# 7 tests to check if your VPN is working Using a VPN allows you to browse the web anonymously — but only if it’s working properly. VPN malfunctions can reduce your online privacy without your knowledge. Use the tests below to find out if your VPN is working. Then, get a trusted VPN with a kill switch to cut off your internet connection if your VPN suddenly disconnects. ## 1. Make sure your VPN is connected First, make sure that your VPN is connected. VPNs must be turned on to mask your web activity. Sometimes, they can turn off on their own due to poor network connections, errors, or other network settings. If you’re using a [free VPN](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/are-free-vpns-safe) with limited functionality, it may turn off when you’ve reached your data limit. Using an advanced VPN with a [kill switch](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/vpn-kill-switch-what-is-it-how-does-it-work) protects you by disconnecting you from the internet if the VPN malfunctions. Confirming that your VPN is active is always the first step you should take. ### How to test if your VPN is connected Follow the steps below for the [Norton VPN mobile app](https://us.norton.com/blog/mobile/vpn-for-smartphones). Steps should be fairly similar across different VPNs and devices, with a “connect” button or toggle for easy access. 1. Open the **Norton VPN app**. 2. On the **homescreen**, you can see whether the VPN is on or off. ### What to do if your VPN is not connected If your VPN is not connected, turn it on to activate your protection. If that doesn’t work, restart your VPN app and device, then try again. If you can’t use the internet with your VPN turned on, your internet service provider (ISP) may be at fault. Some ISPs block VPN traffic. ## 2. Check your internet speed Checking your internet speed can help you understand if your VPN is working properly or not. When your VPN is on, you will probably notice a slight decrease in internet speed due to the rerouting of your web traffic through a different server. - **No speed changes:** Your VPN may not be working. - **Extremely slow speeds:** Your VPN may have server problems. Or, your [firewall](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/firewall) or [antivirus](https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/what-is-antivirus) may be clashing with your VPN. - **Inconsistent speeds:** Your VPN may be losing connection intermittently. ### How to test your internet speed 1. Turn off your **VPN**. 2. Turn off **background apps** that may affect internet speed. 3. Go to [speedtest.net](http://speedtest.net/) to run a free test. 4. Confirm your server is correct and click **Go**. 5. Take a screenshot of your **results**. 6. Repeat the steps with your VPN **turned on**. Compare the screenshots to see how your VPN affects your internet speed. ### What to do if your internet connection is slow If your connection is very slow, you may have an issue with your VPN. - Restart your VPN. - Update your VPN. - Change your VPN’s server location. - Check your antivirus or firewall settings. If possible, add your VPN to the exceptions list. - Open your VPN settings and manually switch to a different [VPN protocol](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/vpn-protocols). ## 3. Look up your current IP address Your VPN’s job is to mask your [IP address](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-an-ip-address). So, checking your IP is a good way to find out whether your VPN is working. ### How to look up your IP address 1. **Turn off** your VPN. 2. Go to [What Is My IP?](http://whatismyip.com/) to check your IP for free. 3. Take a screenshot of your **IP address**. 4. Next, **turn on** your VPN and **repeat step 2**. **Compare the IP addresses**. If your IP changes when your VPN is active, it means your VPN is working. ### What to do if you still see your old IP address If you’re still seeing your regular IP address when your VPN is on, it means your VPN is not working. Here are some potential fixes: - Restart your VPN. - Update your VPN. - Change your VPN’s server location. ## 4. Check for DNS leaks [DNS](https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/secure-dns) leaks expose your real IP address even if you’re using a VPN. ### How to test for DNS leaks 1. **Turn off** your VPN. 2. Go to [dnsleaktest.com](http://dnsleaktest.com/). 3. Click **Standard test**. 4. Note the DNS servers and IP address in the **results**. 5. Next, **turn on** your VPN and **repeat steps 2-4**. If any of the servers listed are not provided by your VPN service, then you have a DNS leak. ### What to do if you find DNS leaks Here are some ways to fix the problem: - Restart and update your VPN (then test for leaks again). - Go to your VPN settings and enable DNS leak protection. ## 5. See if there are any prefetching VPN leaks ### How to test if there are any prefetching VPN leaks 1. Perform a **DNS leak test** with your VPN turned **off**. 2. Take note of your **normal and VPN** DNS servers and IP addresses. 3. With your VPN turned on, open a **new browser tab**. 4. Type a **website URL** into the browser bar, but don’t click Enter. 5. Run another **DNS leak test**. 6. Check the test **results** to ensure that all DNS servers and IP addresses belong to your VPN. ## 6. See if there are any WebRTC leaks WebRTC leaks happen when your true IP address is leaked through your browser’s WebRTC functionality. ### How to test if there are any WebRTC leaks 1. Turn your VPN **on**. 2. Go to [browserleaks.com/webrtc](http://browserleaks.com/webrtc). 3. View the **results** and confirm that your IP is not your regular IP. ### What to do if you find WebRTC leaks - Use a VPN with built-in WebRTC leak protection. ## 7. See if there are any browser extension leaks ### How to test if there are any browser extension leaks 1. Turn **off** your VPN. 2. Visit [whatismyIP.com](http://whatismyip.com/) and check your **true IP address**. 3. Turn **on** your VPN. 4. **Disable** all browser extensions. If your true IP appears during a test, you can assume that the browser extension is causing a VPN leak. ### What to do if there are browser extension leaks - Remove the extension. - Disable the extension while using a VPN.