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How to Check if Your VPN is Working - Step by Step Guide

Learn 5 reliable methods to verify your VPN connection is working properly. Test IP address changes, DNS leaks, and connection security in minutes.

• By VPN Vancouver Team

What You’ll Learn

This guide will teach you how to verify that your VPN is actually protecting your privacy and working as intended. You’ll learn multiple methods to test your VPN connection, identify common issues, and ensure your online activities remain private.

Estimated time: 5-10 minutes

Prerequisites

  • An active VPN subscription and app installed
  • Internet connection
  • Web browser

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check Your IP Address Before and After Connecting

The most basic test is to verify your IP address changes when you connect to your VPN.

Before connecting to VPN:

  1. Open your web browser
  2. Go to whatismyipaddress.com or ipinfo.io
  3. Write down or screenshot your current IP address and location

After connecting to VPN:

  1. Connect to your VPN (choose a server in a different country for clearest results)
  2. Wait 10-15 seconds for the connection to stabilize
  3. Refresh the IP checking website
  4. Verify the IP address and location have changed

✅ Good sign: Your IP address is completely different and shows the VPN server’s location

❌ Problem: IP address hasn’t changed or shows your real location

2. Perform a DNS Leak Test

DNS leaks can expose your browsing activity even when using a VPN. This test ensures your DNS requests go through the VPN tunnel.

  1. Go to dnsleaktest.com
  2. Click “Standard test” (or “Extended test” for more thorough checking)
  3. Wait for results to load
  4. Check if the DNS servers shown match your VPN provider’s servers or the country you’re connected to

✅ Good sign: DNS servers belong to your VPN provider or match your VPN server location

❌ Problem: DNS servers show your ISP’s name or your real location

3. Test for WebRTC Leaks

WebRTC can leak your real IP address through your browser, bypassing the VPN.

  1. Visit browserleaks.com/webrtc
  2. Look at the “Local IP Address” and “Public IP Address” sections
  3. Check if any addresses match your real IP (the one you noted in step 1)

✅ Good sign: Only VPN server IP addresses are shown

❌ Problem: Your real IP address appears anywhere in the results

4. Use a Comprehensive VPN Test Tool

For an all-in-one test, use a comprehensive tool that checks multiple potential leaks.

  1. Go to ipleak.net
  2. Let the page fully load (it tests multiple things automatically)
  3. Review all sections:
    • Your IP Address: Should show VPN server IP
    • DNS Addresses: Should show VPN or neutral DNS servers
    • WebRTC Detection: Should show “Not detected” or VPN IPs only
    • Torrent Address: Should match your VPN IP

5. Test Connection Stability with Speed Test

Verify your VPN maintains a stable connection while transferring data.

  1. Go to speedtest.net or fast.com
  2. Run a speed test while connected to your VPN
  3. Note the results
  4. Run the test again after 5 minutes
  5. Compare results to ensure consistency

Note: VPNs typically reduce speed by 10-50%. Consistent speeds indicate a stable connection.

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem: IP Address Hasn’t Changed

Possible causes:

  • VPN app isn’t actually connected
  • Browser is using cached data
  • VPN kill switch is blocking connection

Solutions:

  • Disconnect and reconnect to VPN
  • Clear browser cache and try incognito/private mode
  • Check VPN app status - look for “Connected” indicator
  • Try a different VPN server

Problem: DNS Leak Detected

Solutions:

  • Enable “DNS leak protection” in your VPN app settings
  • Manually configure DNS servers:
    • Windows: Network settings > Change adapter options > Properties > IPv4 > Use these DNS servers
    • macOS: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS
    • Set to: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google)
  • Contact your VPN provider for support

Problem: WebRTC Leak

Solutions:

  • Disable WebRTC in browser settings:
    • Chrome: Install extension like “WebRTC Leak Prevent”
    • Firefox: Type about:config, search for media.peerconnection.enabled, set to false
    • Safari: Develop menu > Disable WebRTC
  • Use browser with built-in WebRTC protection (Brave, Tor Browser)

Problem: Inconsistent Speed Test Results

Solutions:

  • Try different VPN server locations
  • Switch VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2)
  • Check if your ISP is throttling VPN traffic
  • Test at different times of day

Testing on Mobile Devices

For smartphones and tablets:

  1. iPhone/iPad:

    • Use Safari to visit the same testing websites
    • Check VPN status in Settings > VPN (should show “Connected”)

  2. Android:

    • Use Chrome or your preferred browser for web tests
    • Look for VPN key icon in status bar
    • Check notification panel for VPN connection status

Next Steps / Related Guides

If Your VPN is Working Properly:

  • Learn about [VPN protocols and which to choose]
  • Optimize your VPN settings for [streaming] or [gaming]
  • Set up [VPN on your router] for whole-home protection

If You Found Issues:

  • Read our guide on [fixing common VPN problems]
  • Consider [switching to a more reliable VPN provider]
  • Learn about [VPN kill switches and leak protection]

Regular Testing Schedule

We recommend testing your VPN:

  • After first setup
  • When switching to a new server
  • Monthly for ongoing verification
  • After VPN app updates
  • When experiencing connectivity issues

Pro tip: Bookmark your preferred testing sites and create a simple checklist. Regular testing takes just 2-3 minutes and ensures your privacy stays protected.

Remember: A working VPN should consistently show a different IP address, no DNS leaks, no WebRTC leaks, and stable performance. If any test fails, don’t ignore it—your privacy could be compromised.

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