Is My VPN Working?

Simple yes/no check if your VPN is protecting you

Checking your VPN status...

How VPNs Work

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. All your internet traffic is routed through this tunnel, so websites see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours. Your ISP can see that you're connected to a VPN but cannot see what websites you visit or what data you send.

When your VPN is working correctly, your public IP address should belong to the VPN provider (not your ISP), your location should appear as the VPN server's city, and your DNS queries should go through the VPN's DNS servers rather than your ISP's.

How to Check If Your VPN Is Working

The tool above performs a quick check by looking at your IP address and determining whether it belongs to a known VPN, hosting, or datacenter provider. If your IP shows your regular ISP, your VPN is either disconnected or leaking. For a more thorough analysis including DNS and WebRTC leak detection, use our full VPN leak test.

Steps to verify manually: Note your regular IP address (without VPN). Connect to your VPN. Reload this page. If the IP address changed and now shows a different city/ISP, your VPN is working. If the IP is the same, your VPN isn't routing traffic correctly.

Common VPN Problems

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my VPN is working?
A working VPN will show a different IP address than your real one, ideally in the location of your chosen VPN server. Your DNS queries should also route through the VPN. This tool checks both and gives you a simple pass/fail answer.
My VPN shows connected but the test says it is not working. Why?
This can happen if your VPN has a leak. The connection may be established but your real IP could still be exposed through WebRTC or DNS leaks. Check the detailed results to see which specific test failed, and enable leak protection in your VPN settings.
Does a VPN slow down my internet?
Yes, VPNs add some overhead due to encryption and routing through an extra server. Good VPN providers minimize this — expect 10-30% speed reduction on nearby servers. Connecting to distant servers increases latency more. Protocols like WireGuard offer better performance.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
VPNs are legal in most countries, including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. However, some countries restrict or ban VPN usage, including China, Russia, and UAE. Using a VPN for illegal activities is still illegal regardless of the VPN.

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