How to check if Wi-Fi is connected to VPN?

Is Your Wi-Fi Really Protected? A Simple Guide to Checking Your VPN Connection

We live in a world increasingly reliant on Wi-Fi, but public Wi-Fi, in particular, leaves your data vulnerable. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is your shield, encrypting your internet traffic and protecting your privacy. But how can you be sure your VPN is actually working and your Wi-Fi connection is routed through it? It’s simpler than you might think.

There are two primary methods to verify your VPN connection: checking your system settings and using an online IP address checker.

Method 1: Checking Your System Settings

This method involves examining your device’s network settings. The specifics will vary slightly depending on your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), but the general principle remains the same.

• Windows: Open your network settings (usually by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray). Look for the active network connection. If you’re connected through a VPN, you’ll likely see the VPN’s name listed prominently next to your Wi-Fi network. For example, instead of simply seeing “Wi-Fi,” you might see “Wi-Fi (connected via NordVPN)” or a similar indication.

• macOS: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. Similar to Windows, your active network connection will be displayed. If a VPN is active, its name will appear.

• Mobile Devices (iOS and Android): The location of this information varies slightly depending on the device and operating system version, but generally involves navigating to your device’s settings and then to the Wi-Fi or network section. Look for the active connection and any indication of a VPN being used. Some VPN apps also provide a persistent notification in your status bar to show active VPN connection.

Method 2: Using an Online IP Address Checker

This is a quicker and more definitive method. Several websites are dedicated to revealing your public IP address and identifying if your connection is routed through a proxy or VPN.

Here’s how it works:

1. Find a reputable IP address checker: Search for “what is my IP” or “what is my VPN IP” on your search engine. Many websites offer this service. Choose one that seems trustworthy. Note that some websites may not be entirely accurate; it’s usually best to use a couple to compare.

2. Connect to your VPN: Ensure your VPN is turned on and connected before proceeding.

3. Visit the website: Open the IP address checker website in your browser.

4. Check the results: The website will display your public IP address. If your VPN is working correctly, this IP address will belong to the VPN server’s location, not your actual IP address. Many checkers will also explicitly state whether a proxy or VPN is detected.

Troubleshooting:

If your system settings don’t show a VPN connection, and the IP address checker reveals your real IP address, your VPN is likely not functioning correctly. Check your VPN software to ensure it’s running and properly configured. Restart your device and your VPN software. If the problem persists, contact your VPN provider’s support team for assistance.

By using these simple methods, you can easily confirm whether your Wi-Fi connection is truly secure and protected by your VPN, giving you peace of mind while browsing online.