Introduction
Whether you use a VPN for privacy, streaming geo‑blocked content, or bypassing censorship, you need to be 100 % sure it is actually protecting you. The most common question users ask is how to check my vpn is working. Without a reliable test, you may think you’re safe while your traffic is still exposed.
In 2025, VPN providers have added more advanced obfuscation and split‑tunnel options, which makes verification a little more nuanced. This guide covers the modern ways to how to check my vpn is working across every platform, from Windows desktops to Android phones and even home routers.
We’ll also show you how to check if vpn is working properly using free online tools, command‑line checks, and DNS leak tests. By the end of this article you’ll have a checklist that works in the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Singapore, and other key GEO markets.
Keep reading if you want actionable steps, GEO‑specific examples, and expert tips that go beyond the basics. The goal is simple: give you confidence that every packet leaving your device is encrypted and routed through the server you selected.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Verify the VPN Connection on Windows 10/11
Start by opening the native VPN client or the built‑in Windows VPN settings. Connect to your chosen server, then follow these steps:
- Open
Command Promptand runipconfig /all. Note the “IPv4 Address” of the “Ethernet adapter” that shows a new “VPN” interface. - Visit an IP‑lookup site (e.g., All About Cookies IP checker) and compare the displayed IP with your ISP‑provided IP.
- If the IP matches the VPN server location, you have successfully completed how to check my vpn is working.
To check if vpn is working properly on Windows, also run nslookup on a known domain and verify that the DNS response comes from the VPN provider’s DNS servers, not your ISP’s.
2. macOS – Using System Preferences and Terminal
macOS users can test their VPN in two ways. First, open System Preferences → Network and confirm the green dot next to your VPN interface. Then:
- Launch
Terminaland typecurl ifconfig.me. The returned IP should belong to the VPN server you selected. - Run
dig +short myip.opendns.com @resolver1.opendns.comto verify the DNS resolver.
If both commands show the VPN’s IP, you have answered the question of how to check my vpn is working on macOS.
For a deeper check if vpn is working properly, download the free “LeakTest” app from the App Store and run the built‑in DNS‑leak and WebRTC tests.
3. Android – Using Built‑In Settings and Third‑Party Apps
Android devices have a native VPN setting under Settings → Network & Internet → VPN. After you connect, follow these steps:
- Open a browser and go to WhatIsMyIP.com. Note the displayed location.
- Switch to a “geo‑restricted” app like Netflix US and confirm you can stream the US library.
- Install the free “VPN Test” app from the Play Store and run the “IP & DNS Leak” scan.
These actions answer both how to check my vpn is working on Android and help you check if vpn is working properly in real‑time.
For a GEO‑specific example, a user in São Paulo, Brazil, can verify that the VPN shows a US IP, allowing access to US‑only services like Hulu.
4. iPhone/iPad – Quick Test with Safari
iOS devices rely on the Settings app for VPN connections. After activating the VPN:
- Open Safari and navigate to IPLocation.net. The country displayed should match the server you selected.
- Launch a location‑restricted game (e.g., Pokémon GO) and ensure it works in the new region.
If both checks pass, you’ve successfully completed the process of how to check my vpn is working on iOS.
To check if vpn is working properly you can also use the free “Network Analyzer” app to view DNS servers and verify they belong to your VPN provider.
5. Router‑Level VPN – Using OpenWrt or Stock Firmware
When the VPN runs on your router, every device behind it inherits the protection. To test:
- Connect a laptop to the Wi‑Fi network and run
whatismyip.com– the IP should be the router’s VPN exit node. - Check a streaming service that’s blocked in your country (e.g., BBC iPlayer in the US). If it works, the router VPN is active.
- Log into your router’s admin panel (e.g., VPN router guide) and verify the VPN status indicator is green.
This method gives you a comprehensive answer to how to check my vpn is working at the network level, and it also satisfies the check if vpn is working properly checklist for advanced users.
