Choosing the right VPN is crucial for online security, but it’s equally important to ensure it’s working as intended. Paying for a VPN that isn’t effectively protecting your data defeats the purpose. This guide outlines simple methods to test your VPN’s functionality and ensure your online activities remain private.
The Surfshark extension is running in the Edge browser on a PC monitor.
Understanding the Role of a VPN
VPNs are essential for online security, especially when using public Wi-Fi. They mask your IP address, preventing websites and online services from identifying your actual location. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through the VPN’s servers, encrypting your data and assigning you a different IP address. This safeguards your privacy and protects you from potential threats. This is critical both at home and on the go, so verifying its proper function is paramount.
Testing Your VPN Connection
While VPN providers often offer built-in tests, independent verification offers a more objective assessment. BrowserLeaks, a free and open-source online tool, is highly recommended. It provides a range of tests to identify potential vulnerabilities your VPN might miss.
The initial step involves checking your IP address. Before activating your VPN, note your IP address and location using BrowserLeaks. Then, connect to your VPN and repeat the test. The new IP address should differ from your original one and reflect the location of your chosen VPN server. Leading VPN services like NordVPN and Proton VPN offer a vast network of servers worldwide, enabling you to appear as if browsing from different regions.
Screenshot of the BrowserLeaks website, a free, open source software that
This is essential for accessing geo-restricted content and maintaining online anonymity. A properly functioning VPN shields your location from malicious actors seeking to exploit your data.
Advanced Leak Tests
Beyond the basic IP address check, BrowserLeaks offers further tests to ensure comprehensive protection. The WebRTC leak test examines whether your data remains private when using WebRTC, a technology employed for video chat and file sharing. Your VPN should secure these features, preventing data leaks.
BrowserLeaks also has a DNS Leak Test near the bottom of the page.
Additionally, the DNS leak test verifies that your DNS requests are routed through your VPN. A DNS leak could expose your browsing activity to your ISP, compromising your privacy. The test results should display the IP address and location of your selected VPN server, not your own.
Alternative VPN Testing Tools
If BrowserLeaks is unavailable, several alternative ad-free options exist:
- IPadr.is: A minimalist website that displays your public IP address.
- VoidSec.com: Offers IP address and WebRTC leak tests upon page load.
- DNS leak test: Provides both short and extended DNS leak tests.
Troubleshooting VPN Issues
If your VPN fails any of these tests, first ensure it’s actively connected. If your VPN lacks a kill switch or it’s disabled, your connection might have dropped unnoticed. If the problem persists despite an active connection, contact your VPN provider’s support.
If the issue remains unresolved, consider switching to a different VPN service. Numerous reliable options are available. In the interim, a free VPN can offer temporary protection while you resolve the issue. Look for reputable free VPNs with good speeds, minimal restrictions, and no ads.
Conclusion
Regularly testing your VPN is crucial for maintaining online privacy and security. Using independent tools like BrowserLeaks or its alternatives offers an objective assessment of your VPN’s effectiveness. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your VPN is working as expected and your online activity remains protected.
