How To Check If VPN Is Working

How To Perform An Ip Address Leak Test

When you connect to a VPN, it masks your IP address with a bogus one. If your IP address is leaking, your original IP address will be exposed on the internet even if your VPN status says ON.

Heres how you can perform an IP address leak test.

• If youre connected to any VPN service, disconnect it.
• Launch your favorite browser and head to whatismyipaddress.com, the website will display the original IP address, note it down somewhere and close the browser.
• Now connect to your VPN and check your IP address again.
• If the IP address being displayed is the VPN servers IP, then your VPN is working fine. But if your IP is the one that you noted down in step 2, then there is an IP address leak.

How To Check If Youre Suffering From An Ip Leak

Its still a good thing to test your VPN service even though its not actually leaking your IP address since that helps you better understand your online security at any time.

Step 1. Disconnect your VPN and check your actual IP address.

Step 2. Connect with your VPN server and check your IP address again.

Step 3. Compare the two IP addresses. If they are different, your VPN is working well. If they are the same, however, its possible that your VPN is leaking your IP address.

What Do Bad Results Look Like

However, not all tests will look this rosy. Generally speaking, IPv4, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks will happen the least. Your author has tested a lot of VPNs and has only come across a few of these. However, DNS leaks are a lot more common, so always be sure to look carefully through the DNS servers to make sure that you dont spy your own IP address among them.

If youre looking for a new VPN, our top pick is;ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN offers its own DNS leak test, too.

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What Is A Network Security Key And How Do You Find It

Do you know what your network security key is? If you have a wireless network in your home or at the office, then youll likely have a network security key. Its also commonly referred to as a Wi-Fi password and is what protects the access point so that only you or your co-workers can securely Read more

Guide To Save Money With VPN

Dynamic pricing is not just a bad nightmare, it actually exists. While you could have a relatively cheap burger in Korea, you wouldnt fly there just for a burger,;right? However, the same thing is happening with online products and services. Prices vary by location, as people have different ranges of purchasing power. Yet, In the Read more

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How To Use A Mobile VPN

In order to use a VPN on mobile, you have two options: either use the all-in-one software app or set it up using OpenVPN Connect, which are both freely available in Google Play and other mobile stores.

OpenVPN and the best VPNs mentioned above are all available on major mobile operating systems, including iOS, Windows Mobile/CE, and Android.

The Anatomy Of Dns And Ip Leaks

Every device on a network, including the Internet, has a unique identifier its IP address . To allow servers to store more than one website, and to make it easier for users to access these websites by typing in words instead of numbers, DNS servers translate strings of text to numeric values and different folders on the server.

When you try to access a specific website address, your browser requires a translation from the web-page URL to the numeric identifier and destination folder on the specific server. A request is then passed to the DNS server that returns a valid destination for the file the browser will then load. This process is called DNS resolution.

The DNS server is chosen for resolution as a result of prioritization within the browser and operating system including browser configuration, local DNS server, the HOSTS file, Netbios, etc. This hierarchical choice of server is important when discussing IP privacy and security.

When using virtual private networks to secure your connection, the DNS resolution should take place on the servers configured by your VPN provider. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

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My VPN Isnt Working What Now

Detecting a leak is the first step. The next, of course, is fixing it. If you purchased a VPN from a reliable and trusted vendor, helpdesk and troubleshooting resources should be available. The steps provided, which can range from rebooting your computer to downloading a patch or update, can help you identify and rectify issues. If standard fixes arent adequate to resolve your issues, you may need to contact your VPN provider for more specific information.

If your VPN has problems with leaks regularly, selecting a different VPN might be the best path forward. Some products are better than others, so investing in a higher quality VPN may provide better service with reduced complications.

As a common VPN user, you want to ask yourself Is my VPN working? regularly. Only frequent checks can ensure your VPN is protecting you properly and you arent at risk of revealing private information through IP address, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.

Want to find the right VPN for your personal or business needs? Check out VPN.coms expert reviews, rankings, and recommendations to make an informed purchasing decision.

How To Use A VPN With Desktop Devices

Mac: Download your best VPN for business use or for personal use .

Windows 10: Download standalone software or go to Network and Sharing Center and then click on Connect to a work network. If you dont see the Connect to a work network option, click on change adapter options.

Linux: Download standalone software or open terminal. Use sudo su, apt-get install openvpn unzip to install the necessary basic components.

