A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a powerful tool that can secure your internet connection and protect your privacy online — as long as it’s working. If yours fails, you could be vulnerable to data leaks, malware, and hackers.
How do you know your VPN is working? With a VPN test, of course.
Read on to see the top tests that’ll ensure your VPN is in superb shape.
Table of contents
DNS leak test
Your DNS (Domain Name System) is like a translator in charge of turning a request for a website — like www.surfshark.com — into a specific IP (Internet Protocol) address that looks something like 207.142.131.234.
A VPN uses its own DNS servers and swaps out your IP address, preventing your ISP (Internet Service Provider) from tracking the websites you visit. But if your VPN is down, your unsecured connection can leak DNS data and your IP address.
So, while DNS leaks could spell trouble for VPN users, they’re a simple way to check just how well your VPN is performing. Here’s how to check for DNS leaks:
- Turn off your VPN and perform a DNS leak test.
Any unprotected DNS requests will look like this, meaning your VPN connection isn’t active.
- Turn on your VPN and perform the test again.
With your VPN enabled, run another DNS leak test. Your protected DNS requests should look like this.
You should repeat this test by connecting to different VPN servers. The fact that one is secure doesn’t guarantee that others are also safe. A single DNS leak can spell trouble for your VPN software, even on a server you don’t use.
How to fix a DNS leak
To repair a DNS leak, consider the following options:
- Check your network configuration: ensure your VPN and servers are correctly set up. DNS leaks could be the result of a single misconfigured setting;
- Restart your device: if it slipped your mind, don’t sweat it. Restarting your phone, router, or computer can reset your VPN settings. Reboot and run another DNS leak test to see if you can get your VPN connection back where it needs to be;
- Switch to a paid VPN: free VPNs are often less secure than paid alternatives and could be the cause of a leaking DNS. Upgrade to a tool like Surfshark that offers robust DNS leak protection and the best value for the price.
IP address checker
Your IP address is a lot like your online home address. It shows more about you and your internet activity than your DNS address does, and there are plenty of harmful things someone can do with your IP.
A VPN hides your real IP address, so ISPs and websites should see a completely different one when your VPN is up and running. But in the case of a leak, your original IP address can be exposed for all to see.
So, is your VPN leaking your IP address? Here’s how you can test it out:
- Turn off your VPN and check your IP address.
Without VPN protection, the checker will be able to show not only your public IP address but also your browser, operating system, ISP, and location.
- Turn on your VPN and choose any country server.
Refresh the page with your VPN active.
If your IP address, ISP, and location have changed, then you’re sitting pretty with a strong VPN connection.
However, if nothing has updated, or if your new location doesn’t match the VPN server you connected to, then there’s a good chance you have an IP address leak.
How to fix an IP leak
If you suspect you’re suffering from an IP leak, take the following steps:
- Disable split tunneling: split tunneling allows some traffic to come and go without VPN protection. Turning off your VPN’s split tunneling feature — called Bypasser in the Surfshark app — ensures all traffic goes through your VPN, keeping your actual IP address hidden.
- Enable your kill switch: if your VPN fails, a kill switch blocks all internet traffic, preventing your real IP from being exposed. Activate the kill switch feature in the VPN settings to stay a step ahead of any leaks.
- Upgrade your VPN: masking your IP address is one of a VPN’s fundamental functions. If your current tool can’t do that effectively, it might be time to ditch it for a more capable VPN provider — like Surfshark.
WebRTC leak test
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology that lets web browsers communicate directly with each other. It helps things like voice calls, video chats, and online gaming run smoother and usually enhances the online experience. Most browsers, like Google Chrome, have this technology enabled by default.
The thing is, different devices need to see each other’s IP addresses for WebRTC to work, which opens the door to potential IP leaks.
To check if your VPN is protecting you, here’s how to perform a simple WebRTC leak test:
- Switch your VPN off and check for WebRTC leaks.
With no VPN connection, the checker can see your IP address. The same applies to any websites you visit, meaning you’re exposed to a potential WebRTC leak.
- Rerun the test with your VPN on.
Refresh your page with your VPN software turned on. The checker should reveal your new IP address and confirm there’s no WebRTC leak risk.
If you’re still seeing red, though, you’re still exposed to risks and should take corrective measures.
How to fix a WebRTC leak
If a WebRTC leak has been detected, look into these steps:
- Disable WebRTC: the most effective solution might be to nip the problem in the bud and disable WebRTC. Browsers like Firefox or Safari let you easily switch it off in your browser settings;
- Use browser extensions: those wishing to go a step further can install a browser extension to manage WebRTC. Top choices for Chrome or Edge include WebRTC Control and WebRTC Network Limiter;
- Replace your VPN: a secure VPN should be able to handle WebRTC leaks. Go with a tool like Surfshark to increase your chances of online protection.
How to do a VPN speed test
Having a VPN that works is one thing. Using one that doesn’t slow down your internet speeds is equally important.
