresses, or vice versa, which can leave you exposed. 

How to check if your IP address is leaked

Checking for IP leaks takes only a few simple steps:

1. 1.Check your original IP address. Ensure your VPN is turned off and head to the “What is my IP address?” page, which will show your IP. 
2. 2.Turn on your VPN and connect to a server. Your IP address should change to one from the VPN provider.
3. 3.Compare your virtual IP against your actual IP. Visit the test page again. If it still shows your original IP address while the VPN is enabled, your IP is leaking.

What can happen if someone has your IP address?

Exposing your IP address isn’t automatically disastrous, but it can be exploited in several ways:

• Hackers can find your home address more easily. Although your IP alone doesn’t give away your precise location, a cybercriminal might pair it with other personal information to track down your real address. 
• Criminals can use it to access your personal information. Attackers could use your IP address to impersonate you and send requests to your internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP might think it’s really you and disclose your personally identifying information. 
• Attackers might sell your IP address on the dark web. While an IP address alone isn’t of value on the dark web markets, criminals could pair it with other stolen data like your passwords and sell them as a package. Anyone who purchases this information could use it for identity theft and financial fraud. 
• Cybercriminals could use your IP address to hack your device. If your network is not properly secured, a hacker might use your IP address to gain unauthorized access to your device. They do this by using port scanners to find network vulnerabilities. Once they succeed, they could steal your data or infect your device with malware without you even noticing. 
• Marketers might target you with ads. Online advertisers use tracking cookies to see how you interact with their content. These trackers collect your IP address, which allows companies to show you ads based on your browsing habits and location. 
• Hackers could use your IP address for illegal activities. Cybercriminals often use stolen IP addresses to commit crimes and avoid being caught. They could buy illegal goods or commit fraud, all while pretending to be you. 

Now that you know what a stranger can do with your IP address, protect it with a virtual private network (VPN). It will help prevent hackers from stealing your IP address and keep your activity private. 

How to fix IP address leaks

IP leaks can result from split tunneling, browser settings, or using apps that interfere with your connection. Using additional proxy servers with a VPN could also compromise your network. 

To prevent IP leaks, choose a VPN provider with:

• Strong DNS protection
• Reliable WebRTC protection
• A VPN kill switch that disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection is lost or interrupted

Selecting a reputable VPN now can prevent serious privacy issues later. Avoid shady or free VPNs that may lack these protections.

Test a VPN for DNS leaks

Sometimes your IP address stays hidden, but a DNS leak secretly reveals your location to third parties. DNS servers convert plain-text URLs into numerical IP addresses to route you to the correct website.

When you’re not using a VPN, your ISP handles DNS requests, and they can see which websites you visit. If you have a DNS leak, anyone snooping on your network can access this information too. This issue could even lead to a DNS hijacking attack. 

How to check if your DNS has leaked

IP address leak tests won’t always catch DNS leaks too. Instead, you’ll need to specifically check for leaks with a DNS leak test. Here’s how to do it with NordVPN: 

1. 1.Turn NordVPN on and check the DNS leak test page. It should show your chosen location and your new IP address. 
2. 2.If this page shows your actual IP address and location, you may have a DNS leak. 

How to fix a DNS leak

If you need to fix a DNS leak or want to prevent one, you can take several steps:

1. 1.Use a secure VPN provider with dedicated, private DNS servers and built-in DNS leak protection. 
2. 2.Run occasional scans with VPN security checkers. This step will help you determine whether your VPN connection is secure, and confirm that you’re protected from potential security threats. 
3. 3.If you have some technical know-how, you can manually turn off IPv6 addresses on your device.

Test a VPN for WebRTC leaks

WebRTC protocols allow websites or apps to provide video and audio communication services and even offer file-sharing services without extra software. A WebRTC leak happens when your browser inadvertently reveals your real IP address through WebRTC services, even though your VPN is active. A VPN with up-to-date security protocols typically prevents WebRTC leaks, but not all VPNs have this capability. 

