Connecting to a VPN does not guarantee you are protected. Misconfigurations, leaks, and poorly built apps can all expose your real identity. Testing takes under 60 seconds and should be done every time you set up a new VPN.
Step-by-Step VPN Test
- Note your real IP first. Disconnect your VPN and visit WhatsMyIP.now. Write down your real public IP and ISP name.
- Connect your VPN. Choose any server location.
- Run the leak test. Open our VPN Leak Test and wait for results.
- Compare. The IP shown should match your VPN server, not your real IP. The DNS server should belong to your VPN provider, not your ISP.
- Check WebRTC. The test also checks for WebRTC leaks, which can expose your local network IP in browsers.
What Good VPN Test Results Look Like
| Check | Pass | Fail |
|---|---|---|
| Public IP | VPN server IP shown | Your real ISP IP shown |
| DNS servers | VPN provider's DNS | Your ISP's DNS servers |
| WebRTC IP | No real IP shown | Your real public or local IP shown |
| IPv6 | No IPv6 shown (or VPN's IPv6) | Your real IPv6 address shown |
What to Do If the Test Fails
- IP mismatch - Reconnect the VPN, try a different server, or check your split-tunneling settings.
- DNS leak - Enable "DNS leak protection" in your VPN app settings.
- WebRTC leak - Disable WebRTC in Firefox (about:config > media.peerconnection.enabled = false) or install a blocking extension for Chrome.
People Also Ask
- How do I test if my VPN is actually working?
- Use our VPN Leak Test. It checks your IP address, DNS servers, and WebRTC in one pass and tells you if anything is leaking.
Related: VPN leaks | DNS leaks | VPN Leak Test