To ensure that your VPN is working properly, follow these steps:
1 Check Your IP Address
Before Connecting Visit an IP checking website like [WhatIsMyIP.com](https://www.whatismyip.com/) to note your current IP address.
After Connecting Connect to your VPN and revisit the IP checking website to see if your IP address has changed to the location of the VPN server. This indicates that your traffic is being routed through the VPN.
2 Check for DNS Leaks
Use tools like [DNSLeakTest.com](https://www.dnsleaktest.com/) to run a standard or extended test. If the DNS servers listed match your VPN provider’s servers and not your ISP’s servers, your VPN is working correctly.
3 Check for WebRTC Leaks
WebRTC can leak your real IP address even when using a VPN. Use [BrowserLeaks.com](https://browserleaks.com/webrtc) to check for WebRTC leaks. If your real IP address is not exposed, your VPN is functioning correctly.
4 Check for IPv6 Leaks
Some VPNs may not support IPv6 and could leak your IPv6 address. Use [IPv6Leak.com](https://ipv6leak.com/) to test for this. If your IPv6 address is not shown, your VPN is working properly.
5 Test for Speed
VPNs can affect your internet speed. Use speed testing tools like [Speedtest.net](https://www.speedtest.net/) before and after connecting to your VPN to see how much your speed is affected. Significant drops may indicate issues.
6 Access Geo-restricted Content
Try accessing content that is restricted to certain regions, such as a streaming service from another country. If you can access the content, your VPN is likely working correctly.
7 Check for Kill Switch Functionality
If your VPN has a kill switch feature, test it by temporarily disconnecting your VPN and seeing if your internet connection is cut off. This ensures that your real IP address is not exposed if the VPN connection drops.
8 Examine Connection Logs
If available, check your VPN software’s connection logs for any errors or warnings that might indicate connectivity issues.
By performing these tests, you can confirm that your VPN is functioning properly and securely.