How Do I Know If My VPN Is Working?
You’ve installed your VPN, hit “connect,” and now you’re online. But how can you be sure it’s actually protecting you?
✅ Here’s the good news: Testing your VPN is simple — and it’s something every user should do.
Let’s walk through how to make sure your VPN is working properly, and how a reliable provider like NordVPN makes this easy and automatic.
1. ✅ Check Your IP Address
The easiest way to see if your VPN is active is to check your IP address before and after connecting.
👉 Try this:
- Visit https://whatismyipaddress.com
- Note the location and IP shown while disconnected
- Now connect to your VPN and refresh the page
If the IP address and location change to your VPN server’s location (e.g. USA, UK, or another region), your VPN is working.
🔒 Want a VPN that always masks your IP reliably? Try NordVPN here.
2. ✅ Perform a DNS Leak Test
A DNS leak can reveal your real IP and location to websites, even if your VPN is connected. Not good.
You can check for this here:
👉 https://dnsleaktest.com
Click “Standard Test” or “Extended Test” and ensure that the results show only your VPN’s server information, not your actual ISP or country.
With NordVPN, DNS leak protection is built-in and turned on by default.
3. ✅ Run a WebRTC Leak Test
WebRTC leaks can expose your real IP in browsers like Chrome or Firefox, especially during video calls or peer-to-peer connections.
Test yours here:
👉 https://browserleaks.com/webrtc
Look under “Your IP Addresses – ICE Candidates” — if your real IP is hidden, your VPN is working.
🔐 NordVPN’s browser extensions include WebRTC leak blocking, offering an extra layer of privacy.
4. ✅ Try Accessing Geo-Blocked Content
Want to know for sure your VPN is doing its job?
Try accessing content that’s normally unavailable in your region — like:
- US Netflix
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- Disney+
- DStv from abroad
If it works, your VPN is masking your location successfully.
🎬 NordVPN is famous for bypassing geo-blocks and streaming limits, with thousands of servers optimized for content access.
👉 Unlock global content now with NordVPN
5. ✅ Check for Speed and Stability
A VPN should protect you without slowing you down too much. Run a speed test with and without the VPN active:
NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol delivers incredibly fast speeds — ideal for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
Bonus: Use NordVPN’s Built-In Tools
With NordVPN, you don’t need to worry about constant testing. Their app includes:
- ✅ Auto-connect
- ✅ Kill Switch (blocks all traffic if VPN drops)
- ✅ Built-in DNS & IP leak protection
- ✅ Smart notifications and diagnostics
🛡️ Peace of mind is just a tap away — Download NordVPN now and browse with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Testing your VPN takes just a few minutes, but it ensures your digital privacy stays locked down.
If you’re unsure about your current provider — or using a free VPN that might be leaking your data — now is the time to upgrade.
🎯 Protect your IP, stop leaks, and unlock the full power of a premium VPN — Try NordVPN today.