How to Test Your VPN (DNS, IP & WebRTC Leak Tests)

Quick summary

Testing your VPN takes only a few minutes and confirms whether your traffic is actually being routed and resolved through the VPN — not your real connection. In 2026, the three checks that matter are IP leak tests, DNS leak tests, and WebRTC leak tests. If all three look clean, your VPN is doing its job for everyday use.

What you need before you start

• A VPN app connected on your device.
• A modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge).
• Access to a VPN leak test page.

Tip: Run tests in a normal browser window first — extensions can change results.

Step-by-step: how to test your VPN properly

Step 1 — Check your real IP (baseline)

• Disconnect your VPN.
• Visit an IP check or leak test page.
• Note your IP address and country.

Step 2 — Connect your VPN

• Connect to a VPN server (pick a different country for clarity).
• Refresh the test page.
• Your visible IP should now match the VPN location.

Step 3 — IP leak test

• Confirm only one IP is shown (or multiple VPN IPs).
• You should not see your real ISP-assigned IP.

If your real IP appears, your VPN connection isn’t active or is dropping.

Step 4 — DNS leak test

• Check the listed DNS servers.
• They should belong to your VPN provider or the VPN server location.
• You should not see your ISP or home network.

DNS leaks are one of the most common issues and often fixed by enabling “Use VPN DNS” in settings.

Step 5 — WebRTC leak test

• Look for WebRTC IP entries.
• Your real local or public IP should not appear.
• VPN or masked IPs are expected.

Common problems (and what they mean)

• Real IP visible: VPN not connected, dropped, or split tunneling enabled.
• ISP DNS visible: DNS leak — change DNS settings or enable VPN DNS.
• WebRTC shows local IP: Browser WebRTC leak (common in Chrome/Firefox).
• Results change on refresh: Network instability or VPN reconnecting.

How to fix common VPN leaks

• Enable kill switch: prevents traffic escaping during drops.
• Enable VPN DNS: or “Prevent DNS leaks” in settings.
• Disable WebRTC: in browser settings or use a privacy extension.
• Change protocol: WireGuard ⇄ OpenVPN can resolve leaks.
• Turn off split tunneling: unless you fully understand it.

Reality check: what leak tests can (and can’t) prove

• Leak tests confirm routing and DNS behavior, not total anonymity.
• They don’t test logging policies or what a VPN provider records.
• They don’t stop tracking by accounts, cookies, or fingerprinting.

Passing leak tests means your VPN is configured correctly — not that you’re anonymous.

What to do next

• If your VPN fails tests: adjust settings or consider a more reliable provider.
• If you’re choosing a VPN: see Best VPNs (2026).
• If you’re troubleshooting: read VPN not working? 17 fixes.
• If you want deeper understanding: see What a VPN really does.

FAQ

• How often should I test my VPN? After setup, major updates, or when changing networks.
• Are free VPN leak tests safe? Most are fine, but don’t log in or provide personal info.
• Does a clean test mean no logs? No — leak tests don’t reveal provider logging behavior.
• Should I test on every device? Yes, especially if you use multiple platforms.
• Is WebRTC leaking always bad? It can expose local IPs; disabling it improves privacy.

Bottom line

Testing your VPN is simple and worth doing. A clean IP, DNS, and WebRTC test confirms your VPN is working as intended for everyday privacy and security. If leaks persist, the issue is usually settings — not you.