How to Check If VPN Is Working? Ways to Fix & Prevent VPN Leaks

A VPN generates a private network from a public internet connection to provide us with increased privacy, anonymity, and unlimited access to the internet. It hides the user’s IP address so that your online activity or personal location cannot be traced virtually.

Around 25% of the world’s population has subscribed to a Virtual Private Network or VPN, which enables them to connect their devices to various servers across the globe. Many companies or organizations use VPNs to allow their employees to operate on their company’s server irrespective of their location. VPN was initially made for this particular reason only.

However, as the need for online privacy increased, most of the users now use VPN for unlimited access to the content streaming websites while dodging the geo-restrictions. Usually, the governments, advertisers, or company has access to your internet history, online actions, personal location, and information when you browse the internet without a VPN. In most cases, a VPN protects your personal information from these parties, but at times there can be VPN leaks.

These leaks can occur due to many reasons. For instance, the interested parties can disable your VPN by using a code. Or sometimes, the system collapses. In case you have been using a VPN for your daily internet activities, it is advised that you check for VPN leaks to avoid your information from getting leaked.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF VPN LEAKS?

The one and the only reason why people subscribe or pay for a VPN is to protect their privacy and activities. However, knowing that the same VPN might be leaking your personal information can make you insecure. There are three different types of VPN leaks – IP leak, DNS leak, and WebRTC leak. By knowing these types, you can easily identify your leak and fix them.

1. IP Leak

IP leak refers to the leaking of your real IP address while still being connected to the VPN. It can occur when your device unknowingly accesses your actual local server in place of the anonymous VPN server. Internet Protocol or IP address is the unique numerical label that has been assigned to each device, including your computer and smartphones, by the ISPs. All your internet activities are linked to your IP address.

Another reason for an IP leak can be a flaw in your VPN. Currently, there are two versions of the IP address – original protocol IPv4 and new protocol IPv6. Some of the VPN providers give support for IPv4 addresses only and not for IPv6 addresses. This can cause an IP leak.

2. DNS Leak

Browsers communicate through IP addresses. The DNS or Domain Name System translates a readable domain name (like www.example.com) to IP address like (192.168.2.1), and vice versa. Since IP addresses are hard to remember, this system does the translation every time we have to visit a website. While browsing the internet, your device’s operating system (OS) will send a DNS request to obtain the IP address linked to the domain you want to access.

Your ISP can then record every DNS request coming from your OS, which means they get the full browsing history details. However, when using a VPN, these DNS requests will come from your VPN provider’s server rather than your personal server. Thereby, your private data remains secure.

This leak happens when these requests start coming from your own server in place of your VPN provider’s server. With this leak, your online activities, IP address, and the location are also leaked.

3. WebRTC Communication leaks

Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) enables on-spot sharing of voice, video, and text within the browser. Although this comes handy for P2P and real-time communication, it has been observed that it opens up susceptibilities in VPNs. This leak is possible in any popular browser like Chrome, and with just some codes, any website can reveal your IP address and other information.

How to check if VPN is working?

There are plenty of paid services available in the market that can help you detect potential susceptibilities in your VPN. However, if you wish to check your VPN security personally, there are a few manual tests too.

STEPS TO CHECK IP LEAKS

1. Disconnect your VPN and find your personal IP address by searching “What’s my IP” in Google.
2. Your unique IP address will be displayed on the top of your screen. Note it down.
3. Connect to your VPN once again and select any server you want.
4. Go to Google and search “What’s my IP” again.
5. A new IP address should appear on the screen. Cross-check the new IP with the old IP. If both are the same, then there might be an IP leak.

STEPS TO CHECK DNS LEAKS

1. Connect to your VPN with any server of your choice.
2. Visit any website with geographic restrictions like any content streaming site for the place you have picked.
3. If you are not able to access it, that means there might be a DNS leak.

STEPS TO CHECK WEBRTC LEAKS

1. Connect to your VPN with any server of your choice.
2. Visit Google and search, “What’s my IP.” Your IP address will be shown on your screen.
3. Copy this address and paste it into the search bar. Type “IP” before it and search.
4. If your location comes up in the results, there might be a WebRTC leak.

WAYS TO FIX YOUR VPN LEAK

Once you have found out your type of VPN leak, there are certain ways to fix it. However, if these leaks keep happening very often, you might want to switch to a better VPN service provider.

Fixing IP leak

The permanent solution to get rid of IP leak is to switch to a VPN provider that offers support for both IPv4 as well as IPv6 addresses. Temporarily, you can apply IPv6 limitations to your firewall.

Fixing DNS leak

Disable your VPN and turn off your Wifi. After a few minutes, turn on your Wifi and connect to your VPN. Check if the leak is fixed. If not, then choose a different server to connect on your VPN. Perform a DNS leak check once again to make sure your connection is secured now.

Fixing WebRTC leak

The best method to fix this type of leak is by disabling the WebRTC in your web browser. However, disabling this can only be done in a few browsers like Firefox. In browsers like Chrome, this cannot be done. In this case, you can use browser extensions for added security.

Ways to prevent VPN leaks

Perform these VPN leak tests regularly to check your security.

1. Make sure that your service provider offers support for both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses to prevent IP leaks.
2. Verify with your VPN provider for their protection against DNS leaks.
3. If possible, try disabling the WebRTC in your browser or use browser extensions to avoid such leaks.
4. Switch to a provider that has complete protection from leaks and other issues.

VPN is a great way to get uninhibited access to websites and more privacy. Do your research well about the best VPN service providers before purchasing to save your money and secure your information.

Hariom Balhara is an inventive person who has been doing intensive research in particular topics and writing blogs and articles for Tireless IT Services. Tireless IT Services is a digital marketing, SEO, SMO, PPC, and web development company that comes with massive experiences.  We specialize in digital marketing, web design and development, graphic design, and a lot more.

SOURCE: How to Check If VPN Is Working? Ways to Fix & Prevent VPN Leaks