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Simply checking that your VPN app is on is not enough; always make sure it’s actually working properly. Here’s a list of essential VPN tests you should run, especially if you’re using your VPN for the first time. I'll walk you through each one in detail below:
| Test type | What it checks | Quick fix (if needed) |
| IP leak test | Verifies your real IP is hidden | Switch VPN servers or providers |
| DNS leak test | Ensures DNS requests are encrypted | Enable DNS leak protection |
| WebRTC leak test | Checks browser-based IP exposure | Use VPN with WebRTC blocking |
| Kill Switch test | Tests automatic disconnect on VPN drop | Enable kill switch in VPN settings |
| Speed test | Measures connection performance | Try different server locations |
| Malware scan | Detects malicious VPN software | Use CleanMyMac to scan |
VPNs may feel as simple as clicking a button, but there's a lot of complex technology running behind the scenes — and plenty of ways for things to go wrong.
Here are some common problems:
The tricky part: your VPN can fail silently. You might still have an internet connection and never notice anything is wrong. A good indicator of a poorly functioning VPN is IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaking.
The types of leaks you should check for are IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. Another thing you should do is run a VPN kill switch test. Here’s how you run all these checks.
To verify that your IP address is hidden from others:
The VPN server assigns your new IP address, so it shouldn't match your original one. Otherwise, you're experiencing an IP leak.
By the way, here you can learn more ways to find the IP address on your Mac.
Keep in mind: passing the IP test doesn't mean you're safe from DNS leaks. To do that:
If any of the listed DNS servers belong to your ISP, your VPN is experiencing a DNS leak.
A simple test can reveal if WebRTC is giving away your IP address, even with the VPN turned on. To check it:
If you use a good VPN, you should pass the test. Otherwise, you need to fix WebRTC leaks. One way to do this is to switch to a VPN that handles WebRTC leaks natively; here's a list of the best VPNs for Mac to help you choose.
Testing a kill switch takes a few more steps than a standard leak test, but it's worth doing. You need to simulate a VPN drop without cutting off the internet connection and detect any changes in the IP address.
Sounds complicated, but the good news is that ClearVPN already has the Kill Switch feature installed, so you can use it for the test. Before starting, check your current IP address.
Here's how to run this test:
The Kill Switch feature should block all internet traffic when the VPN disconnects, preventing any IP exposure.
If your VPN is not connecting, don't panic. Try these methods and see if you can get it to work properly again.
Sometimes, a glitch in the VPN app causes the problem. Your VPN might refuse to connect or behave weirdly. If this happens, close the app and then reopen it. After that, try connecting to the VPN server again.
If you're offline, your VPN won't function. Similarly, if you're experiencing Wi-Fi issues like a weak signal, you might encounter the same problem. I remember traveling and dealing with a VPN that kept dropping — frustrating in the moment, but it turned out the culprit was a weak Wi-Fi signal, not the VPN itself.
To address these kinds of problems, I started using WiFi Signal to diagnose and fix VPN not connecting issues. WiFi Signal monitors your connection strength in real time — so you can spot weak signals before they cause your VPN to drop.
Here's how it works:
Make sure that you get a good signal before you continue troubleshooting. You can try WiFi Signal on Setapp for free.
If your firewall is on, it might block the VPN from reaching its server. Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall to check. Rather than turning it off entirely, try adding your VPN as an exception — disabling your firewall leaves your Mac exposed.
Some VPNs offer split tunneling. This means you can skip linking some apps to the VPN. If you don't set it up right, you may think the VPN is off when you use some apps.
Here's how to check it:
If the app isn't using the VPN, it will display your actual IP. Now you can relax, knowing there are no split-tunneling issues on your end.
Or get CleanMyMac on its own — from $9.95 USD/mo with a free 7-day trial.
I hate to say this, but some VPNs carry malware, especially free VPNs from unknown providers. That’s why you have to be cautious and scan the VPN installer for malware before installing it.
Here's how:
If a VPN contains malware, some of the antivirus engines VirusTotal uses will pick it up.
Now, the steps I described are only useful before you install the VPN. If you start experiencing weird stuff after installation, run a scan with CleanMyMac. This tool lets you check your whole Mac for malware, whether it came from the VPN or other sites. And what’s better — CleanMyMac will also get rid of any malware it finds!
If you suspect your VPN is causing lag when streaming HD or playing a first-person shooter game, run a speed test.
Here's how:
You shouldn't get a huge drop in speed. That said, VPN speed depends on traffic load, location, and the VPN protocol you're using. For example, if you're in Australia but connect to a VPN server in the US, you will experience a bigger decrease in VPN speed.
According to recent benchmarks, a quality VPN typically reduces speeds by 10-20%. Anything beyond 50% warrants switching servers or providers.
When your MacBook goes to sleep, your VPN does the same. While you can't connect to a VPN in sleep mode, you can prevent your Mac from connecting to the internet.
To do that:
At the same time, check your VPN app to see if you can configure it to automatically launch at startup. By doing that, your VPN will maintain a gapless connection each time you shut down and power up the Mac.
Troubleshooting a VPN can be tricky because there are so many things to check. From IP leaks to hidden malware, most users will be overwhelmed. But it's important to ensure your VPN works properly. Otherwise, you'll be exposed.
If you want to skip manual testing and just stay protected, the three apps in this guide do the job together. ClearVPN keeps your connection secure and reconnects automatically, WiFi Signal flags weak connections before they drop your VPN, and CleanMyMac scans for anything malicious that might have slipped through during install. All three are on Setapp — try them free for 7 days, cancel before Day 7, and you're charged nothing.
Run three quick tests to verify your VPN is routing all traffic properly:
If any test fails, your traffic isn't fully protected.
Disconnect from the VPN server through your VPN app. Then check your IP address on whatismyipaddress.com. If you see your original IP address matching your actual location, your VPN is successfully turned off. You can also check your network settings to confirm no VPN connections are active.
Four common issues prevent VPN connections:
Try each fix in order until your connection works.
Check three key safety indicators:
For installed VPNs, run CleanMyMac to detect any malware. Avoid free VPNs without clear privacy policies.
Follow these steps for a comprehensive leak test:
All results should show your VPN server location, not your real one. If any test reveals your actual location, your VPN has a leak.
Test your kill switch with these steps:
Try accessing any website — you shouldn't be able to browse. If pages load and show your real IP, the kill switch isn't working properly.
VPNs add encryption overhead that typically reduces speeds by 10-20%. Three factors affect performance:
Test different servers with Speedtest.net to find your optimal connection.
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