How to check for WebRTC leaks

WebRTC is built into most popular web browsers, including Firefox, Opera, Chrome, and Brave. We recommend running occasional tests for leaks. 

1. 1.Connect to your VPN. Choose an IP address from a different country than the one you’re in. 
2. 2.Visit browserleaks.com. 
3. 3.Find the “WebRTC leak test” field. Does it show your new IP address and location based on your chosen country? If yes, then you’re good to go. If it shows your original IP address and actual location, you have a WebRTC leak. 

How to fix a WebRTC leak

Changing your VPN server or tinkering your settings won’t help with this problem. However, you can: 

1. 1.Switch to a browser that doesn’t use WebRTC protocols. Here is a complete list of browsers that don’t use WebRTC.
2. 2.Manually disable WebRTC in your browser’s settings. 

Test your VPN speed

If your VPN seems slow, try running a VPN speed test. You can use tools like Speedtest to evaluate your VPN speed. Follow these steps:

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

Pro tip: Many factors determine your VPN speed, including your internet provider, the distance between you and your VPN server, and the VPN protocols you use. If you’re unsatisfied with your VPN speed, try switching to a different server or protocol. 

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 could be a problem if you’re traveling and want to access content from your home country. 

Pro tip: If you cannot access websites while connected to a VPN, try an obfuscated server or a dedicated IP address. If the websites load with a different server, the VPN is fine, and the restriction came from the website or network.

Test a VPN for malware

Follow these steps to ensure your VPN software doesn’t contain any malware:

• Choose a secure VPN provider. Research reviews, privacy policies, no-logs policies, and encryption methods to confirm the VPN is trustworthy.
• Use a sandbox environment. Test your VPN in an isolated sandbox environment first. If there’s any malware present, it won’t spread to the rest of your device. 
• Monitor your network activity. When using your VPN for the first time, check your network for suspicious activity. 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?

Many core functions define VPNs, most notably IP address masking and web traffic encryption. VPN tests are necessary to make sure these functions are working properly. 

Testing prevents IP and DNS leaks, verifies data encryption, detects speed issues, and identifies server malfunctions. These checks help keep your online activity private and reduce exposure to cyber threats.

How often should you test a VPN?

Reliable VPNs are designed to be “set-and-forget,” so frequent testing isn’t always required. However, testing provides peace of mind. Test your VPN:

• Before sensitive tasks like online banking or using public Wi-Fi.
• After updating your VPN, browser, or operating system, which may alter settings.
• When switching servers or adjusting configurations.
• During slow speeds or frequent disconnections.
• For regular preventative checks, especially if using your VPN for long periods or privacy-critical tasks.

Does NordVPN provide tools for VPN testing?

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. This is a quick way to see if your real IP address is visible. Next, NordVPN’s DNS leak test checks to see if there are any DNS server issues that could reveal your online activity. 

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

What are the signs that a VPN is not working?

If you can catch when your VPN isn’t working right away, you can fix these issues before they lead to privacy breaches. Some common red flags to watch out for include:

• Your IP address remains unchanged. If you’re still connected with your real IP address, rather than the VPN server’s IP address, your location and identity are still exposed to the websites you visit. 
• DNS leaks. This issue happens when your ISP’s DNS server is not working properly, causing your internet traffic to bypass the VPN tunnel. DNS leaks may expose your browsing data to third parties. 
• Frequent disconnections. If your VPN connection drops randomly, you might have technical issues that could leave you exposed. 
• Slow connection. Slow internet speeds might indicate a server problem, an overloaded network, or a 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. These are the most common problems users face: 

• Drastically slow speeds. Overloaded servers or inefficient protocol settings could leave your connection slower than molasses running uphill. This issue makes it difficult to watch videos and conduct other high-bandwidth activities. 
• Connection failures. When the VPN simply won’t connect, it leaves your online traffic unencrypted. 
• VPN client crashes. If your VPN app freezes or closes unexpectedly, it’s impossible to connect to the VPN and protect your online traffic. 
• Blocked websites or apps. Some websites, streaming services, and networks block VPNs entirely. 

