Once you ’ve picked up thebest VPNfor your home , it ’s potential you also want to train that it ’s working well for your motivation . It ’s a sensible idea to check whether VPN is working right . No one wants to make up for something that they ’re not in reality using , plus if it turns out it ’s not working , your information and surf activity is n’t as safe as you thought it was . Fortunately , there are a few different ways of doing this . With unlike methods available , register on while we guide you through how to see if your VPN is mould and what to face for . Do n’t worry — it ’s passably simple hooey once you know how .
What is a VPN meant to do?
Knowingwhat a VPN isused for is always a skilful starting point when it do to understanding why you need it to be bring right . To contract to the pursuit , you really call for one to stay secure online , specially if you trip frequently and apply public Wi - Fi .
A VPN protect your concealment by hiding your IP speech . IP stands for Internet Protocol and web site need an address to hump where to send the web content you want to watch . When you use a VPN , the IP reference of the host you take is supplied instead of yours . The VPN service of process then encrypts and relays that depicted object to you , keeping your action private .
It ’s authoritative touse a VPN at homeand while away connecting to a public Wi - Fi connection . There are many benefits so you want to check that it ’s working properly .
How to test if your VPN works
You might be invite to use the test your VPN ply , but the fact you ’re testing implies you have some skepticism about its effectiveness . We recommend using the tests onBrowserLeak , a destitute , exposed - source pecker with no ads that you may use online to key out vulnerability your VPN might overlook . There are several mental testing , some valuable for testing a VPN and others that test your web web browser .
The most canonic test is to check your IP address . launch the test without the VPN and note the IP name and address and location . The metropolis shown could be nearby or quite distant , depend on your ISP ( net service provider ) . Then connect the VPN and make certain the IP address is different . The placement should tally your select VPN waiter area . Top VPNs like Proton VPN and NordVPNhave thousands of global servers to choose from , provide you to crop like a local .
Your VPN should supply an IP reference that matches the chosen country , so international websites and streaming services will work as expected . Your location is enshroud from hacker , spammers , and unscrupulous advertisers who could be seek data to establish a profile for point you with malware or intrusive ads .
If your VPN expire the IP address mental test , run BrowserLeak ’s WebRTC leak examination , which checks that your data remains secret when using WebRTC , a feature that helps web apps handle video schmoose and file transference . Your VPN should be able to patronize those feature securely . If you see a WebRTC passing water , your VPN is n’t amply protecting you .
Finally , scroll to the bottom of BrowserLeaks and select the DNS Leak Test . Your VPN app could be sending domain name lookup requests toyour ISP ’s DNS , potentially revealing your near emplacement and shop activity . You should see the IP address and location of the VPN waiter you choose , not your own .
Alternatives to BrowserLeaks
If BrowserLeaks is down or you just want to use another third - party service , there are several advertizing - free option that work just as well . Here are our top picks :
What to do if your VPN isn’t working
If your VPN flush it any of the tests above , make certain it ’s connected . If your VPN lacks a kill electrical switch or if you have that feature switch off , your VPN connector could have drop without your knowledge . If it is connected , get hold of your VPN ’s support to account the problem and require for help .
If you do n’t get a acceptable solution , it might be time for a switch . There areplenty of great VPN services to choose from .
If your VPN has a temporary problem , a free VPN can help protect your privacy until the issue is dissolve . The well free VPNs offer practiced upper without adsand few restrictions .