How to Check If Your VPN Is Actually Working
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Connecting to a VPN and having a VPN that actually works are two different things. Here's how to verify yours in under two minutes — and what to do if it's not working correctly.
The 60-Second Check
1. Make sure your VPN is connected and showing a server location. 2. Open a browser and go to ipleak.net. 3. Wait for the page to fully load. Check three sections: your IP address — should show the VPN server's IP, not your real one. DNS leak test — servers listed should belong to your VPN provider, not your ISP. WebRTC — if your real IP appears here, you have a leak even though VPN is connected. If all three show VPN-associated information, you're good.
Your Real IP Is Showing
The VPN tunnel isn't routing traffic correctly. Your real IP is visible to every site you visit. Disconnect and reconnect. Try a different server. Switch protocol (WireGuard to OpenVPN or vice versa). Reinstall the VPN app. If persistent: contact your VPN provider's support.
DNS Leak
Your domain lookups are going through your ISP. They can see which websites you're looking up. NordVPN: Settings → Connection → DNS leak protection → On. ExpressVPN: enabled by default — if leaking, reinstall. Mullvad: Settings → DNS → use Mullvad DNS. After enabling: disconnect, reconnect, retest.
WebRTC Leak
Your browser is exposing your real IP through WebRTC — the VPN can't fix this automatically. Chrome/Brave: install WebRTC Leak Shield extension. Firefox: about:config → media.peerconnection.enabled → false. Safari: WebRTC limited by default, less likely to leak.
IPv6 Leak
VPN is tunneling IPv4 but leaving IPv6 unprotected. Enable IPv6 leak protection in your VPN app. Or disable IPv6 at OS level: Windows — netsh interface teredo set state disabled.
The Full Test Suite
ipleak.net: IP, DNS, WebRTC, IPv6 — primary tool. dnsleaktest.com: extended DNS leak test. browserleaks.com: comprehensive browser fingerprinting analysis. ipv6leak.com: dedicated IPv6 test.
The Monthly Habit
Run a leak test when you first set up a VPN, after any major VPN app update, after changing your router or network configuration, and monthly for high-sensitivity users. NordVPN, Mullvad, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN with default settings pass all tests without manual configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if ipleak.net shows my real IP?
Disconnect, try a different server, switch protocol. If it persists, reinstall the app or switch providers.
What's a WebRTC leak?
A browser feature that can expose your real IP even while a VPN is active. Fix with a browser extension or by disabling WebRTC.
Is ipleak.net safe?
Yes — it's a widely used, non-commercial leak test tool.
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