| Updated: January 17, 2025
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Hiding your IP address is the basic functionality of a VPN. However, other things, like DNS and WebRTC leaks, can expose your location and identity.
I recommend subscribing to a reputed VPN with third-party testing certificates to eliminate VPN leaks. Additionally, I test VPNs with these websites before using them:
I tested ExpressVPN and NordVPN with these websites, and both passed these tests successfully. I would recommend you use any of these for secure online activities.
VPNs have become an essential tool for staying secure, but how do you find out if your guardian is actually protecting you? There are multiple ways you can find out if your VPN is protecting you or if you are exposed to online security threats.
This article will discuss the methods for testing your VPN, how you can test it online, and the most effective ways to determine whether your VPN is working.
A VPN leak occurs when your VPN is not working effectively to secure you online. It can happen without your knowledge and when you use free or unpopular VPNs.
To mitigate these risks, you can test your VPN using several online and offline tools and techniques. This helps gauge a VPN’s performance and allows VPN users to stay secure online.
There are multiple VPN tests to determine which VPNs are good and which are leaking data. Data leaks don’t happen with modern and popular VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, etc.
However, if you use a free VPN by an unpopular VPN provider, you might be in danger. But don’t worry. Here are the most effective tools for testing your VPN.
The first step in testing your VPN location is to check whether it has masked your IP address. This can be checked online by typing ‘What’s my IP address’ on Google or Bing. Here are the steps you should follow to check your IP address.
This is the easiest and most effective way to check your IP address and VPN. But that does not mean your VPN is fully functional and you are 100% secure. The DNS leak test plays a crucial role in checking if the VPN is leaking your information.
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) allows browsers and mobile devices to communicate in real time. A DNS is a naming system that converts human-readable domain names into IP addresses.
Both play crucial roles when surfing the Internet. Your online identity is at risk if your VPN does not pass the DNS leak test or WebRTC test. Here are the steps to test both.
You can test the WebRTC leak on the same website. If both tests pass, your VPN is functioning properly, and you can use it on any device. Just to be on the safe side, enable the VPN kill switch, which will cut off your device’s internet connection if your VPN connection drops.
Most modern VPNs use highly effective VPN protocols to establish a secure connection (VPN tunnel) between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel ensures data safety by encrypting it using various VPN protocols and ciphers, like WireGuard and AES-256 encryption.
It helps keep your data safe and secure even if the VPN tunnel is breached. This helps users working with sensitive data or using a VPN where they are banned.
Therefore, it is wise to check if your VPN is encrypting data, which you can do by following these steps.
If your VPN passes these three VPN tests, that means it’s secured and hiding your online activities. You can also perform these tests with VPN features like dedicated IP and split tunneling. Additionally, I would recommend testing your VPN on different devices. I usually test mobile VPN leaks on my iPhone and take necessary actions if needed.
I recommend you do a speed and malware test in addition to these three VPN tests. It is a known fact that VPNs affect your internet speed; therefore, you should subscribe to good VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Here is how you can test your internet speed after enabling a VPN on your device.
Most VPNs drop internet speed because of the added security layer. Your traffic has to travel through the encrypted tunnel to reach the VPN server before hitting the internet.
I tested ExpressVPN and NordVPN for speed, and both performed exceptionally. In NordVPN, I used the US server with the NordLynx protocol, and in ExpressVPN, I used the Lightway protocol. You can increase your internet speed with a VPN enabled by moving close to the WiFi, restarting the router, etc.
A good VPN has a simple job: hide your online activities and identity. It performs this job by masking your IP address and location and providing end-to-end encryption for your data. This adds a layer of security between you and potential threats, allowing you to relax simply by enabling the VPN on your device.
There are other benefits of using a VPN, which we have discussed in detail on the VPN for What’s Homepage.
To summarize, a perfect VPN will:
Most modern VPNs hide your online activities and IP address. They are equipped with their own DNS servers, which hide your activities from your ISP. However, if a VPN does not work properly, your security is at risk.
