Is Your VPN Actually Working? 5 Tests to Find Out

Q: How do I know if my VPN is working?

Connect to your VPN and check your IP address. If the site shows the VPN server location and provider instead of your real city and ISP, the basic connection is working. Then confirm there are no DNS or WebRTC leaks, since your IP can look masked while those still expose you.

Q: How can I tell if my VPN is leaking my real IP?

Run a DNS leak test and a WebRTC leak test while connected. If either shows your ISP resolver or your real public IP instead of your VPN provider, your VPN is leaking even though your main IP looks hidden.

Q: Why does my real IP still show when my VPN is on?

The most common causes are a WebRTC leak in your browser, a DNS leak routing queries through your ISP, or a VPN that dropped without a kill switch. Enable your VPN kill switch, disable WebRTC in your browser, and make sure the VPN handles your DNS.

Q: Does a VPN slow down my internet?

Yes, slightly. Encryption overhead and routing through a remote server always cost some speed, and a 10-30% reduction is normal for a good VPN. If a speed test shows zero difference with the VPN on and off, the VPN may not actually be routing your traffic.

Q: What is a VPN kill switch and do I need one?

A kill switch blocks all internet traffic the moment your VPN connection drops, so your real IP is never briefly exposed during a reconnect. Yes, you should enable it. Without it, every VPN disconnection leaks your real IP to whatever sites you are connected to.

~/sheets/is-your-vpn-working.md

Paying for a VPN Does Not Mean It Works
Millions of people pay for VPN services believing their traffic is fully encrypted and anonymous. But misconfigured VPNs, browser leaks, and poor provider practices can leave you completely exposed. Here are five tests you should run right now.
Test 1: IP Address Check
The most basic test. Connect to your VPN, then visit HackMyIP. If you see your real IP address or your real city and ISP, your VPN is not working. You should see the VPN server location and provider instead.
Test 2: DNS Leak Test
Even if your IP appears masked, your DNS queries might still route through your ISP. This means your ISP can see every domain you visit. Run our DNS Leak Test to check. If you see your ISP resolver instead of your VPN provider, you have a DNS leak.
Test 3: WebRTC Leak Test
WebRTC is a browser technology for real-time communication. It can bypass your VPN and expose your real IP through STUN requests. This is one of the most common VPN leaks. Use our WebRTC Leak Test to check if your browser is betraying you.
Test 4: Speed Degradation Check
A working VPN will always reduce your speed slightly due to encryption overhead and server routing. If your speed test shows identical results with and without VPN, something may be wrong. Expect 10-30% speed reduction with a good VPN.
Test 5: Kill Switch Verification
Disconnect your VPN suddenly and check if your real IP appears. A good VPN has a kill switch that blocks all traffic if the VPN drops. Without it, every VPN disconnection briefly exposes your real IP to every site you are connected to.
What to Do If Your VPN Fails
Switch to a reputable provider that supports WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols. Enable the kill switch. Disable WebRTC in your browser settings. Configure your system to use your VPN DNS servers rather than your ISP defaults.
Stay Verified
Do not just test once. VPN configurations can change after updates. Make it a habit to verify your VPN protection regularly using these tools. You should also check your browser fingerprint to ensure your VPN is not the only layer protecting your identity. Review open ports on your network to close any unnecessary entry points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my VPN is working?
Connect to your VPN and check your IP address. If the site shows the VPN server location and provider instead of your real city and ISP, the basic connection is working. Then confirm there are no DNS or WebRTC leaks, since your IP can look masked while those still expose you.
How can I tell if my VPN is leaking my real IP?
Run a DNS leak test and a WebRTC leak test while connected. If either shows your ISP resolver or your real public IP instead of your VPN provider, your VPN is leaking even though your main IP looks hidden.
Why does my real IP still show when my VPN is on?
The most common causes are a WebRTC leak in your browser, a DNS leak routing queries through your ISP, or a VPN that dropped without a kill switch. Enable your VPN kill switch, disable WebRTC in your browser, and make sure the VPN handles your DNS.
Does a VPN slow down my internet?
Yes, slightly. Encryption overhead and routing through a remote server always cost some speed, and a 10-30% reduction is normal for a good VPN. If a speed test shows zero difference with the VPN on and off, the VPN may not actually be routing your traffic.
What is a VPN kill switch and do I need one?
A kill switch blocks all internet traffic the moment your VPN connection drops, so your real IP is never briefly exposed during a reconnect. Yes, you should enable it. Without it, every VPN disconnection leaks your real IP to whatever sites you are connected to.
Last updated: June 28, 2026