How Do You Tell If You Are On a VPN?

To determine if you are on a VPN, you can check your device's network settings, look for system indicators, or most reliably, verify your public IP address.

Understanding your VPN connection status is crucial for ensuring your online privacy and security. While your VPN software might show a "connected" status, it's always wise to perform additional checks to confirm your traffic is indeed being routed through the VPN server.

Checking Your VPN Connection Status

There are several methods to verify your VPN connection, ranging from simple visual checks to more technical verifications.

1. Through Your Device's VPN Settings

Your operating system or VPN client application typically provides a direct indication of your connection status.

For Windows Users:

• VPN Settings Page: Navigate to your VPN settings. The specific VPN connection name you are using will display "Connected" underneath it, indicating an active connection.
• Taskbar Icon: For recognized VPN connections, a blue shield icon may appear on your taskbar, signifying that you are connected.

For macOS Users:

• System Preferences: Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) > VPN. You will see a green dot and "Connected" next to the VPN configuration if it's active.
• Menu Bar Icon: Some VPN applications or built-in macOS VPN configurations might display a VPN icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen, often indicating connection status.

For Mobile Devices (iOS/Android):

• Settings App: On both iOS and Android, navigate to Settings > VPN. You'll typically see a toggle switch indicating "Connected" or "Disconnected."
• Status Bar Icon: A small VPN key or shield icon often appears in the status bar at the very top of your screen when a VPN connection is active.

2. Using Your VPN Client Software

If you're using a third-party VPN application (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN), the client itself will usually have a clear interface indicating your connection status.

• Main Interface: Most VPN apps feature a prominent "Connect/Disconnect" button that changes to "Connected" or displays the server location when active.
• Connection Log/Status: Some clients provide detailed logs or a status page showing connection duration, server used, and data transfer.

3. Verifying Your Public IP Address (Most Reliable Method)

The most definitive way to confirm you are on a VPN is by checking your public IP address. When a VPN is active, your public IP address should reflect the IP address of the VPN server, not your actual home or office IP.

1. Before VPN: Disconnect from your VPN and visit an IP address checker website like WhatIsMyIP.com. Note down your current public IP address and approximate location.
2. After VPN: Connect to your VPN.
3. Re-check IP: Visit the same IP address checker website. Your displayed IP address and associated location should now be different, corresponding to the VPN server's location. If your original IP address still appears, your VPN is not working correctly.

Summary of VPN Connection Checks

What If Your VPN Shows Connected But Isn't Working?

In rare cases, your VPN client might show "connected," but your traffic isn't actually routed through it (known as a "VPN leak"). This is why checking your public IP address is crucial. If you suspect a leak:

• DNS Leak Test: Perform a DNS leak test using online tools to ensure your DNS queries are also going through the VPN.
• WebRTC Leak Test: Check for WebRTC leaks, which can expose your real IP address through your browser.
• Restart VPN/Device: Try restarting your VPN client or your entire device.
• Try Another Server: Connect to a different VPN server location.
• Contact Support: If issues persist, contact your VPN provider's support.

By combining visual checks with a definitive IP address verification, you can confidently determine if you are successfully connected to your VPN.