Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are crucial privacy tools that mask your physical IP address, making it appear as if you’re connecting from a different location. However, if your VPN isn’t functioning correctly, your IP address could be exposed. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to test and ensure your VPN is working correctly.
The simplest way to check if your VPN is working is to activate your VPN software, connect to a server in a different location, and then look up your IP address using a website like WhatIsMyIPAddress. If your IP address reflects your VPN provider’s information rather than your ISP’s info and your current geographical location, your VPN is working correctly.
If your VPN isn’t working correctly, there could be several reasons. There might be an issue with your kill switch, you may have split tunneling toggled on, or there could be an IP leak, either a DNS or WebRTC leak. The article provides detailed steps on how to diagnose and fix these VPN problems.
The two main types of IP leaks that can occur while using a VPN are DNS or WebRTC leaks. A DNS leak happens when internet-connected services like apps and websites view your actual IP address rather than your VPN provider’s IP address. A WebRTC leak can expose your IP address through a security flaw in programs like web browsers.
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