How to test if VPN is working on ExpressVPN

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

To test if your ExpressVPN is working, check your IP address before and after connecting to ensure it changes, verify your location shows the VPN server location, and test for DNS leaks. You can use ExpressVPN's built-in leak test or third-party tools like whatismyipaddress.com.

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Prerequisites

Active ExpressVPN subscription
ExpressVPN app installed on your device
Internet connection
Basic understanding of IP addresses

Step-by-Step Instructions

Check your original IP address

Before connecting to ExpressVPN, visit whatismyipaddress.com or ipleak.net in your browser. Take note of your IP address and location. This will be your baseline to compare against once the VPN is active.

Screenshot or write down your original IP address for easy comparison

Connect to ExpressVPN

Open the ExpressVPN app and click the large Power button in the center. The button will turn green and display Connected when the VPN tunnel is established. Wait for the connection to fully complete before proceeding.

Verify IP address change

Refresh the IP checking website you used earlier. Your IP address should now be completely different from your original IP. The location should match the ExpressVPN server you're connected to, which is displayed in the app.

If the IP hasn't changed, disconnect and reconnect to ExpressVPN

Test for DNS leaks

Visit dnsleaktest.com and click Extended test. All DNS servers shown should belong to ExpressVPN or the VPN server location, not your ISP. Your original location should not appear in the results.

ExpressVPN provides its own DNS servers to prevent leaks

Check WebRTC leaks

Go to browserleaks.com/webrtc to test for WebRTC leaks. Under Local IP Address, you should only see internal network addresses (starting with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16). Your real public IP should not be visible.

Disable WebRTC in your browser settings if leaks are detected

Use ExpressVPN's built-in test

In the ExpressVPN app, click the hamburger menu (≡) and select Help & Support. Choose Troubleshooting and then Run Speed Test or visit ExpressVPN's leak test page for an official verification.

ExpressVPN's official tools are specifically designed for their service

Test connection stability

Leave the VPN connected and browse normally for 10-15 minutes. Periodically refresh your IP checking website to ensure the IP address remains consistent and doesn't revert to your original IP, indicating a stable connection.

Enable ExpressVPN's kill switch feature to prevent accidental IP exposure

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

IP address hasn't changed after connecting

Disconnect from ExpressVPN, close and restart the app, then reconnect. Clear your browser cache or try an incognito/private browsing window to ensure fresh results.

DNS leaks detected showing ISP servers

Go to ExpressVPN settings and ensure DNS Protection is enabled. Restart your browser and test again. Consider switching to a different VPN server location.

VPN shows connected but websites detect original location

Your browser may have cached location data. Clear cookies and browsing data, restart the browser, or try a different browser entirely. Disable location services in browser settings.

Connection keeps dropping during testing

Switch to a different VPN protocol in ExpressVPN settings (try OpenVPN or IKEv2). Check if your firewall or antivirus is interfering with the VPN connection and add ExpressVPN as an exception.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official ExpressVPN website before purchasing.

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