VPN Test: How to Check If Your VPN Is Working

VPN 101 by Adnan Jiwani on June 25, 2025 add comment 702 Views 8 min read

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If you’re unsure whether your VPN is really doing its job, running a VPN test is the best way to find out. A proper VPN test checks if your VPN is hiding your IP address, encrypting your internet traffic, and preventing data leaks like DNS or WebRTC leaks that could compromise your privacy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to test your VPN using Ivacy VPN and how to troubleshoot common issues.

How to Know If Your VPN Is Working

To make sure your VPN is working correctly, follow these basic steps:

Check your IP address – Before connecting to Ivacy VPN, note your IP address by visiting a site like “What is my IP.” After connecting to a VPN server, check again. If the IP address has changed to the VPN server’s location, your VPN is working.
Check for DNS leaks – A DNS leak occurs when your internet service provider (ISP) can still see your DNS requests. Use a DNS leak test tool with Ivacy VPN turned on to ensure your DNS queries are routed through Ivacy and not your ISP.
Check for WebRTC leaks – WebRTC is used for real-time communications like voice and video. Even with a VPN, your real IP could leak if your browser allows WebRTC. Use a WebRTC test site while connected to Ivacy VPN.
Check VPN status – Ivacy’s desktop and mobile apps clearly show your VPN status. Make sure it says “Connected.”
Test your internet speed – Sometimes a VPN can slightly slow your internet. Use a speed test with and without Ivacy VPN to compare results. Small differences are normal.

Running these checks ensures Ivacy is keeping your identity hidden and your traffic private.

Testing for IP Address Leaks

Your IP address is a key identifier that tells websites and services where you’re located. A VPN hides your IP by routing your traffic through a remote server. However, if your original IP address is still visible, that’s an IP leak.

How to check for IP leaks:

Go to an IP lookup site before connecting to Ivacy and note the address.
Connect to an Ivacy VPN server and refresh the site.
If the IP address changes to a different location, Ivacy is protecting your real IP.

Why IP leaks happen:

IPv4/IPv6 conflicts
Poor VPN settings
VPN disconnections

How to fix IP leaks:

Enable IPv6 leak protection in Ivacy’s settings
Use Ivacy’s kill switch to block traffic if VPN disconnects
Regularly test for leaks using IP test tools

Ivacy VPN’s strong encryption and leak protection features make it a secure choice for hiding your IP.

Testing for DNS Leaks

A DNS leak reveals which websites you visit—even if your IP is hidden. DNS servers translate domain names into IP addresses. Without a VPN, your ISP handles these requests, but Ivacy ensures they’re encrypted and rerouted.

How to test for DNS leaks:

While connected to Ivacy, go to a DNS leak test site.
If the test shows your ISP’s server, you have a leak.
If it shows a different server (Ivacy’s or third-party), your DNS is protected.

Fixing DNS leaks:

Activate DNS leak protection in Ivacy’s app settings
Avoid manually setting custom DNS unless advised

A DNS leak can allow hackers, advertisers, or ISPs to track your activity—even without seeing your IP.

Testing for WebRTC Leaks

WebRTC helps apps and websites support voice/video chats and file sharing without plugins. But it can expose your real IP address, even with a VPN.

How to check for WebRTC leaks:

Use a WebRTC leak test site while Ivacy VPN is on.
If your real IP address appears, it’s leaking.
If only your VPN IP shows, you’re secure.

Preventing WebRTC leaks:

Disable WebRTC in browser settings (Firefox, Chrome)
Use browser add-ons/extensions that block WebRTC
Ensure Ivacy’s WebRTC protection is enabled

Testing Your VPN Speed

VPN speed matters for streaming, gaming, and browsing. A secure VPN like Ivacy may slightly reduce speed, but it shouldn’t cripple performance.

How to test speed:

Connect to a nearby Ivacy VPN server.
Run a test on Speedtest.net.
Disconnect VPN and test again.
Compare both results.

Factors affecting VPN speed:

Distance to the server
Server load
Encryption protocol
Your base internet speed

Pro Tip: Ivacy offers multiple protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. Try switching to a faster one if speed is an issue.

Testing If Your VPN Connection Is Blocked

Some websites block VPN access. If a site won’t load while connected to Ivacy, your VPN might be getting blocked.

What to do:

Switch to Ivacy’s Obfuscated Server (makes VPN traffic look like normal traffic)
Try Ivacy’s Dedicated IP feature
Clear cookies or change browsers

Obfuscation helps bypass firewalls and VPN blocks, especially in countries with strict internet rules.

Testing for Malware in Your VPN

Free or unreliable VPN apps may contain malware. Ivacy VPN is a trusted service, but you should still know how to check for threats.

Steps to verify safety:

Only download Ivacy from the official website or app stores
Use antivirus to scan the VPN installer
Monitor network activity for strange behavior
Install in a sandbox (optional but secure)

Avoid sketchy VPNs. They often log data, inject ads, or sell your browsing history.

Why VPN Testing Matters

A VPN is only useful if it actually protects you. Testing ensures:

Your IP is hidden
Your DNS isn’t leaking
WebRTC isn’t exposing you
Your speeds are acceptable
Your VPN isn’t blocked

Regular checks give peace of mind, especially when you’re:

Using public Wi-Fi
Accessing sensitive data
Streaming blocked content
Updating VPN software or switching devices

When You Should Test Your VPN

Run a VPN test:

Before using public Wi-Fi or banking online
After changing VPN servers or protocols
Following updates to your device or VPN app
When streaming from different countries
If your connection drops or slows down

Ivacy’s reliable infrastructure ensures minimal downtime and high security, but testing now and then is smart.

What to Do If Your VPN Isn’t Working

VPN issues happen—here’s how to fix them:

Restart Ivacy VPN – Close and reopen the app. Use “Force Stop” if needed.
Switch VPN protocol – Change between TCP, UDP, or WireGuard.
Try another server – Some servers may be overloaded or blocked.
Check internet connection – A weak connection might disrupt the VPN.
Update the app – Old versions can have bugs.
Check your firewall – Your security software might be interfering.
Contact Ivacy support – Their team is available 24/7.

Common VPN Leaks and Issues

IP Address Leaks – Your real IP is visible.
DNS Leaks – DNS requests go to your ISP instead of Ivacy.
WebRTC Leaks – Your browser leaks IP info.
IPv6 Leaks – IPv6 traffic bypasses the VPN.
Slow speeds – Due to server load or distance.
Blocked websites – VPN use detected and restricted.
VPN crashes – App becomes unresponsive or exits.

Premium VPNs like Ivacy minimize these issues by investing in secure servers, strong encryption, and frequent updates.

FAQs

Q: How can I tell if Ivacy VPN is working?

A: Check your IP before and after connecting to a VPN server. If your IP changes and reflects the new location, it’s working.

Q: Is it normal for speeds to drop with a VPN?

A: A slight drop is normal. Try different protocols or servers to improve speed.

Q: How often should I test Ivacy VPN?

A: Run tests after app updates, server switches, or before doing sensitive tasks online.

Q: Can Ivacy prevent all types of VPN leaks?

A: Yes, Ivacy has features to prevent DNS, IP, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.

Q: Why is my VPN blocked on some sites?

A: Some websites restrict VPN access. Use Ivacy’s Obfuscated Servers or a Dedicated IP.

Q: Are free VPNs safe to use?

A: Most are not. They often lack encryption, sell your data, and may include malware.

Q: Ivacy VPN is connected but not working – what now?

A: Restart the app, switch servers or protocols, check your firewall, and contact support if needed.