You can check if you are using a VPN using SnoopMy's free VPN detection tool. The tool analyses your IP address and checks it against known VPN, proxy and hosting provider IP ranges. The result is shown instantly without any sign-up required.

Can my VPN be detected?

Most consumer VPN services can be detected using IP metadata databases, as their server IPs are well-known. Premium VPN providers regularly rotate IP addresses and use residential IPs to avoid detection. Even if a VPN is detected, your actual identity and location remain hidden.

A DNS leak occurs when your DNS requests are sent outside the VPN tunnel, revealing your real ISP and location to DNS servers even while connected to a VPN. This can happen due to browser or OS configurations. A VPN with built-in DNS leak protection prevents this.

Am I Using a VPN? — Free VPN & Proxy Detection Tool

How does VPN detection work?

VPN detection analyses your IP address and checks it against databases of known VPN server IPs, proxy server IPs, and cloud hosting provider IP ranges. The IP metadata returned by geolocation APIs includes flags for whether an IP address is associated with a proxy, VPN, hosting provider, or Tor exit node.

The detection method is not infallible. Consumer VPN services that use well-known server IP ranges are most easily detected. However, some premium VPN providers use residential IP addresses (IP addresses that belong to regular ISP customers) that are much harder to distinguish from genuine residential connections.

Types of anonymising services detected

Commercial VPNs — NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Mullvad, ProtonVPN, etc.
Proxy servers — HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS proxies
Tor exit nodes — exit nodes of the Tor anonymity network
Cloud hosting IPs — AWS, Google Cloud, Azure (may indicate a VPN or self-hosted proxy)
Datacenter IPs — IPs belonging to data centres rather than residential ISPs

Why should you use a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a location of your choice, replacing your real IP address with the VPN server's IP. This provides several benefits:

Privacy — websites and online services see the VPN server's IP instead of yours
Security on public WiFi — encryption protects your data on untrusted networks
Bypass geographic restrictions — access content not available in your country
Prevent ISP tracking — your ISP cannot see the websites you visit
Bypass censorship — access blocked websites in restricted countries

After setting up a VPN, always verify it is working correctly using a VPN detection tool like this one before trusting it with sensitive activity.

What is a DNS leak and how to prevent it?

A DNS leak occurs when your DNS requests are sent outside the encrypted VPN tunnel, revealing your real ISP, location, and browsing activity to DNS servers — even while you are connected to a VPN. This can happen due to Windows DNS settings, IPv6 routing, or browser configurations.

To prevent DNS leaks, use a VPN with built-in DNS leak protection, configure your device to use the VPN's DNS servers, and consider using a VPN that also blocks IPv6 traffic if your ISP supports IPv6.

Signs that your VPN may be leaking

This tool shows your real ISP instead of a VPN provider
Your detected location matches your real location, not the VPN server
Your IPv6 address is visible and belongs to your real ISP

Is using a VPN legal?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, including all EU member states, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most other democracies. VPNs are widely used by businesses for secure remote access and by individuals for privacy.

However, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities remains illegal regardless of the VPN. Additionally, some countries restrict or ban VPN use, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and the UAE. Always check the laws of your country and any country you visit before using a VPN.

Using a VPN does not make you anonymous — your VPN provider can see your traffic (unless it has a verified no-logs policy), and law enforcement can request user data from VPN providers under applicable laws.

Frequently Asked Questions about VPNs

Am I using a VPN right now?

Check the VPN Detection result at the top of this page. If it shows "VPN / Proxy possible" or flags your ISP as a hosting provider, your connection is likely routed through a VPN or proxy. If it shows "No VPN detected", your connection appears to be a regular residential or mobile connection.

My VPN is on but this tool says no VPN detected — why?

Some VPN providers use residential IP addresses that are not flagged in standard VPN detection databases. This is actually a sign of a high-quality VPN. The tool correctly shows your VPN IP (not your real IP), meaning your privacy is protected — the IP just isn't flagged as a VPN.

Can a VPN hide my location completely?

A VPN hides your IP-based location from websites. However, your browser may still reveal your real location through the browser Geolocation API (if you grant location permission), time zone settings, or other browser fingerprinting techniques.

What is the best VPN in 2026?

Highly rated VPN providers in 2026 include Mullvad (best for privacy), ProtonVPN (open source, no logs), NordVPN (fast servers, wide server network), and ExpressVPN (user-friendly). The best choice depends on your needs, budget and country.

Does SnoopMy store my IP or VPN detection results?

No. Your IP address is sent from your browser directly to ipwho.is for VPN detection. The result is displayed in your browser only. SnoopMy does not store your IP address or detection results.

Am I Using a VPN or Proxy?

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