How do I check if my Wi-Fi is connected to a VPN?

Verifying Your VPN Connection: A Simple Guide

Connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) often involves a seamless experience, but how can you be absolutely sure your Wi-Fi is using the encrypted connection you’ve established? Fortunately, confirming a VPN connection is straightforward and involves looking for two key indicators.

The first, and often most obvious sign, is the status displayed by your VPN software itself. Most VPN clients provide a clear visual and textual indication of connection status. Look for a label explicitly stating “Connected” or “Active.” This notification is your primary confirmation that the VPN tunnel is open.

The second, equally important, sign is a visual cue in your system tray (the area at the bottom right corner of your screen). A distinctive blue shield icon is a frequent visual indicator, signifying that your connection is now encrypted and secure. This icon serves as a quick visual reminder that your Wi-Fi traffic is routed through the VPN server.

This dual verification – the software notification and the visual icon – provides a robust and readily available method to confirm your VPN connection. This dual-pronged confirmation system offers peace of mind, ensuring that your data remains protected and secure while using the internet.