How to check if your VPN is working correctly

How to check if your VPN is working correctly: a complete guide 2026

A reliable VPN should:

• hide the real IP address;
• encrypt all Internet traffic;
• prevent DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC leaks;
• keep the connection stable without interruptions and “leaks” by tunnel.

But even the best VPN service may not work correctly due to incorrect device, firewall or browser settings. Below is an SEO-optimized, practical guide: how to check step by step if your VPN is working correctly, what leaks to look for, what services to use, and how all this relates to the quality of the VPN service.

Why check if the VPN is working correctly at all

Even if the client shows “Connected”, in reality it is possible:

• the real IP address is visible to sites and trackers;
• DNS requests go to the provider, and not through the VPN;
• part of the traffic bypasses the tunnel due to the settings of the router, browser or applications;
• VPN periodically “falls off”, and the connection continues directly;
• split tunneling is activated, which you forgot about.

Regular checking of the VPN connection is mandatory step if you:

• bypass blocking and geographical restrictions;
• download torrents and use P2P networks;
• work with confidential data;
• use VPN for anonymity and privacy.

Basic checks to be done

1. Checking for IP address changes. 
2. Check for DNS leaks. 
3. IPv6 leak check. 
4. Checking for WebRTC leaks in the browser. 
5. Checking encryption and traffic route. 
6. Test the speed and stability of the connection. 
7. Checking the operation of Kill Switch. 
8. Checking specific scenarios: streaming, torrents, remote access.

Let's look at all the points step by step.

Step 1. Checking the IP address change

Goal: make sure that sites see the IP address of the VPN server, and not your real one.

1. Disable the VPN.
   Go to any IP check service (for example, whatismyip site).
   Record the real IP and country.
2. Enable VPN and connect to a server in another country.
   For example, Germany, Netherlands, USA.
3. Refresh the IP check page again.
   The external IP address of the VPN server and another country should appear.

If the IP is not changes or the country does not match the selected server:

• check that the client is actually connected;
• restart the VPN application;
• change the protocol (WireGuard/OpenVPN) and try again;
• if necessary, change the server.

Step 2. Check for DNS leaks

DNS leaks are a common problem, when:

• sites see the IP VPN, but DNS requests still go to your provider;
• DNS blocking continues to operate;
• the provider can track which domains you open.

How to check:

1. Connect to a VPN. 
2. Go to a specialized DNS leak test (just search for “DNS leak test”). 
3. Run an Extended Test or similar extended test. 
4. Look:
   • which DNS servers are displayed; 
   • what countries are they in; 
   • Do they belong to your VPN provider or Internet provider?

If you see the DNS servers of your provider or local network:

• Enable the “Use VPN DNS” / “Protection against DNS leaks” option in the VPN client settings;
• Disable the “smart” DNS functions router;
• restart the VPN and repeat the test.

Step 3. Check for IPv6 leaks

Many VPN services and networks still work primarily with IPv4. If you have IPv6 active:

• Some of the traffic may bypass the tunnel;
• The IPv6 IP address may “shine” even when the VPN is enabled.

How to check:

1. Connect to the VPN. 
2. Go to a site showing IPv4 and IPv6 (search for “IPv6 test”). 
3. Check:
   • whether your IPv6 address is displayed; 
   • does it match the data of the VPN or your provider.

If the real IPv6 of the provider is visible when the VPN is active:

• in the VPN settings, enable IPv6 blocking/tunneling;
• if necessary, disable IPv6 in the network settings of the OS or router;
• repeat the test.

Step 4. Checking for WebRTC leaks in the browser

WebRTC is a technology for P2P communication in browsers (calls, video chats, etc.).
Through it, sites can get your local and real IP even when the VPN is running.

How to check:

1. Connect to the VPN. 
2. In your browser, open the WebRTC leak checking service. 
3. Look at what IP addresses are displayed:
   • there should be only the IP of the VPN server; 
   • if your local or real IP is visible, there is a leak.

How to fix:

• disable WebRTC in your browser settings (or limit access to it);
• install an extension to block WebRTC;
• use a browser with built-in protection against WebRTC leaks.

Step 5. Checking encryption and route traffic

The goal is to understand whether the traffic is actually encrypted and going through the VPN tunnel.

1. Use public Wi-Fi.
   Connect to public Wi-Fi in a cafe/hotel (or test guest network at home).
2. Turn on the VPN.
   Make sure the client shows active connection.
3. Run a network analyzer on the second device
   (if you have the skills - for example, Wireshark or an analogue).
4. Check the type of traffic:
   • mostly encrypted packets should be visible (UDP/TCP to the VPN server); 
   • the contents of requests (URLs, domains) should not be read in clear text.

If you are not a technical specialist, just trust the previous steps (IP, DNS, WebRTC) and make sure that all tests pass successfully.

Step 6. VPN speed and stability test

Even with correct protection, a VPN can be slow.

How to check:

1. Do a basic test without a VPN.
   Measure on any speedtest service ping, download, upload.
2. Connect to a VPN server in your or a nearby country.
3. Repeat the test.