Once youve downloaded and installed OpenVPN, click on the network icon located in the system tray in order to select a VPN server from a dropdown list. If it is not already there, add the network OpenVPN , and click on the network icon once again in order to activate it.

To connect, just click on the NetworkManager Applet network, enter your login/password credentials when prompted, and have fun.

Once youve downloaded and installed the proper client . Enter your login/password credentials and click on the connect button.

Chrome: Use an extension.

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Whats The Fastest VPN

You may have heard that a certain VPN is the fastest, and you want to know what to look for in a fast VPN. Here we take an objective look at some of the most important factors that contribute to speed.

Fast speeds are not all created equal In order to evaluate which VPNs offer the best speed, its necessary to compare them with each other. One way is by testing real-world speeds via Speedtest.net. The test measures latency, download speeds, and upload speeds from your phone or PC through a number of servers spread across different locations around the world. However, there are many variables involved in these kinds of testsand every provider will perform differently based on server and congestion during the time of use.

The main parameter to keep in mind when searching for VPN is download speed, as this is most commonly used by most consumers.

The fastest VPNs according to our speed tests are Surfshark, NordVPN, VPN Unlimited, ExpressVPN, AirVPN, and Perfect-Privacy.

Detailed Overview Of The Best VPNs

Tefincom S.A. aka NordVPN features everything mentioned above including a handy kill switch that automatically disconnects from the Internet if the service goes offline. This protects users against retaliation from their browsing.

NordVPN is a relatively inexpensive service, considering the overall market offerings.

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VPN Server Detection: Is It Possible & How To Avoid It

Some websites and services that have geoblocked content dont really like when their users connect via VPNs Netflix being a perfect example. Services like this tend to keep a repository of IP addresses they know come from VPN providers, and if they notice that youre connecting from one of them, they might prevent access.;

The solution is to find a VPN provider that changes your public IP address often enough so that it doesnt get listed in one of those repositories.

Of course, VPNs have some rather creative ways of working around this. You could opt for a VPN service like NordVPN that offers you a personal public IP address that nobody else can use. Or, you also have Surfsharks obfuscated servers, which disguise your VPN-protected traffic as regular traffic so that servers cant detect youre using a VPN (read more about the VPN in our Surfshark review.

Running VPN Speed Tests

No Point in Security Without Performance

Websites work very hard to deliver you the best speeds possible, as they know it is one of the most important factors with regard to user satisfaction levels.

Amazon knows even a one-hour drop in speed can lead to millions lost in sales.

The same pattern goes for smaller companies, as a rule of thumb. This is why we always recommend small businesses choose the best web host available.

Note that several elements play a role with your connection speed, other than just your VPN. Lets have a look at these while digging into how to test your VPN for quickness.

Internet Service Provider

You shouldnt expect to get faster speeds then you were getting before installing your VPN. A VPN filters your connection, which inevitably leads to some latency.

Whatever contract you have with your ISP, this will limit the amount of bandwidth available. So, its the starting point.

First, well download an internet speed-checking tool and see what numbers you get before your VPN is connected… From there, you can work out what the speed drop is and how it compares with what your provider estimates.

Once you have this baseline, see what it’s like with the VPN running. The website speedof.me is a good one to use.

Got your result? Were not done yet. Lets see the other players:

Computer/Device Processing Power

VPNs create additional tasks that run constantly in the background, whenever that VPN is active.

Encryption Levels

Top Tip

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Check If Youre Connected

This step might sound silly, but sometimes your VPN connection might suddenly drop. If youre unfortunate enough to use a VPN without a killswitch, your Windows PC will almost immediately default to your previous, insecure connection.

As a result, you wont be connected to the VPN server of your choice , and your connection wont be secured and anonymized.

Identity Theft Protection Guide: Keep Your Family Safe

Remember the Experian link? It wasnt all that long ago. And it shows that identity theft has become a hot topic as data breaches happen more regularly. Facebook, Uber, and Microsofts Xbox LIVE marketplace have all shared time in the spotlight for leaking customer data. Loose security measures have put millions of individuals in harms Read more

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How Often To Test VPNs

For the highest level of privacy and security, you should perform quick DNS and WebRTC leak tests before performing your normal web activities. Antivirus scans, on the other hand, happen in the background continuously without any manual action needed from you, and streaming tests are only necessary if you plan to stream during that VPN session. Typically, you can perform DNS and WebRTC leak tests in less than a minute, so bookmark those URLs before you start torrenting that Judd Apatow movie.

