Have you ever wondered if your VPN really hides your IP? We’ve seen folks get caught with a hidden IP exposed. That’s why testing your VPN connection is essential. It protects privacy, secures data, and unlocks geo‑restricted content. Let’s dive into how to verify it quickly.

When you connect, your device creates an encrypted tunnel to a remote server. All traffic passes through that tunnel, so the world sees the server’s IP, not yours. But leaks—DNS, WebRTC, or split tunneling—can slip your real IP out like a leak in a pipe. How can we catch those leaks before they become a breach?

Forest VPN offers a built‑in leak checker that feels as simple as checking a weather app. Its interface is so friendly that even a novice can confirm a secure tunnel in minutes.

Step 1: Disconnect the VPN and visit an IP checker like https://www.security.org/vpn/find-computer-ip-address/ to note your real IP.
Step 2: Reconnect to Forest VPN, choose a server, and confirm the status reads ‘Connected’.
Step 3: Run a DNS leak test on https://www.dnsleaktest.com/. If all servers belong to Forest, you’re good.
Step 4: Perform a WebRTC leak test at https://ipleak.net/; no personal IP should appear.
Step 5: If any leak shows, toggle split tunneling off or adjust DNS settings in the app.

Remember, a single exposed IP can reveal your location, ISP, and browsing habits. By testing, you catch leaks before they turn into data leaks. Forest VPN’s free trial lets you try the checker without commitment.

Think of a coffee shop Wi‑Fi. A hacker could sniff your traffic if the VPN leaks. Testing ensures that your coffee‑shop session stays private.

Leak Type	What to Look For	Typical Source
IP Leak	Same IP before and after VPN	ISP
DNS Leak	DNS requests go to ISP	DNS servers
WebRTC Leak	Browser shows local IP	WebRTC STUN

If you see any of these, it’s a sign your tunnel is broken.

Forest VPN’s leak detection runs automatically every time you connect, so you never miss a breach.

Want to dive deeper? Grab our downloadable PDF cheat sheet that walks through each step with screenshots.

Give it a try—your privacy deserves a thorough test.

Testing your VPN is as quick as flipping a switch—just a few clicks, a few seconds, and you’re reassured. With Forest VPN, the process feels almost effortless, like breathing. No jargon, no hidden steps, just clear results you can trust.

Testing VPN Connection

The Science Behind VPN IP Masking & How to Spot Leaks

We’re about to pull back the curtain on how VPNs play hide‑and‑seek with your IP. Ever wonder why your browser still feels like it’s on a coffee‑shop Wi‑Fi even while you’re on a secure tunnel? It’s because the VPN must mask your real address and reroute every packet through a distant server. That’s the core of a VPN IP checker: the world sees the server’s IP, not yours. But if any traffic slips through—DNS, WebRTC, or split tunneling—the game is over.

The Science of IP Masking

When you connect, your device creates an encrypted tunnel to a remote server. All traffic, like a secret courier, passes through that tunnel, so the destination sees the server’s IP instead of your original IP. Think of it as swapping your street name for a pseudonym that only the VPN knows. Encryption keeps the courier’s notes unreadable to eavesdroppers.

Key Indicators That Your VPN Is Working

Indicator	What It Reveals	Typical Source
IP Address Change	Your public IP differs from the one shown before connecting	IP checkers (e.g., https://www.security.org/vpn/find-computer-ip-address/)
DNS Server	DNS queries go to the VPN provider’s DNS rather than your ISP’s	DNS leak tests (https://www.dnsleaktest.com/)
WebRTC Leak	WebRTC can expose your real IP via STUN requests	WebRTC leak tests (https://ipleak.net/)
Server Location	IP’s geolocation matches the VPN server’s location	IP geolocation services
Speed & Latency	Slight increase due to routing through a distant server	Speed tests