How to Check That Your VPN Is Really Working

Last reviewed September 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Installing a VPN and seeing a green "connected" light does not prove it is protecting you. Leaks happen. This test takes about five minutes.

What you are checking

Your public IP address should change to the VPN server's IP when you connect.
DNS requests (the lookups that turn site names into addresses) should go through the VPN, not your internet provider.
IPv6 traffic should not bypass the VPN.
The kill switch should block traffic if the VPN drops.

Step 1: Note your normal IP

Disconnect the VPN.
Search for "what is my IP address" and open a well-known IP checker.
Write down the address and the city or provider shown.

Step 2: Connect and compare

Connect the VPN to a server in another city or country.
Refresh the IP checker.
The address and location should now be different, and the network provider name should match the VPN, not your internet provider.

If your original address still shows, the VPN is not working properly.

Step 3: Test for DNS leaks

With the VPN on, search for "DNS leak test" and open a reputable testing site.
Run the standard test.
The resolvers listed should belong to the VPN or a public DNS service you chose. If you see your internet provider's name, DNS is leaking.

Step 4: Test for IPv6 leaks

Some VPNs only tunnel IPv4. Many IP checkers show both your IPv4 and IPv6 address. With the VPN on, if any address shown belongs to your own provider, you have an IPv6 leak. Turn on the app's IPv6 leak protection, or disable IPv6 on your device.

Step 5: Test the kill switch

Connect the VPN and start a large download or a video.
Switch to a different network, or turn Wi-Fi off and on quickly.
Traffic should stop until the VPN reconnects, not carry on unprotected.

Not every kill switch behaves the same on every device, so check the provider's documentation for details about how it behaves on your platform.

What to do if you find a leak

Update the app and turn on every leak protection setting.
Try a different protocol or server.
Contact the provider's support with your results.
If leaks continue, consider switching providers.

How often to test

After the first install, after a major system update, and whenever you change networks or settings.

[[TODO: add your own screenshots of a clean test result and of a leaking result from a real test you ran.]]