Wondering if your ExpressVPN is up and running? I’ve been there, scratching my head, trying to figure out if my online activity is truly secure. It’s crucial to know that your VPN is working correctly to ensure your internet connection is private and your data is protected.
I’ll guide you through the simple steps to verify your VPN’s functionality. From checking IP addresses to running leak tests, I’ve got the know-how to help you confirm that ExpressVPN is doing its job. Let’s make sure you’re getting the anonymity and security you’re paying for.
How Do I Know if ExpressVPN is Working
Checking whether my ExpressVPN is working is a straightforward task. The first thing I do is a simple IP address check. By visiting a website such as whatismyip.com, I can see my current IP address—it should show an IP from the server location I’m connected to with ExpressVPN, not my actual IP. This confirmation tells me that ExpressVPN is actively rerouting my internet connection.
To further ensure everything’s functioning as it should, I run a DNS leak test. I prefer using online tools like dnsleaktest.com to perform this check. If my ExpressVPN is working correctly, the test results won’t display my real location or ISP information.
Another crucial step is a WebRTC leak test for those who use browsers that are WebRTC-enabled like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. WebRTC can potentially expose my actual IP address even when I’m using a VPN, so a test through browserleaks.com/webrtc helps confirm that ExpressVPN is properly configured to prevent this leak.
If any issues arise or I’m unsure at any point, I know I can always contact ExpressVPN support for assistance. Their 24/7 live chat service is there to help me ensure that my ExpressVPN is operational.
I keep an eye out for ExpressVPN’s status icon as well. When it’s green and connected, it’s a good indication that everything is running smoothly. This quick visual cue lets me know when ExpressVPN is on, and immediately gives me peace of mind.
Step 1: Check your IP Address
When I’m eager to confirm that my ExpressVPN is operational, my first step is always to check my IP address. It’s a surefire indicator to determine if my VPN is doing its job. After connecting to ExpressVPN, I visit an IP-checking website. There, I can see the IP address that’s exposed to the internet; it should match the location of the server I’ve connected to through ExpressVPN.
Occasionally, when friends ask me, “How do I know if ExpressVPN is working?” I tell them about this simple yet effective method. If the shown IP doesn’t match the VPN’s server location, then it’s a red flag that something isn’t quite right. On the other hand, aligning IP addresses means ExpressVPN is on and shielding my online identity.
If there are doubts about the IP address’s accuracy, a quick way to address them is by disconnecting from the VPN and revisiting the IP-checking site. My real IP address should reappear, signifying that the switch between my real IP and the VPN server’s is happening correctly. This kind of IP verification adds a layer of assurance about the privacy and protection ExpressVPN provides.
Step 2: Test for DNS Leaks
After confirming my IP address matches the server location of ExpressVPN, I know it’s crucial to check for any DNS leaks. This ensures my online activities aren’t exposed to internet service providers or any snooping third parties.
Firstly, I use DNS leak test websites to perform this check. Simply connecting to ExpressVPN and visiting these sites provides me with immediate feedback. They display the DNS servers my device is using. If these servers match the ones provided by ExpressVPN and not my local ISP, I’m confident that no DNS leaks are occurring.
To be extra careful, I perform this test both before and after connecting to the VPN. This way, I can compare the DNS server information.
If any discrepancies arise, ExpressVPN’s customer support is readily available. I know they can assist me promptly with any concerns or leak fixations. After all, knowing how to contact ExpressVPN should be part of my privacy toolkit.
Remember, ensuring DNS queries are routed through ExpressVPN is crucial for maintaining my online anonymity. Checking for DNS leaks is a clear indicator of whether my ExpressVPN is working as it should, keeping me safe and anonymous on the web.
Step 3: Conduct a WebRTC Leak Test
WebRTC plays a crucial role in enabling real-time communication within browsers but it can also pose privacy risks. To ensure that my ExpressVPN is effectively safeguarding my online interactions, I conduct a WebRTC leak test.
WebRTC, or Web Real-Time Communication, may leak my IP address even when I’m connected to a VPN. Such leaks can compromise my online anonymity, letting others know my actual location. When I’m pondering “how do I know if ExpressVPN is working,” checking for WebRTC leaks becomes imperative.
For this purpose, I visit websites like whoer.net or browserleaks.com/webrtc to see if my true IP address is visible. These resources help me determine whether ExpressVPN is properly configured. I perform this test by comparing the IP address shown on the test site with my public IP before connecting to the VPN.
It’s simple to execute a WebRTC leak test:
- Access the WebRTC test website.
- Look for the displayed “Public IP Address”.
- Ensure that the IP address matches the server I’m connected to via ExpressVPN, not my ISP-provided IP.
If the test reveals my real IP, it’s time for me to reach out for assistance. Contacting ExpressVPN can be done easily through their customer support page. Their team is available 24/7 to guide me through steps to secure my connection and prevent any future leaks. By making sure WebRTC doesn’t expose my IP, I boost my online privacy and peace of mind.
Step 4: Run a Speed Test
After confirming my IP address and ensuring my connection is secure from DNS and WebRTC leaks, my next move is to check my VPN’s performance. How do I know my ExpressVPN is working efficiently? It boils down to a speed test. Testing my internet speed can reveal the efficiency of ExpressVPN, giving me a clear indication of any potential issues.
I usually head over to websites like Speedtest.net or Fast.com for this task. It’s important to run a speed test before and after connecting to ExpressVPN. This helps determine if the VPN affects my internet speed significantly. Here’s what I look for:
- Download and Upload Speeds: The figures should be relatively close to my internet service provider’s advertised speeds when connected to a nearby server.
- Ping Times: Lower ping times denote more responsive internet connections, which are crucial for activities like online gaming and video conferencing.
When conducting a speed test, I remember that differing server locations can impact my speeds. If I’m connected to a server far from my actual location, I anticipate some reduction in speed – it’s normal. But if I suspect there’s a major issue with speed while I’m connected to ExpressVPN, I know I can always contact ExpressVPN customer support for expert troubleshooting.
It’s also worth noting that a slight speed decrease is a trade-off for enhanced security and privacy. Using a VPN like ExpressVPN, I’ve experienced minimal speed losses, which is one of the reasons it’s my go-to VPN.
If you’re wondering how do I know when ExpressVPN is on and working at its best, keep an eye on your speed test results. As long as your internet still feels fast and responsive, it’s a good sign that everything is functioning as intended.
Conclusion
I’ve walked you through the steps to ensure your ExpressVPN is up and running effectively. By now you should feel confident in your ability to check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. Remember that a slight speed dip is normal and often worth the privacy you’re gaining. If you’re seeing drastic speed drops don’t hesitate to reach out to ExpressVPN’s customer support. They’re there to help you get the most out of your VPN experience. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to enjoy a secure and private browsing experience with peace of mind.