Understanding Test Results
Our VPN leak testing suite performs multiple security checks to ensure your VPN is properly protecting your privacy. This guide will help you understand what each test result means and what actions you should take based on your results.
Test Results Summary
The test results summary provides an overview of all detected issues. In the example shown, "2 potential issues detected" indicates that your VPN may not be fully protecting your privacy in two areas: IP Address and DNS.
What the Summary Tells You
The summary quickly identifies which tests detected potential privacy issues. Each detected issue represents a way your real identity or location could be exposed despite using a VPN.
IP Address Detection Test
This test checks whether your real IP address is visible to websites you visit.
Understanding the Results
Status: Potentially Unprotected
ISP: MULTA-ASN1
Country: United States
Your ISP is visible. If you are using a VPN, this might be your real ISP.
What this means: The test detected an IP address that appears to belong to your actual ISP rather than your VPN provider. This suggests your VPN may not be working properly or you may not be connected to the VPN.
What to do:
- Verify you're connected to your VPN
- Disconnect and reconnect to your VPN
- Try connecting to a different VPN server
- Check your VPN app for connection issues
- Contact your VPN provider if the problem persists
Good Result Example:
ISP: NordVPN
Country: Netherlands
Your VPN is working correctly. Your real IP address is hidden.
IPv6 Leak Test
This test checks if your IPv6 traffic is bypassing your VPN tunnel.
Understanding the Results
Status: No IPv6
Checks if your IPv6 address is leaking.
What this means: No IPv6 address was detected, which is generally good for privacy. Most VPNs don't support IPv6, so having no IPv6 connectivity prevents potential leaks.
Other possible results:
- Protected: IPv6 traffic is properly routed through your VPN
- Leak Detected: Your IPv6 address is visible, potentially exposing your location
DNS Leak Test
This test checks if your DNS queries are being handled by your ISP's DNS servers instead of your VPN's DNS servers.
Understanding the Results
Status: Leak Detected
Primary Connection (IP): 142.171.163.94
ISP: MULTA-ASN1
Country: United States
Test Query via Public DNS: 8.8.8.8
ISP: GOOGLE
Country: United States
Warning: Your DNS queries are handled by a server with a different ISP than your main connection. This could be your real ISP.
What this means: Your DNS queries are not going through your VPN's DNS servers. This can reveal:
- Your real location
- The websites you visit
- Your browsing patterns
- Your actual ISP
How to fix DNS leaks:
- Enable your VPN's DNS leak protection feature
- Manually configure your device to use your VPN's DNS servers
- Use DNS servers like 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 as a temporary measure
- Check your network adapter's DNS settings
- Consider switching to a VPN with better DNS leak protection
WebRTC Leak Test
This test checks if WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is exposing your real IP address.
Understanding the Results
Status: Protected
Checks for WebRTC leaks that might reveal your local IP.
What this means: WebRTC is not exposing your real IP address. This is the ideal result for privacy protection.
If WebRTC leaks are detected:
- Your real IP address may be visible to websites
- Your local network IP address could be exposed
- Location tracking becomes possible
Java Status Test
This test checks if Java is enabled in your browser, which could potentially be used for tracking.
Understanding the Results
Status: Disabled
Checks if Java is enabled in your browser.
What this means: Java is disabled, which is good for security and privacy. Java can be exploited to reveal information about your system and potentially bypass VPN protection.
Why disabled Java is better:
- Prevents Java-based tracking methods
- Reduces security vulnerabilities
- Eliminates potential IP leak vectors
- Improves browser performance
Flash Status Test
This test checks if Adobe Flash is enabled, which poses security and privacy risks.
Understanding the Results
Status: Disabled
Checks if Flash is enabled in your browser.
What this means: Flash is disabled or not installed, which is excellent for privacy and security. Flash has been deprecated and poses significant security risks.
Why disabled Flash is important:
- Eliminates Flash-based IP leak vulnerabilities
- Prevents Flash tracking and fingerprinting
- Reduces security attack surface
- Adobe officially ended Flash support in 2020
Interpreting Your Overall Results
All Tests Pass
If all tests show protected/good results, your VPN is working correctly and your privacy is well-protected. Continue monitoring periodically to ensure continued protection.
Some Issues Detected
If some tests show leaks or issues:
- Focus on fixing the most critical issues first (IP and DNS leaks)
- Follow the specific guidance for each detected problem
- Retest after implementing fixes
- Consider switching VPN providers if issues persist
Multiple Issues Detected
If multiple tests show problems:
- Your VPN may not be connected or functioning properly
- Your VPN service may have significant limitations
- Your device configuration may need adjustment
- Consider comprehensive troubleshooting or switching providers
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Always test your VPN connection before conducting sensitive activities
- Test from multiple devices and browsers
- Test different VPN servers to identify server-specific issues
- Run tests periodically, as network conditions can change
- Keep your VPN client software updated
When to Be Concerned
You should take immediate action if you see:
- Your real ISP name appearing in IP address results
- DNS servers matching your local ISP
- Your actual country/city being detected
- WebRTC exposing local IP addresses
- Multiple simultaneous leaks
Common Causes of Test Failures
- VPN not connected: Most common cause of all test failures
- Split tunneling enabled: Some traffic bypasses VPN
- IPv6 enabled without VPN support: Causes IPv6 leaks
- Browser extensions: Can interfere with VPN protection
- Outdated VPN client: May have bugs or security issues
- Network configuration: Router or system DNS settings
Next Steps After Testing
After understanding your test results:
- Document any issues found
- Follow the specific fix procedures for each problem
- Retest to verify fixes worked
- Set up regular testing schedule
- Consider upgrading your VPN if issues persist
Remember
VPN leak testing should be part of your regular privacy routine. Network conditions, software updates, and configuration changes can all affect your VPN's effectiveness. Regular testing ensures your privacy protection remains intact.