How to Check If Your VPN Is Working Before Using Public Wi-Fi

A quick privacy check before you trust the coffee shop Wi-Fi.

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it is also where you should slow down and check your connection before logging into important accounts.

1. Check your public IP

curl https://ifconfig.me

If the IP still shows your normal provider or location, your VPN may not be active.

2. Check DNS behaviour

dig +short myip.opendns.com @resolver1.opendns.com

You can also use DNSNow for DNS checks.

3. Use a VPN guide

For VPN comparisons, DNS leak checks and troubleshooting, see TheVPNIndex.

4. Learn the commands

If you want to understand the Linux side of this properly, the networking and troubleshooting resources on CommandLineQuiz are useful.