6. Using Online Test Suites – Free and Paid Options
Several reputable websites provide full VPN test suites. Two of the most popular are:
- Norton VPN Test Suite – offers IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak checks.
- All About Cookies VPN Checker – focuses on cookie‑based tracking leaks.
Run both tools after you’ve connected to your VPN. If they both report the same server location and no leaks, you have conclusively answered both how to check my vpn is working and check if vpn is working properly.
Tips for Reliable VPN Performance
Choose the Right Server Location for Your GEO Needs
In the United States, a New York server provides the lowest latency for East‑Coast streaming. In Europe, a Frankfurt node is optimal for German services. Selecting a server close to your physical location reduces ping and improves the accuracy of your how to check my vpn is working tests.
Enable DNS Leak Protection
Most premium VPNs have a toggle for DNS leak protection. Turn it on and re‑run the DNS leak test from the “Tips” section. This ensures that your check if vpn is working properly results are not compromised by ISP DNS servers.
Use the “Kill Switch” Feature
If the VPN connection drops, the kill switch blocks all traffic. To verify it works, disconnect the VPN manually and try to load a webpage. A successful block means the kill switch is active, adding another layer of confidence to your how to check my vpn is working workflow.
Test Across Multiple Devices
Because each OS handles routing differently, test on at least two devices. For instance, a Windows laptop may show a different DNS server than an Android phone. Cross‑device testing helps you check if vpn is working properly in a real‑world scenario.
Consider Split Tunneling for Performance
If you need high‑speed access to local services (e.g., bank websites) while still protecting other traffic, enable split tunneling. Verify the split tunnel works by checking the IP of a non‑tunneled app (should show your ISP IP) and an tunneled app (should show VPN IP).
Alternative Methods to Verify VPN Functionality
1. Traceroute from Command Line
Running tracert (Windows) or traceroute (macOS/Linux) to a well‑known domain (e.g., google.com) shows the hop sequence. The first hop after your local router should be the VPN server’s IP. This is an advanced way to check if vpn is working properly.
2. Checking WebRTC IP Leaks
WebRTC can reveal your real IP address in browsers. Open browserleaks.com/webrtc and look for “Local IP” and “Public IP”. If both show the VPN IP, you have passed the how to check my vpn is working test for WebRTC leaks.
3. Using a VPN‑Aware Ping Service
Some sites, like Ping.eu, allow you to ping from different server locations. Ping from a server in the same country as your VPN exit node and compare latency. Consistent low latency confirms that traffic is being routed through the VPN, supporting both the focus and related keywords.
4. Mobile App “Speed Test” Integrated with VPN
Many VPN providers bundle a speed‑test feature. Run the test while the VPN is active and note the download/upload speeds. A small performance drop (10‑20 %) is normal; a massive drop often indicates a misconfiguration that fails the check if vpn is working properly criteria.
5. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) Validation
If your VPN supports DoH, configure your browser to use the provider’s DoH endpoint. Then visit DNSLeakTest.com. A successful result will list only the VPN’s DNS servers, confirming both the focus and related keyword objectives.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check my vpn is working is essential for anyone who relies on a virtual private network for privacy, streaming, or bypassing censorship. By following the step‑by‑step checks for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and routers, you gain a reliable method to check if vpn is working properly in any GEO context.
Remember to run an IP lookup, verify DNS servers, test for WebRTC leaks, and use reputable online suites like Norton’s VPN Test or All About Cookies. Combine these with the pro tips—kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and server‑location awareness—to create a robust verification routine.
Whether you’re streaming Netflix US from São Paulo, accessing BBC iPlayer in New York, or simply protecting your browsing from the ISP in London, the methods outlined above will give you confidence that your VPN is doing exactly what it should. Use the internal guides for router setup (VPN on router), Android (VPN on Android), iPhone (VPN on iPhone) and even for niche cases like TikTok in China (TikTok China VPN guide). By regularly performing the checks described, you will always know how to check my vpn is working and can confidently check if vpn is working properly whenever you need it.
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