Conduct a speed test to get around any roadblocks and find out how well different VPN servers are performing. Here’s how:
- Open an internet speed test website: there are several free sites you can choose from. Some of the most popular are speedtest.net and fast.com from Netflix (ooh, fancy). You can also look up “speed test” in Google to find a speed test tool right in your search results.
- Launch the test: run the speed test with your VPN off — it usually takes a few seconds. Note down your result. Anything from 40 to 100 Mbps is considered good for most online activities, including streaming.
- Rerun the test with your VPN on: connect to any server on your VPN app. Run another speed test and compare your results to see how your VPN impacts internet speed. You can try out different VPN servers as well to see which is the fastest.
Note: Windows users can use Surfshark’s built-in speed test to find the fastest VPN server.
How to run a VPN malware test
Before installing a VPN you think you like, you should run a malware test on it — especially if it’s free.
Not only do free VPN apps typically perform worse than paid ones, but they’re also more likely to contain malware. Thankfully, you can run a quick malware check on any tool you’re considering without sophisticated antivirus software.
Here’s how:
- Visit virustotal.com.
- Click Choose file and select the VPN’s install file. Your file will be automatically scanned.
- If no flags emerge, you’re in the clear — the VPN file is likely malware-free.
Check if you can bypass censorship
Many users turn to a VPN to get around government censorship or network firewalls from their school or workplace.
Testing your VPN’s effectiveness for this specific use case is easy. Connect to a VPN server and try to access any content that was previously unreachable. If you get to your desired website or service, then your VPN is working.
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.
What to do if your VPN isn’t working
Forget about VPN leaks — sometimes your VPN flat out isn’t working. The possible reasons why a VPN isn’t working often aren’t anything serious, but here are the top troubleshooting tips to try out:
- Change servers: a single VPN server may have a connectivity issue. Change to a different one and see if the problem persists;
- Change protocols: some VPN protocols can successfully connect to the internet when others fail. Swapping to a new protocol might make your VPN operational;
- Update your VPN app: out-of-date apps may no longer be supported by their VPN providers. Get the latest version of your VPN to ensure optimal functionality;
- Check your internet connection: hey, it happens to the best of us. Make sure your internet is working because if your connection is down, so is your VPN;
- Contact your VPN provider’s customer service: your developer’s customer support team can walk you through any snafus and answer your burning questions.
Why is my VPN connected but not working?
Apart from the issues listed above, some less common — but potentially more serious — problems may cause a VPN to malfunction. Here are some of the biggest culprits:
- You’ve been hacked: a security breach can compromise your VPN, causing it to work less effectively or fail to connect properly;
- You’ve installed malware: malware on your device may be interfering with your VPN’s functionality;
- Your connection is unstable: an unstable internet network can lead to poor VPN connectivity and slow speeds;
- Your VPN speed has dropped: server congestion and ISP throttling might adversely impact your VPN’s performance;
- You have conflicting security features: when it comes to cybersecurity tools, more isn’t always better. For instance, restrictive antivirus software and firewall settings might interfere with normal VPN functions. All-in-one security bundles like Surfshark One solve this problem by harmonizing your tools in one easy-to-use app.
Don’t let a faulty VPN put your data at risk
Is your VPN really working? Is it protecting your DNS queries, hiding your IP address, and more — without hindering your speed?
Testing this out is a cinch — recovering from leaks might not be.
Use a trusted VPN provider like Surfshark to boost your chances of staying safe and private across all your online activities.
FAQ
What is a VPN test?
A VPN test checks if your VPN is working correctly by measuring factors like connection speed, IP address changes, or leaks in DNS servers.
How do I know if my VPN is working correctly?
You can check if your Surfshark VPN is working with the following steps:
- Make sure your VPN is on: if you see the text Connect to stay safe and a red VPN icon, your VPN is off. You’ll see Connected and safe next to a blue VPN icon if it’s on.
- Check for leaks: Perform our simple tests for DNS leaks, IP address leaks, and WebRTC leaks. If everything checks out, your VPN should be working fine.
How can I test my VPN for free?
You can test your VPN for free with reputable testing tools, like Surfshark’s checkers for DNS leaks, IP addresses, and WebRTC leaks.
How does a VPN affect internet speed?
A VPN can slow down internet speed due to data encryption and routing traffic through remote servers. However, this reduction often isn’t noticeable, especially with paid VPNs like Surfshark.
How do I check if my VPN is working on my Android?
Checking a VPN app on an Android isn’t much harder than on a PC. Run a DNS leak test, IP leak test, and WebRTC leak test with your VPN off and once again with your VPN on. If the results are the same, then your VPN isn’t working.
How do I check if my VPN is working on my iPhone?
Running VPN tests on an iPhone is easy. First, run a DNS leak test, IP leak test, and WebRTC leak test without a VPN. Then, run these tests again with a VPN turned on — if the results are the same, your VPN isn’t working.