How To Check Dns Leak And Webrtc Leak

DNS Leak Check

You can go to the website of dnsleaktest.com and run a DNS leak test on it to see whether theres leak or not. Either a standard or an advanced test can be run on this website.

WebRTC Leak Check

Step 1. Check your actual IP address first.

Step 2. Connect to one of VPN servers and refresh your browsing page. Now, a different IP address should be displayed.

If the two IP addresses are the same, then your VPN is probably leaking DNS.

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Protect Your Privacy With Our Trusted VPN

Theres no reason to use a VPN that cant keep your IP address hidden. For true online anonymity whenever you connect, choose a VPN from the cybersecurity experts trusted by over 435 million users worldwide.;

Avast SecureLine VPN uses powerful encryption protocols to secure your internet connection against leaks of any kind, protecting you against anyone trying to access your personal data. Experience airtight online privacy today with our 7-day free trial.

What To Do Is The VPN Is Not Working

When a VPN is not working, the biggest threat that the users are exposed to is the leaking of their IP and DNS. As a result, the web service providers can easily see their online activity. Some sites are not safe and the use of a VPN is recommended when visiting such sites as it safeguards your personal and sensitive information. Therefore it is needless to say that you have to be very careful and a hundred percent certain that the VPN service you have chosen is truly reliable.;

At times, the VPN faces troubles because of internet connectivity issues. If the internet connection is not stable, you will not be able to connect to the VPN and your IP and DNS information will be at risk of being exposed. Therefore, if you find that your VPN is not doing its job, check to see if the internet is working fine. You can also disconnect from the VPN server and reconnect. Upon doing so, run the tests again to confirm that the VPN has started to work this time.;

However, if you run the tests and often come across the conclusion that the VPN is causing trouble. It might be an indication that you need to change your VPN subscription and look for a reliable and reputable VPN service provider.;

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Use Expressvpns Ip Address Checker To Check Your Ip

If your VPN is up and running but you want to be sure that its working and that you have a new IP address, you can use the ExpressVPN IP address checker. To use this feature, start on the ExpressVPN application and then click the three horizontal grey lines in the top left to bring up the menu. Go to Help and then to IP Address Checker. Clicking on this will take you to a page on ExpressVPNs website at

This site shows you information about your current IP address. If your VPN is working, youll see a green banner in the Current IP Status window which says ;ExpressVPN Secure Connection, so you know that everything is functioning okay. The page will also show you the location which youre connected to, the IP address youre currently browsing under, and a map with the location of your current server highlighted.

If your VPN is not active, youll see a red warning saying Your private information is not secure in the Current IP Status window. Your IP address will be unmasked and your city and country will be nearby to your location. This means that your VPN isnt currently working and you need to take action to protect your privacy.

Alternatively, you can use a website like or to check this same information

Can A VPN Track You Online

Best VPN services send your data through private physical servers on an encrypted tunnel with no log policy so that they cant know what youre surfing online.

The best VPNs companies are located in privacy havens with no data retention laws, meaning they wont keep track of users or sell their information to third parties.

Some sketchy VPN providers can collect information such as your browsing history and sell it to 3rd parties and this is why its best to not trust every free VPN.

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What Is A VPN Do VPNs Keep You Secure

VPNs aka Virtual Private Networks connect your device network via an encrypted tunnel. One of the most common uses for this technology is to mask the location of the user so they can access geo-restricted content or avoid censorship.

To get started, you simply download special software onto your machine. The VPN provider manages the servers you use to connect with certain sites. The connection is anonymous so no one can intercept what you are doing over the internet not even your ISP.

It doesnt just stop there. VPNs are often used in the workplace when an employee is working remotely, or when connecting with sensitive company information. It is also useful for people who travel a lot especially when they are using open Wi-Fi hotspots that arent secure.

Some users even opt to encrypt all of their traffic, which can slow down your connection speeds if you dont have the bandwidth to handle it. In case you were using a satellite internet provider in African rural areas, this could be problematic. To avoid this, many people only encrypt certain data being transmitted over the network. Optimizing your connections gives you the advantage of secure browsing while still allowing you to use high-bandwidth activities like streaming videos and downloading large files without any lags or disruptions.

There are many different VPN providers and they offer a variety of benefits like:

As with most things in life, using a VPN can also come with potential downsides: