Knowing if your VPN is working properly is crucial to ensure that your browsing is secure and your IP is hidden. To check if your VPN is doing its job, follow the steps below:
1. Check Your IP
One of the easiest ways to check if your VPN is working is by looking at your IP address. With the VPN turned on, your real IP should be hidden, and you should see the IP of the server you're connected to. To do this:
Visit a website like WhatIsMyIP.
Check the displayed IP. If it’s the VPN server’s IP and not yours, the VPN is working properly.
2. Test Data Encryption
The VPN encrypts your data to ensure your online communication is secure. One way to test this is by checking if the connection is protected with HTTPS or using tools that test connection security. If it’s encrypted, the VPN is working as expected.
3. Perform an IP Leak Test
Although the VPN hides your IP, there can be accidental leaks. These leaks might occur due to DNS or WebRTC issues. To test for leaks:
Use specialized websites like DNS Leak Test.
If the test shows your real IP or the origin location of your connection, it means there is a leak, and you’ll need to adjust the VPN settings.
4. Check Connection Speed
Your connection speed can be affected by the VPN, especially if you're connected to distant servers. To test performance, do a speed test with the VPN on, and then off, to see the difference. If the speed drops drastically, you might need to choose a closer or optimized server for your needs.
5. Test Access to Restricted Content
If your VPN is working correctly, it should allow you to access content from different regions, such as movies, shows, or blocked websites. Test by accessing content from a specific region and see if the access is granted.
Conclusion
Checking if your VPN is working properly is essential to ensure secure, anonymous browsing without restrictions. Use the tips above to test your VPN, and if you notice any issues, adjust the settings or contact your provider’s support team.