How to Check if Your VPN is Working on Your Phone

In a world where we increasingly depend on our digital lives for personal and professional activity, threats to our cybersecurity lurk around every online corner. We can use our smartphones for almost everything we need online, but we need to utilize cyber protections to keep ourselves safe. Cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for everyone who uses smartphones.   The rising threat of cyber attacks and the constant need to protect our online presence makes the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on phones a common practice. However, it’s essential to ensure that your VPN is working effectively to provide the protection you need. How can you check to ensure your VPN is working on your phone and keeping you safe? Let’s take a look at how to utilize a VPN and how to confirm it’s doing its job on your phone. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network , acts as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. VPNs cloak your IP address and allow you to access sites in countries that your physical address prevents. VPNs also encrypt your internet connection, making it difficult for cybercriminals, hackers, online stalkers, or even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to monitor your online activities. Internet users are turning to VPNs frequently. Globally, 1.5 billion people use a VPN and 93% of all organizations use VPNs for online transactions. In the US, 39% of people online use VPNs for either personal or work purposes. The reasons you may want to utilize a VPN on your phone are similar to the reasons you might use a VPN on your personal or work computer. VPNs add an extra layer of security to protect your sensitive data. Some of the most common reasons to use a VPN on your phone include: Privacy: Most websites and applications use cookies to track your online activities and target you for marketing specific products. Although cookies aren’t always a detrimental tracking method, a VPN prevents them from accessing your Internet activity. Security: A VPN will encrypt your data as you utilize your smartphone, which safeguards you from hackers and other bad online actors. Sans a VPN, your unencrypted data will have a greater chance of being intercepted. Global access: With a VPN, you can access geo-restricted content or and securely use public Wi-Fi. Reduction of corporate data breaches: In recent years, hackers have exposed the data of many large corporations, including MOVEit . If you use your smartphone to scroll through work emails, files, or Slack conversations, a VPN will reduce the risk of corporate data exposure. Greater bandwidth for streaming: If you want to stream videos or take a work conference video call on your smartphone, a VPN will allow you to do so uninterrupted. VPNs access multiple Internet connections simultaneously, which increases your phone’s bandwidth. Choose the Right VPN Effortlessly with Our Tool! If you choose to use an VPN on your smartphone, it’s vital that you research your options, and make a selection based on credibility and user ratings. Although many VPN providers charge a monthly or yearly subscription fee, there are legitimate, free VPNs as well. Some of the most popular mobile VPNs include: Now that you’ve chosen your preferred VPN, how can you check the strength of its connection? Follow a combination of these straightforward steps to see if your VPN is working on your phone: Verify your IP address: Use What Is My IP Address to find your phone’s assigned address. Record your original IP address as displayed on the screen. Check your current DNS server: In your phone’s network settings, look for the series of numbers that appear as your Domain Name System (DNS) address. Record this address. Perform a DNS leak test: Before you connect your VPN, you can run a DNS leak test to show you real-time information about your active IP address and location. Websites, such as the aptly named DNS leak test , provide free tests. Connect to your VPN and then run the test again — your IP address and physical location should change. Connect to your VPN via your phone: Most VPNs have a simple interface with a featured “connect” button — tap the button and your VPN will find a secure connection. Recheck your IP address: Open What Is My IP Address again. If the displayed address has changed, your VPN is doing its job, and is masking your IP address. Perform a WebRTC leak test: Before you connect to your VPN, you can also perform a WebRTC leak test. WebRTC is an open-source, real-time communication support for mobile browsers and applications. You can check your IP address information on a WebRTC test site like Loadero , connect to your VPN and then run the test again. If your real IP information is masked, your VPN is secure against WebRTC leaks. After you’ve completed a comprehensive check of your VPN connection, it still may seem as though it’s not working. There are warning signs you can look for that may signify that your VPN isn’t operating optimally. Some common signs you can look for include: Public Wi-Fi is free and a convenient way to stay connected if you’re on the go. Found in cafes, airports, hotels, and other public spaces, sadly, it also comes with inherent risks. Cybercriminals often exploit the unsecured nature of these networks to intercept data, and set up “twin” Wi-Fi access points to potentially compromise your sensitive information. However, using a VPN can ensure your public connection remains secure. In an era where we’re increasingly reliant on mobile devices for work, entertainment, and communication, securing your phone’s connection is paramount. Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient, pose significant risks, making a VPN an indispensable tool for your cybersecurity arsenal. By understanding the risks associated with public Wi-Fi and leveraging your VPN’s capabilities, you can confidently navigate the digital landscape. Whether you’re catching up on emails at a coffee shop, playing a round of Words with Friends, or streaming your favorite show at the airport, your VPN ensures that your online activities remain private and secure. The combination of a reliable VPN and thoughtful cybersecurity practices provides a robust defense against potential threats. Stay informed, stay protected, and embrace the power of a secure VPN to make your digital adventures worry-free. Your cybersecurity journey begins with a simple click. With vital knowledge like how to check if your VPN works on your phone, you can take important measures to protect yourself online. The What Is My IP Address website offers free tools to help you enhance your Internet safety, and be sure to check out our blog for the latest insights and tips on cybersecurity.