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- Outdated client: VPN client updates often include leak fixes.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.