How to check if your VPN works: IP, DNS and WebRTC

Check the address a website sees

1. On your usual network, open a public-IP checker you trust. Keep the result to yourself. Only do a VPN-off comparison while you are not signing in or sending personal information.
2. Turn on the VPN, wait for “Connected”, and refresh the same check page. Compare its public IP. If it reports IPv4 and IPv6 separately, check both.
3. If the address did not change, check that you used the same browser and that the VPN stayed connected. A browser extension may cover the browser while other apps use your normal connection. See browser extension or VPN app.

Your home IP can change even without a VPN. An address comparison is a clue, not proof of complete privacy.

Understand DNS and WebRTC

DNS helps a browser find a website by name. A DNS check shows the servers answering its test questions. An unfamiliar server is not always a leak: your browser or device may use its own encrypted DNS service. If the result concerns you, compare it with your VPN app's documentation or contact support. Avoid changing DNS based on a random guide.

WebRTC lets websites support calls in the browser. Some check pages display the network addresses this feature can access. An address like 192.168.x.x usually belongs to a home network; it does not by itself mean your public IP was exposed. If the test shows the same public address you saw before connecting, tell support privately. Do not post a screenshot containing addresses.

When the results do not agree

Repeat the check after reconnecting once. You can also compare Wi-Fi with mobile data. Note the device, browser and step where the result changed, without sending keys or IP addresses. For a safe troubleshooting order, read VPN is not working.

If the IP changed, a familiar page loads and the app stays connected, you have checked this browser at this moment. Other apps need their own checks. A website may still recognize you when you sign in.