Before you start
Write down your real IP address first: turn the VPN off and open the My IP page. Note the address, location and provider. Then turn the VPN back on and run the checks below. Every result is compared with these values.
1. Your IP address and location changed
With the VPN connected, reload the My IP page.
- Working: the IP address is different, the location matches the VPN server you chose, and the provider is your VPN company or a hosting network.
- Not working: you still see your own address or your own internet provider.
If nothing changed, the VPN isn't routing your traffic. Reconnect, try another server or protocol, and check that the app's "split tunneling" doesn't exclude your browser.
2. No WebRTC leak
WebRTC lets browsers make video calls and peer-to-peer connections. To do that, it can find your device's addresses directly, bypassing the VPN, and websites can read them with a few lines of JavaScript.
Run the WebRTC leak test. It's working if no public address other than the VPN's shows up. To fix a leak:
- Turn on WebRTC leak protection in your VPN app or its browser extension.
- In Firefox, set
media.peerconnection.enabledtofalseinabout:config. - In Chrome or Edge, install an extension that limits WebRTC to the proxied connection.
3. No DNS leak
Your device has to look up every website name. If those lookups go to your provider instead of through the VPN, your provider can see every site you visit, even though the VPN hides your IP.
Run the DNS leak test. It's working if every resolver belongs to your VPN or sits in the same country as the VPN server. Read what a DNS leak is for the causes and fixes.
4. No IPv6 leak
Many VPNs only carry IPv4. If your connection also has IPv6, sites can reach you over IPv6 outside the tunnel and see your real network.
The leak checks on the My IP page test this. If they report that IPv4 and IPv6 leave through different networks, turn on IPv6 leak protection in the VPN app, or disable IPv6 on your adapter. IPv4 vs IPv6 explains why.
5. Your time zone matches
This one isn't a leak, but websites use it to spot VPN users. If your VPN puts you in Germany while your computer's clock is set to Tokyo time, the mismatch is easy to detect.
The My IP page compares your device's time zone with your IP location. If it doesn't match and you want to blend in, change your system time zone to the VPN location, or use a browser with fingerprint protection.
Bonus: check how websites rate your VPN IP
Even a leak-free VPN can get blocked if its IP is known to be a VPN or datacenter address. Check the address on the IP fraud score page. A high score explains why some sites show CAPTCHAs or refuse to work. VPNs with dedicated or residential IPs usually score lower; see residential vs datacenter IPs.
Quick checklist
| Check | Passes when | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| IP and location | Show the VPN server, not you | My IP |
| WebRTC | No public IP other than the VPN's | WebRTC leak test |
| DNS | Resolvers belong to the VPN or its country | DNS leak test |
| IPv6 | No IPv6, or IPv6 through the VPN | My IP |
| Time zone | Matches the IP location | My IP |
FAQ
How often should I test my VPN?
After installing it, after every app or system update, and whenever you change servers, protocols or networks. Leaks often appear after an update resets a setting.
My VPN is on but my IP didn't change. Why?
The most common causes are split tunneling that excludes your browser, a proxy set in the browser that overrides the VPN, or a connection that dropped without the app noticing. Turn on the kill switch so your traffic stops when the tunnel drops.
Does a VPN hide my IP from my internet provider?
Your provider still sees that you're connected to a VPN server and how much data you use, but not which sites you visit, as long as DNS doesn't leak.
Do free VPNs leak more?
Often, yes. Free VPNs are more likely to skip IPv6 and DNS protection, and many log or sell your data. Whatever you use, run these checks before trusting it.