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Security Tool • Updated for 2026

Check If Your VPN Is Working (Fast Test + What the Results Mean)

A 60-second check to confirm your public IP changes, your browser traffic is using the tunnel, and you’re not accidentally bypassing your VPN.
Purpose: verify Time: < 1 minute Watch: split tunneling + drops
Run the check ↓ Methodology Affiliate Disclosure

A VPN can say “connected” and still not protect the traffic you care about (most often because of split tunneling, a reconnect/drop, or the wrong app using the tunnel). This tool helps you verify the simplest truth: does your public IP change when your VPN is on? Then it explains what your results mean and what to do next.

What this tool checks (and what it doesn’t)

This tool checks
  • Public IP (browser): the IP address websites see.
  • Best-effort network label: ISP / ASN / org name to help interpret results.
  • Change detection: compares a “baseline” snapshot vs a “VPN on” snapshot.
This tool does not check
  • Anonymity: cookies, logins, fingerprinting still identify you.
  • All leaks: DNS/WebRTC require dedicated leak tests for confidence.
  • Provider “no logs” truth: that’s a transparency/trust question, not a page test.

Reality anchor: Passing one test ≠ total security. This is a quick verification signal, not a guarantee.

Run the VPN check

Not run yet
Step 1
Take a baseline snapshot (VPN OFF).
If your VPN is currently on, disconnect it briefly, then click “Save baseline.”
Step 2
Turn your VPN ON, connect to any server you want, then click “Check again.”
If you use split tunneling, make sure your browser is included in the tunnel.
Step 3
Read the verdict below. If it looks wrong, use the fixes section.
If results don’t load, ensure JavaScript is allowed and try again on a different network.
Baseline IP (VPN off)
—
Save a baseline to begin.
Current IP (VPN on)
—
Run the second check after enabling your VPN.
Change detected
—
We’re looking for a clear IP change signal.
Interpretation
—
Scroll for fixes if something looks off.

Tip: for stronger verification, also run our full leak checks: VPN Leak Test (IP, DNS, WebRTC).

How to read your results

Result: “IP changed” (good signal)

If your baseline IP (VPN off) and current IP (VPN on) are different, that’s the simplest sign your browser traffic is routing through the VPN. For everyday users, this is usually the “90% confidence” check.

Result: “No change” (often fixable)

If your IP doesn’t change, your browser traffic is likely not using the tunnel. That’s typically a configuration issue, not instant proof your VPN is “bad.” Use the fixes section below.

Result: “Changed, but looks like my ISP / my city”

Two common explanations: (1) you connected to a VPN server near you, or (2) IP/geolocation data is stale or wrong. The more important signal is the change — then confirm with a leak test if you need higher confidence.

Common false alarms (don’t panic)

  1. “The location is wrong.” IP geolocation can be inaccurate. A “wrong city” doesn’t automatically mean your VPN is failing.
  2. “The ISP label looks unfamiliar.” VPN exit IPs can be registered to data centers or network providers with unfamiliar names.
  3. “My IP changed, but some apps still show my location.” Apps can use GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, or account data. A VPN changes IP routing — not all location signals.

What this means for your setup (fixes that work)

If your IP did not change

  • Check split tunneling: ensure your browser is included in the VPN tunnel (or disable split tunneling to test).
  • Reconnect the VPN: disconnect, quit the app fully, re-open, connect again, then re-test.
  • Try a different server: some networks block specific VPN endpoints; changing servers can fix it.
  • Check captive portals: hotel/airport Wi-Fi may require a login page. Complete it first, then connect VPN.
  • Disable proxy extensions: browser proxies can interfere with VPN routing or confuse results.

If you want a deeper verification path, run: VPN Leak Test (IP, DNS, WebRTC) • How to test your VPN (guide)

Recommended next steps (internal)

Limitations of this tool (credibility section)

  • Browser-only: this checks the browser’s public IP, not every app on your device.
  • No DNS verdict here: DNS leaks require a server-backed resolver test for confidence.
  • No anonymity claim: cookies, logins, fingerprinting, and telemetry still identify you.
  • Results vary: by network, VPN protocol, server selection, OS, and browser privacy features.

Passing this check means “your IP routing changed.” It does not guarantee “nothing else can track you.”

FAQ

  • What’s the fastest way to verify a VPN is working? Confirm your public IP changes when the VPN is on. Then run a leak test if you need higher confidence.
  • Why didn’t my IP change? Most often: split tunneling, the VPN didn’t actually connect, captive portal Wi-Fi, or a browser proxy/extension conflict.
  • If my IP changed, am I anonymous? No. A VPN reduces exposure to certain observers, but accounts, cookies, and fingerprinting can still identify you.
  • Should I check every time I connect? Not necessary. Re-check after VPN updates, OS changes, new networks, or if something feels off.
  • Why does my VPN show a location near me? You may be connected to a nearby server, or geolocation databases may be inaccurate.

Trust & disclosure

This tool is provided for educational and diagnostic purposes. We don’t accept payment to influence conclusions. Learn more: Methodology • Affiliate disclosure.