Compare:

• a speed drop of up to 10-30% is normal for a high-quality VPN;
• if the speed drops significantly or ping increases sharply, try:
  • change server to another in the same country; 
  • change the protocol (WireGuard is faster, OpenVPN is slower); 
  • restart the router/device.

If all VPN servers give extremely low values, it is possible:

• the provider is limiting VPN traffic;
• a weak or overloaded service has been selected.

Step 7. Checking the Kill Switch operation

Kill Switch is a critical function:

• when disconnected VPN connections to the Internet on the device are blocked;
• your real IP and traffic do not “fall out” onto the network without protection.

How to test:

1. Make sure Kill Switch is enabled in the VPN client settings. 
2. Connect to the VPN and open a website that displays the IP. 
3. Manually “break” the connection:
   • turn off the Internet (Wi‑Fi/cable), then turn it back on; 
   • in the VPN settings, temporarily terminate the process/service.
4. Observe:
   • If Kill Switch is working, the browser will not be able to load sites until the VPN restores the tunnel; 
   • if sites continue to open with your real IP, Kill Switch did not work.

In this case:

• recheck the client settings; 
• update the VPN application; 
• If you don’t have a reliable Kill Switch, think about changing the service.

Step 8. Check VPN for torrents and P2P

If you use torrents (qBittorrent, uTorrent, etc.):

1. Connect to a P2P/Torrent VPN server. 
2. Turn on Kill Switch. 
3. On a tracker that supports IP checking, run a special torrent‑IP‑test. 
4. Check:
   • The IP of the VPN server should be displayed; 
   • The real IP should not be visible in any lists.

Additionally:

• Stop the VPN client while the torrent is active - the connection should be completely interrupted (if Kill Switch is working);
• If the torrent continues to download - the setting is unsafe.

Step 9. Checking the VPN for streaming and bypass blocking

For streaming, it is important to check:

1. Connect to a server in the desired country (USA, UK, EU, etc.). 
2. Clear your browser/application cache and restart it. 
3. Go to Netflix, YouTube or another streaming service. 
4. Make sure that:
   • content in this region is available; 
   • no errors about proxy/VPN; 
   • video plays without buffering.

If the service blocks VPN:

• try another server/country;
• change the protocol (some services recognize OpenVPN TCP/443 less well);
• if there is a system problem, choose a VPN provider that officially supports streaming.

Step 10. Check VPN for remote work

If you:

• connect via RDP/SSH via VPN;
• access corporate CRM/ERP/mail;
• work with remote resources,

make sure that:

1. All necessary IPs and subnets are accessible via VPN (pings reach the required addresses). 
2. No session interruptions during long-term work. 
3. A modern protocol is used (WireGuard or IKEv2/OpenVPN with reliable ciphers). 
4. VPN client and working services do not conflict with the local firewall.

Typical problems and how to solve them

Problem 1. IP changes, but DNS leaks remain

Solution:

• enable protection against DNS leaks in the client;
• use the “Forced DNS servers” mode VPN";
• disable custom DNS in the system/router.

Problem 2. VPN often “falls off”

Solution:

• change the protocol (for example, from UDP to TCP or to WireGuard);
• choose a server closer to your region;
• check the router and energy saving on mobile devices;
• if all servers are constantly interrupted, consider another VPN service.

Problem 3. Streaming does not work, although IP and DNS via VPN

Solution:

• change the server to another in the same country;
• try a different protocol;
• clear the application/browser cache and re-enter account.

Problem 4. Torrents show real IP

Solution:

• enable Kill Switch and check again;
• use only P2P servers;
• disable UPnP/bypass VPN settings in the torrent client;
• make sure there is no split tunneling for torrent applications.

How to understand that it’s time to change the VPN service

If, after all the checks, you regularly observe:

• DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leaks that the provider does not solve;
• lack of a normal Kill Switch;
• constant interruptions and low speed on all servers;
• non-working streaming and blocking by services;
• aggressive data collection and opaque privacy policy -

it is logical to consider switching to a more reliable VPN service that:

• uses modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN with strong encryption);
• has built-in protection against all major leaks;
• supports Kill Switch at the level applications;
• offers optimized servers for streaming and P2P;
• openly declares a policy of minimal logs.

Checklist: quickly check if the VPN is working correctly

1. The IP address has changed to the IP of the VPN server. 
2. DNS servers belong to the VPN, not your ISP. 
3. IPv6 does not reveal the real address (disconnected or tunneled). 
4. WebRTC in the browser does not show the local/real IP. 
5. Speed ​​and ping are acceptable for your tasks. 
6. Kill Switch prevents the Internet from working without a VPN. 
7. Torrents and streaming use IP VPN servers. 
8. During long-term operation, there are no incomprehensible connection breaks.

If all points are followed, your VPN works correctly and provides the necessary level of protection.

A correctly configured VPN means not only changing the IP address, but also comprehensive protection against leaks, stability and speed. Regularly check the operation of the VPN using the tests described and, if necessary, change the settings or service so that your anonymity and security on the Internet remain under reliable protection.