Whether you use an IP VPN Checker to protect your privacy online or evade state censorship and surveillance, it’s important to know if your encrypted tunnel is working. Here are some ways to find out:

1. Check your IP address.

An IP address is a unique number that identifies every device connected to the internet. Websites can use this information to determine where you’re located and what you’re doing on their site. However, if you’re using a VPN, your internet traffic and data is encrypted and your original IP address can’t be viewed. To test this, simply search for “what is my ip” or head to ExpressVPN’s IP address checker, then connect to a VPN server, ideally one outside your country and recheck your IP address again. It should be different and reflect your new location.

2. Check for DNS leaks.

A DNS leak happens when your VPN fails to encrypt your DNS queries and sends them to your ISP instead. This is another telltale sign that you’re using a VPN.

3. Look for time zone mismatch.

When a person’s IP address changes between regions in an unnaturally short period of time, this can be a sign they’re using a VPN. This method can be fooled by users changing the time zone in their system settings, though. To be more accurate, this detection method should also account for the time it takes to travel between these locations, and only flag changes that are implausible.