To confirm your VPN is working, check for IP/DNS leaks, test WebRTC/IPv6 protection, verify encryption, and ensure your kill switch is active. Use free tools like ipleak.net or DNSLeakTest.com — it takes <5 minutes. If leaks persist, switch to a no-logs VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
A VPN can fix most of the online security related problems and here are 5 reasons you need a VPN today to protect your internet connection. And if you’re wondering which one to pick, Click here to break it down in simple terms so you know exactly why this matters to you.
Why This Matters
A faulty VPN is like leaving your front door unlocked — hackers, ISPs, or advertisers can snoop on your location, browsing history, or even banking details. In 2025, 84% of Android VPNs leaked user IPs in tests, and DNS leaks remain common 29. Let’s fix that.
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7 Checks to Confirm Your VPN Works
1. Check Your IP Address
- Without VPN: Visit whatismyipaddress.com and note your IP.
- With VPN: Recheck the site. If the IP matches your real one, your VPN is leaking.
- Pro tip: Use servers far from your location (e.g., Japan if you’re in the U.S.) to spot leaks faster.
2. Test for DNS Leaks
- What’s at risk: Even if your IP is hidden, DNS leaks expose the websites you visit to your ISP.
- How to test:
- Connect to a VPN server (e.g., Canada).
- Visit DNSLeakTest.com → Run Extended Test.
- If results show your ISP’s servers (not the VPN’s), you have a leak.
- Fix: Enable your VPN’s DNS leak protection or manually switch to secure DNS like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
3. Check for WebRTC Leaks
- Why it happens: Browsers like Chrome/Firefox use WebRTC for video calls, which can bypass VPN encryption.
- Test: Go to BrowserLeaks.com/webrtc. If your real IP appears, disable WebRTC in browser settings or use a VPN that blocks it (e.g., NordVPN).
4. Verify IPv6 Protection
- The hidden risk: Many VPNs only protect IPv4, leaving IPv6 traffic exposed.
- Test: Visit ipleak.net. If your real IPv6 address shows, your VPN isn’t blocking it.
- Fix: Disable IPv6 on your device or choose a VPN like ExpressVPN that auto-blocks IPv6.
5. Run a Speed Test
- Normal slowdown: A 10-20% speed drop is expected.
- Red flag: If speeds crash by 50%+, your VPN might be malfunctioning or your ISP is throttling traffic.
- How to test:
- Use Speedtest.net without VPN → note results.
- Re-test with VPN. Major drops? Switch servers or protocols (e.g., WireGuard for speed).
6. Check Encryption
- Why: Encryption ensures hackers can’t read your data.
- Test with Wireshark:
- Download Wireshark, connect to VPN, visit an HTTP site (e.g., HTTPForever.com).
- Capture traffic → if text is readable, your VPN isn’t encrypting properly.
7. Test the Kill Switch
- What it does: Blocks internet if the VPN disconnects, preventing leaks.
- How to test:
- Enable kill switch in your VPN settings.
- Connect to a server → disconnect VPN mid-browsing.
- If your internet stops, it’s working. If not, switch to a VPN with a reliable kill switch (e.g., Surfshark).
FAQs: What Real Users Ask
“My VPN passes all tests but feels slow. Why?”
- Distance matters: Connecting to a server in another continent adds latency. Use nearby servers for streaming/gaming.
- Protocols: Switch to WireGuard or NordLynx for faster speeds.
“Are free VPNs safe to use?”
- No: 21 million free VPN users were hacked in 2021 due to weak encryption and data selling. Use audited free tiers like ProtonVPN instead.
“How do I check VPN on my phone?”
- Android/iOS: Use ipleak.net in your mobile browser. Check for IP/DNS leaks and verify the VPN app’s connection status.
“My VPN won’t connect. What now?”
- Restart the app.
- Switch protocols (e.g., OpenVPN to WireGuard).
- Contact support — top VPNs like ExpressVPN offer 24/7 live chat.
3 VPNs That Pass All Tests (2025)
- NordVPN: Zero leaks in tests, RAM-only servers, and Threat Protection to block malware.
- Surfshark: Unlimited devices, Camouflage Mode for bypassing VPN blocks, and CleanWeb ad-blocker.
- ExpressVPN: Trusted Server tech (data wiped on reboot) and consistent streaming access.
Final Tips
- Test monthly: VPNs can develop leaks after updates.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi without VPN: Hotels/cafés are hacker hotspots.
- Use multi-hop VPNs: For extra security, route traffic through two servers (e.g., NordVPN’s Double VPN).
Your next step: Run these checks today. If your VPN fails, grab a free trial of NordVPN or ExpressVPN — your privacy’s worth it.
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