How to Check VPN IP Address: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), your real IP address is masked and replaced with a new IP address from the VPN server. This helps protect your privacy, secure your connection, and access geo-restricted content. But how do you verify that your VPN is working and check your new VPN IP address?

In this guide, we’ll explain how to check VPN IP address quickly and easily, along with why it’s important to ensure your VPN is functioning correctly.

Why Check Your VPN IP Address?

Before diving into how to check your VPN IP address, it’s essential to understand why this matters:

• Ensure Privacy: If your VPN isn’t working correctly, your real IP address could be exposed, putting your online privacy at risk.
• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: When using a VPN to access restricted content, verifying your VPN IP address can ensure you’re connected to the correct server location.
• Prevent DNS or IP Leaks: Some VPNs may experience IP or DNS leaks, meaning your real location could be revealed. Checking your VPN IP helps you catch such issues.

How to Check VPN IP Address in 3 Easy Steps

1. Connect to Your VPN

Before you can check your VPN IP address, you need to connect to a VPN server. Follow these 3 steps to solve the problem ”how to check VPN IP address”:

• Open your VPN app: Most VPNs have dedicated apps for all devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
• Select a server location: Choose a server in the country or region you want your IP address to appear from.
• Click ‘Connect’: Wait for the VPN to establish a connection.

Once connected, your real IP address will be hidden, and you’ll be assigned a new IP address based on the server location you selected.

2. Visit an IP Address Checking Website

There are many free websites available that allow you to check your public IP address. Some popular ones include:

• WhatIsMyIP.com
• IPLeak.net
• IPInfo.io
• WhatIsMyIPAddress.com

Here’s how to use these websites:

1. Open your web browser and visit one of the IP-checking websites.
2. The website will immediately display your current IP address on the homepage.
3. Compare the displayed IP address to the VPN server location you connected to.

If the IP address shown matches the country or region of the VPN server, your VPN is working properly. If it still shows your real IP, there may be an issue with your VPN connection.

3. Check for IP Leaks

After verifying your VPN IP address, it’s important to check for potential IP or DNS leaks. This ensures your actual IP address isn’t being exposed despite being connected to a VPN.

Follow these steps to check for leaks:

• Go to IPLeak.net or DNSLeakTest.com.
• These sites will automatically check if your real IP address or DNS requests are leaking, even when connected to a VPN.
• If the tool reports your VPN IP address and no leaks, your connection is secure.

Common Issues When Checking VPN IP Address

Sometimes, checking your VPN IP address may show unexpected results. Here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

1. VPN Not Connecting Properly

If your VPN isn’t connecting, it may show your real IP address. In this case:

• Disconnect and reconnect to the VPN.
• Try selecting a different server.
• Restart your device and try again.

2. IP or DNS Leaks

If an IP or DNS leak is detected, your real IP address or DNS requests may be exposed, even when connected to the VPN. To fix this:

• Enable DNS leak protection in your VPN’s settings.
• Use a VPN that offers IPv6 leak protection to safeguard against leaks.
• Ensure the kill switch feature is active, which blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.

3. Wrong VPN IP Location

Sometimes, you may connect to a VPN server in one country, but your IP shows up in a different location. This can happen if the VPN server is using virtual locations. To resolve this:

• Switch to a different server.
• Contact your VPN provider to verify the server location.

How to Check VPN IP Address on Different Devices

Whether you’re using a desktop, mobile device, or even a smart TV, checking your VPN IP address is straightforward. Here’s how to do it on different platforms:

1. On Windows or macOS

• Connect to your VPN using the desktop app.
• Open a web browser and visit an IP-checking site like WhatIsMyIP.com.
• Compare the IP address shown with your VPN server’s location.

2. On Android or iOS

• Open your VPN app and connect to a server.
• Open a browser on your mobile device and visit an IP-checking website.
• Verify that the displayed IP matches your VPN server.

3. On Smart TVs

If your smart TV supports VPNs, you can check the IP address through its browser.

• Connect to a VPN server using the TV’s VPN app.
• Open a browser on your TV and visit an IP-checking site.
• Ensure the IP address reflects your VPN connection.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check your VPN IP address is crucial for ensuring your online privacy and security. By following the steps outlined above, you can verify that your VPN is working correctly and your real IP address is hidden.

Regularly checking for leaks and making sure your VPN connects properly is an essential part of staying safe online. Use reliable IP-checking websites and monitor your VPN connection to prevent privacy breaches.

With the right VPN in place, you can enjoy a secure and anonymous browsing experience on any device.