Does My VPN Work?
Connecting to a VPN app and actually having a working VPN are different things. A VPN can appear connected while leaking your real IP through WebRTC, DNS, or IPv6. This page explains how to test your VPN properly.
Signs Your VPN Is Working
| Check | Passed Result | Failed Result |
|---|---|---|
| Public IP address | IP belongs to the VPN provider's network, not your ISP | Your real ISP IP is still visible - VPN is not routing traffic |
| ISP name shown | Shows the VPN provider's ISP or datacenter name | Shows your home ISP (e.g., Comcast, BT, Telstra) |
| Country shown | Matches the VPN server location you connected to | Shows your real country - Tunnel is not working |
| WebRTC IP | No public IP leaked, or only the VPN IP appears | Your real IP or local network IP appears via WebRTC |
| DNS servers | DNS queries resolve via the VPN provider's resolvers | ISP's DNS servers appear - DNS leak present |
Common Reasons a VPN Stops Working
- VPN client crashed silently: The app may show connected but the tunnel has dropped. Enable the kill switch to block all traffic when this happens.
- Network change: Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data or changing networks can break the VPN tunnel without the app reconnecting.
- Split tunnelling misconfiguration: If your browser is excluded from the VPN tunnel, your browsing traffic bypasses the VPN entirely.
- Protocol blocked: Some networks (hotel Wi-Fi, corporate firewalls) block certain VPN protocols. Switch to OpenVPN TCP port 443 or a stealth protocol.
- IPv6 not tunnelled: If your VPN only handles IPv4, your IPv6 traffic bypasses the VPN. Disable IPv6 in your OS or use a VPN with full IPv6 support.
- Outdated client: VPN client updates often include leak fixes. Keep your client up to date.
How to Fix a VPN That Isn't Working
- Disconnect and reconnect the VPN.
- Switch to a different server in the same country.
- Change the protocol (try WireGuard, then OpenVPN TCP).
- Restart the VPN client completely (not just the connection).
- Reboot your device.
- Disable and re-enable your network adapter, then reconnect.
- Contact your VPN provider's support with the results of our leak test.
See also: What Is a VPN Kill Switch? | VPN Protocols Explained.
How We Evaluate VPNs
Every recommendation in our VPN guides is weighed against the same five criteria:
- No-logs policy and audits - We prioritise providers whose no-logs claims have been verified by independent auditing firms, and we note real-world events (subpoenas, server seizures) that tested those claims.
- Leak-test results - A VPN must not expose your real IP, DNS servers, or WebRTC addresses. You can run the same checks we use with our free VPN Leak Test.
- Speed impact - We favour providers supporting modern protocols (WireGuard, or equivalents like NordLynx and Lightway) that keep overhead low.
- Jurisdiction - Where a provider is incorporated determines which governments can compel it to hand over data.
- Price transparency - Clear renewal pricing and honest refund terms. We avoid quoting specific prices in guides because promotions change frequently - Always check current pricing on the provider's site.
Our assessments are based on published third-party audits, vendor documentation, and our own leak-testing tooling - We do not have insider access to any provider's infrastructure. These pages are reviewed periodically and updated when audits, ownership, or features change.
Once you have picked a provider, two practical checks matter more than any review: if your connection fails, see how to fix a VPN that won't connect; and to confirm you are actually protected, learn how to test if your VPN is working.
ⓘ Affiliate disclosure: Some links to VPN providers in these guides are affiliate links - We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects rankings or evaluations.
Last updated: June 2026