How to Check If Your VPN Is Working Properly

Your VPN app shows "Connected" with a green icon. But is it actually working? A misconfigured VPN can leak your real IP without warning. Here's how to verify protection in under 60 seconds.

The 60-Second VPN Check

Step 1: Record Your Real IP

Disconnect your VPN completely. Visit checkmyip.pro and note your IP address and location. This is your baseline.

Step 2: Connect VPN

Enable your VPN and select a server. Wait for the connection confirmation.

Step 3: Verify IP Change

Refresh checkmyip.pro (hard refresh: Ctrl+Shift+R or Cmd+Shift+R).

• ✅ Working: IP changed to VPN location
• ❌ Leaking: Still shows your real IP/location

Test Multiple Locations

Connect to different VPN servers (e.g., US, UK, Germany) and check each time. Each location should show a different IP from that region.

Check for IP Leaks

IPv6 Leak Test

Some VPNs only protect IPv4 while IPv6 exposes your real IP.

• Disable IPv6 in your OS network settings
• Or enable IPv6 blocking in VPN settings

WebRTC Leak Test

Browser APIs can expose your IP regardless of VPN.

• Test with browserleaks.com/webrtc
• Use browser extensions to disable WebRTC
• Or use Firefox with privacy settings

DNS Leak Test

DNS requests can bypass the VPN tunnel.

• Test at dnsleaktest.com
• Verify DNS servers match VPN location, not your ISP

Advanced: Kill Switch Test

Enable your VPN's kill switch, then disconnect VPN manually. Your internet should cut off immediately. If it doesn't:

• Kill switch is misconfigured
• Traffic continued without protection

Common Signs VPN Isn't Working

• IP still shows your real location
• Same IP before and after connecting
• DNS servers are still your ISP's
• Region-restricted content still blocked
• Speed doesn't change (local VPN server would change ping)

If Your VPN Is Leaking

Quick Fixes

• Enable "IP leak protection" in VPN settings
• Force VPN's DNS servers
• Enable kill switch
• Check for split-tunnel exceptions

Switch to Better VPN

Not all VPNs provide equal protection. Premium VPNs with leak protection: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark.

Automated Testing

Set a reminder to test monthly. VPN software updates can introduce leaks. Keep bookmarks to testing sites for quick verification.

Bottom Line

Don't trust the green light. Verify with actual IP checks. Test multiple VPN locations, check for IPv6/DNS/WebRTC leaks, and confirm your kill switch works. A 60-second verification beats false confidence.

Ready to test? Check your IP now with VPN on and off.