Remember, premium VPN services usually have fewer issues than free ones because they invest in product development and high-quality server infrastructure. 

NordVPN is one of the best VPN services on the market, known for blazing-fast connection speeds, advanced encryption, and an extensive network of servers that provide reliable service. 

How to quickly check if you’re using a VPN

VPNs don’t turn on automatically, and you might be wondering if yours is active while you’re browsing the web. If you’re wondering how to check if my VPN is working, here’s what to look for: 

• VPN app shows “Connected” status
• Different IP address than without VPN
• DNS servers belong to VPN provider, not ISP
• No WebRTC leaks detected
• Reasonable connection speed
• No malware in VPN software

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, your VPN may not be working due to other reasons:

• Your connection is unstable. Check if your firewall or other security tools are interfering with your VPN. 
• Your browsing speed has dropped. Slow browser speeds can happen when you’re connecting to a server on the other side of the world, when the server is overloading, or if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth. However, you can increase your VPN speed with a few simple tricks. 
• Your ISP or your country is blocking VPN usage. In some countries, especially those with government censorship policies, VPN usage is blocked and may even be 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 of them contain intrusive ads, but some also contain malware. Using a free VPN could expose more personal information than you want to. 
• VPN settings. Check your VPN settings and ensure you’re connected to the correct VPN protocol, server, or port. 
• You’ve been hacked. Unfortunately, if someone hacks you, a VPN can’t do much to protect you, and you might not even be able to log in to your account. It takes a lot of work to break into someone’s secure online account. It’s more than likely that you’ve visited a malicious website or fallen for a phishing attack. 

If you’ve checked for all of these problems and your VPN still isn’t working, contact your VPN service provider for help.

What are the types of VPN leaks?

The main types of VPN leaks that could affect your online security include:

• IP address leaks. This happens when your real IP address is exposed and reveals your approximate location, rather than masking it with the VPN server’s IP address. 
• DNS leaks. This happens when your DNS requests bypass the VPN tunnel and are handled by your ISP instead, which could expose your browsing activity. 
• WebRTC leaks. Web browsers like Chrome and Firefox might leak your real IP address through the WebRTC protocol, even if you’re using a VPN. 
• IPv6 leaks. If your VPN doesn’t support IPv6 protocols, some of your web traffic might bypass the encrypted tunnel and become visible to cybercriminals. 

Are free VPNs more prone to leaks?

Free VPNs are generally more prone to leaks than paid VPNs. This is simply because most free VPNs lack the security protocols, strong encryption standards, and reliable infrastructure that premium services offer. 

When comparing free VPNs to paid VPNs, free VPNs usually have fewer servers and employ outdated technology. Plus, some free services log, store, and sell your data to third parties, which means the VPN provider isn’t prioritizing your privacy. If online privacy and security are your priorities, opt for a trusted paid VPN because it’s 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 is too slow to use. Follow these steps to solve VPN issues:

• Reset your VPN app. A simple reset can solve many problems. Switch off the app, use the “force quit” function on your device if necessary, and restart it. 
• Change the VPN protocol. If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, try changing from the UDP to TCP protocol in your VPN app. 
• Switch between servers. A slow VPN network could indicate that something’s wrong with the server you’re connected to. Change to another server to see if your VPN works better. 
• Check your internet connection. Unstable Wi-Fi could be a reason why your VPN isn’t working. Try connecting your device directly to a router for more speed, or contact your ISP directly. 
• Update your VPN. Keep your software updated with the latest security and privacy features to prevent VPN issues. Hackers also like to exploit outdated software programs, so regular updates can keep you safe. 
• Check your firewall settings. Your firewall might block VPN traffic and prevent 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.