Is my VPN working?
Six quick checks to make sure your VPN really hides your IP.
The quickest test takes 10 seconds. Note your IP address on ipfind.org, connect your VPN, and reload the page. If the IP address, location and internet provider all change, your VPN is hiding your real IP.
Step 1: Compare your IP address
- Disconnect from your VPN and open ipfind.org. Write down the IP address and the internet provider shown.
- Connect to your VPN and pick a server, ideally in another city or country.
- Reload ipfind.org. You should see a different IP address, and the internet provider should now be your VPN company or a hosting company.
If your real IP still shows, your VPN isn't routing your traffic. Try another server or protocol, or reinstall the app.
Step 2: Check the location
The location on the map should match the VPN server you chose, not your real city. If it's slightly off, that's normal, because IP location is approximate. If it still shows your home city, something is wrong.
Step 3: Check IPv6
Some VPNs only protect your IPv4 address. If ipfind.org shows an IPv6 address under your main IP that belongs to your home internet provider, your VPN is leaking it. Turn on your VPN's IPv6 leak protection, or turn off IPv6 on your device. Learn more in IPv4 vs IPv6.
Step 4: Test for DNS leaks
When you type a website name, your device asks a DNS server for its address. If those requests skip the VPN and go to your internet provider, your provider can still see which sites you visit. Run a DNS leak test while connected. Every server listed should belong to your VPN, not your home provider. Most VPN apps have a "DNS leak protection" setting; make sure it's on.
Step 5: Test for WebRTC leaks
WebRTC is a browser feature for video calls that can reveal your real IP to websites, even with a VPN on. Many VPNs offer a browser extension that blocks it. In Firefox you can disable it by setting media.peerconnection.enabled to false in about:config.
Step 6: Make sure the kill switch is on
If your VPN connection drops for a moment, your device may quietly reconnect without it and expose your real IP. A kill switch blocks all traffic until the VPN reconnects. Turn it on in your VPN's settings.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my IP still show my real location with a VPN?
Either the VPN isn't connected properly, or the location database hasn't caught up with the VPN server's address. Try a different server and reload ipfind.org.
What is a DNS leak?
A DNS leak happens when your device sends website lookups to your internet provider instead of through the VPN, revealing which sites you visit.
What does a VPN kill switch do?
It blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, so your real IP is never exposed by accident.