Yes, a VPN hides your real IP address from the websites you visit. When you connect through a VPN, your traffic exits through the VPN server, and sites see only the server's IP. Your real IP is hidden behind the tunnel.
What Gets Hidden and What Does Not
| Data | Hidden by VPN? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your real IP from websites | Yes | They see VPN server IP instead |
| Your real IP from your ISP | No | ISP sees your connection to the VPN server |
| Your DNS queries | Yes (if no DNS leak) | DNS must route through VPN tunnel |
| Your identity | Partial | Cookies and logged-in accounts still identify you |
| WebRTC local IP | Sometimes not | Browsers can leak local IP via WebRTC |
Common Ways Your IP Can Still Leak
Even with a VPN active, your real IP can be exposed through:
- DNS leaks - If your DNS queries bypass the VPN tunnel and go to your ISP's servers instead. See: what is a DNS leak.
- WebRTC leaks - Browsers use WebRTC for video/voice calls, and it can reveal your local and public IP even through a VPN. See: WebRTC leaks.
- VPN disconnection - If the VPN drops and you do not have a kill switch, traffic reverts to your real IP momentarily.
- IPv6 leaks - If the VPN only tunnels IPv4 traffic, your IPv6 address may still be visible.
How to Verify Your VPN Is Working
- Connect to your VPN.
- Visit our VPN Leak Test.
- Check that the displayed IP matches your VPN server's IP, not your real IP.
- Verify no DNS leaks are shown in the test results.
People Also Ask
- Can your IP address be traced with a VPN?
- Websites cannot trace it back to you directly. However, if the VPN logs your activity and is served a legal order, the provider could disclose your real IP. Choose a proven no-log VPN to minimize this risk.
- Does a VPN actually hide your IP address?
- Yes, from websites and services. Your ISP and the VPN provider itself still know your real IP. A no-log VPN minimizes what the provider stores.
Related: VPN leaks | DNS leaks | VPN Leak Test