I have mentioned the best techniques for testing your VPN. I recommend changing your VPN server in the VPN app or disabling the source of the data leak.
However, if your VPN is not functioning on the basic level, like changing your IP address, you need a new VPN.
Here are a few points to remember if your VPN is not functioning properly.
If that does not work, change your VPN. I recommend NordVPN and ExpressVPN, both of which offer great experiences. Don’t go for cracked VPNs, which are available at amazing discounts. They won’t hide your IP address or encrypt your data, leaving you vulnerable online.
Here are some quick fixes.
| Issue | Description | Solution |
| IP Leak | When your real IP address is exposed, indicating the VPN isn’t working properly. | Switch to a different VPN service, as this is a critical issue. |
| DNS or WebRTC Leak | When DNS or WebRTC leaks reveal information, impacting privacy. | Follow the steps mentioned below |
| Encryption Problems | If encryption is not working, exposing your data and creating security risks. | Consider switching to a reputable VPN service, as free options may lack full encryption. |
| Using Free or Proxy VPNs | Some free VPNs or extensions only act as proxies without full encryption. | Ensure the service is a true VPN with encryption, and switch if it’s only a proxy. |
| Multiple Encryption Issues | If encryption issues occur across multiple VPNs, it may indicate a broader problem. | Contact the VPN provider’s support team for help resolving recurring encryption issues. |
The ideal way to fix the DNS leak is to manually set your device’s DNS to third parties like Google or Cloudflare. Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, etc, do not reveal your original IP address and have built a reputation and trust over the years.
However, I personally recommend subscribing to a VPN that offers its own DNS servers. ExpressVPN and NordVPN maintain private, encrypted DNS services.
A VPN’s basic functionality is changing the IP address. Try the points we mentioned above, and if they do not work, change your VPN provider. You can manually avoid a WebRTC leak by changing your browser settings. To do so, turn on the ‘Disable WebRTC’ option in your VPN’s browser extension or disable it from the browser settings.
Additionally, if you are using a proxy, it won’t encrypt your online traffic like a VPN does. Here’s a detailed guide on VPNs, Smart DNS, and proxies, highlighting their differences.
I recommend switching to a reliable VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Premium VPNs rarely have encryption problems, as they are tested by third parties and VPN review websites like ours.
On the other hand, free VPNs, browser extensions, and proxies have this problem, and it is best to test them with Wireshark before using them for sensitive data. I recommend that VPN users review the protocols and encryption ciphers offered by a VPN service before using it to ensure optimal security and privacy.
I would recommend that you get a reliable VPN and stay secure online. Many VPNs in the market claim they offer the best servers and protocols, but upon testing, I found they lack in their claim.
I would grade NordVPN and ExpressVPN as the best VPNs because they successfully passed all the tests mentioned above. They gave perfect speed with minor fluctuations, changed my IP address every time, and passed the DNS and WebRTC tests. Additionally, both VPNs were able to bypass VPN blocks and firewalls in countries with strict VPN regulations.
I also tested other VPNs, but they do not provide fast internet speeds like ExpressVPN and NordVPN did. If you are still tight on budget and don’t want to invest in these premium VPNs, test your VPN thoroughly before browsing the internet, especially in countries where VPNs are illegal.
If your IP leaks, the government and your ISP will know your real IP and location, and I recommend using a premium VPN with obfuscated servers.
A DNS leak can expose your location, IP address, and what you are doing on the internet. To say secure online;
This usually happens with browsers. To mitigate it, disable the WebRTC functionality in your browser, use a secure browser, and employ a VPN that has WebRTC features.
The best way to test your VPN is to use the following websites and tools:
Turn off the split tunneling feature if it’s on, and don’t use the trusted networks feature either.
Your VPN app communicates with the VPN server every two minutes to maintain a secure connection. However, frequent disconnects or slow internet speeds can interrupt this communication, potentially causing the encrypted tunnel to close.
Streamers and gamers require a low ping rate for the best VPN experience. If you encounter issues, try restarting your VPN app and contact customer support if the problem persists.
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
