How to check if your VPN is working

"One of the disconcerting things about using a virtual private network (VPN) is that it can be hard to tell when it's doing its job. The best VPNs all work in the background to keep your IP address hidden and your communications with their servers encrypted. The better the VPN, the less you notice it, which can make a top-performing VPN feel (uncomfortably) like one that isn't working at all."

"Luckily, you've got options for checking whether your VPN is working - other than just taking the app at its word. In this article, I'll cover the basics, then go through five different tests you can run to make sure you're actually using an encrypted VPN server. For each test, I'll explain what kind of problem it's looking for, how to run it and what to do in case it fails."

"To check that your VPN is turned on, open the app on your desktop or mobile home screen. Each VPN designs its apps differently, but common signs include the color green, the word Connected and information on what server location you're connected to. If you don't see anything like that, click the On button, which should be on the first page that appears when you log into the app. Most VPNs also connect whenever you click the name of a server location."

VPNs often run silently in the background to hide IP addresses and encrypt communications, which can make a correctly functioning VPN hard to notice. Users can run specific checks to confirm a VPN connection and encryption instead of relying on the client alone. Basic verification starts by confirming the VPN app shows an active connection, often indicated by green, the word Connected, or server-location details. Most clients connect when the On button is pressed or when a server location is selected. Users should ensure the VPN is connected before running any diagnostic tests.

Read at Engadget