Beginner
How to test if VPN is working on ExpressVPN
Quick Answer
To test if your ExpressVPN is working, check your IP address before and after connecting to ensure it changes, verify your location shows the VPN server location, and test for DNS leaks. You can use ExpressVPN's built-in leak test or third-party tools like whatismyipaddress.com.
Prerequisites
- Active ExpressVPN subscription
- ExpressVPN app installed on your device
- Internet connection
- Basic understanding of IP addresses
1
Check your original IP address
Before connecting to ExpressVPN, visit whatismyipaddress.com or ipleak.net in your browser. Take note of your IP address and location. This will be your baseline to compare against once the VPN is active.
Tip
Screenshot or write down your original IP address for easy comparison
2
Connect to ExpressVPN
Open the ExpressVPN app and click the large Power button in the center. The button will turn green and display Connected when the VPN tunnel is established. Wait for the connection to fully complete before proceeding.
3
Verify IP address change
Refresh the IP checking website you used earlier. Your IP address should now be completely different from your original IP. The location should match the ExpressVPN server you're connected to, which is displayed in the app.
Tip
If the IP hasn't changed, disconnect and reconnect to ExpressVPN
4
Test for DNS leaks
Visit dnsleaktest.com and click Extended test. All DNS servers shown should belong to ExpressVPN or the VPN server location, not your ISP. Your original location should not appear in the results.
Tip
ExpressVPN provides its own DNS servers to prevent leaks
5
Check WebRTC leaks
Go to browserleaks.com/webrtc to test for WebRTC leaks. Under Local IP Address, you should only see internal network addresses (starting with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16). Your real public IP should not be visible.
Tip
Disable WebRTC in your browser settings if leaks are detected
6
Use ExpressVPN's built-in test
In the ExpressVPN app, click the hamburger menu (≡) and select Help & Support. Choose Troubleshooting and then Run Speed Test or visit ExpressVPN's leak test page for an official verification.
Tip
ExpressVPN's official tools are specifically designed for their service
7
Test connection stability
Leave the VPN connected and browse normally for 10-15 minutes. Periodically refresh your IP checking website to ensure the IP address remains consistent and doesn't revert to your original IP, indicating a stable connection.
Tip
Enable ExpressVPN's kill switch feature to prevent accidental IP exposure
Troubleshooting
IP address hasn't changed after connecting
Disconnect from ExpressVPN, close and restart the app, then reconnect. Clear your browser cache or try an incognito/private browsing window to ensure fresh results.
DNS leaks detected showing ISP servers
Go to ExpressVPN settings and ensure DNS Protection is enabled. Restart your browser and test again. Consider switching to a different VPN server location.
VPN shows connected but websites detect original location
Your browser may have cached location data. Clear cookies and browsing data, restart the browser, or try a different browser entirely. Disable location services in browser settings.
Connection keeps dropping during testing
Switch to a different VPN protocol in ExpressVPN settings (try OpenVPN or IKEv2). Check if your firewall or antivirus is interfering with the VPN connection and add ExpressVPN as an exception.
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Put this tutorial into practice. Visit ExpressVPN and follow the steps above.
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