Most people install a VPN, hit connect, and assume they're fully protected. But a surprising number of VPN connections leak your real IP address through WebRTC, DNS, or IPv6 channels — and you'd never know without testing.
Step 1: Check Your IP Address Without the VPN
Before you connect your VPN, visit CheckWhatIsMyIP and note your real IP address, city, and ISP. Write these down — you'll compare them in a moment.
Step 2: Connect Your VPN and Check Again
Now connect your VPN to any server. Come back to CheckWhatIsMyIP and check:
- Is your IP different? If it still shows your original IP, your VPN is not connected.
- Does the city/country match your VPN server? If it shows your real city, your VPN may be leaking.
- Is the ISP different? It should show the VPN provider's hosting company, not your home ISP.
Step 3: Run a WebRTC Leak Test
WebRTC is a browser feature that can bypass your VPN entirely and expose your real IP. Run our VPN Leak Test to check for:
- WebRTC leaks — your browser revealing your real IP behind the VPN
- IPv6 leaks — your IPv6 address routing outside the VPN tunnel
- DNS leaks — your DNS requests going to your ISP instead of the VPN
Step 4: Run the Full VPN Test
For a simple pass/fail verdict, use our VPN Test tool. It combines all checks into one page and gives you a clear answer: ✅ Your VPN is working or ❌ Leaks detected.
What to Do If You Find a Leak
- Switch VPN protocols — try WireGuard or IKEv2 instead of OpenVPN
- Disable WebRTC in your browser settings or use a browser extension
- Enable the VPN kill switch to block all traffic if the VPN drops
- Use a VPN with built-in leak protection — we recommend NordVPN for its proven no-leak track record
Summary
Never assume your VPN is working — always verify. A 30-second test can be the difference between true privacy and a false sense of security.