IPCheckIP Space
VPN Troubleshooting

VPN connected but IP not changing

If your VPN says connected but websites still show your normal IP, the browser may not be using the VPN route.

Likely causes

Split tunnelingThe VPN excludes your browser or selected apps.Disable split tunneling or include the browser.
Browser proxyA proxy setting overrides normal routing.Check browser and system proxy settings.
IPv6 leakIPv4 uses VPN but IPv6 remains direct.Check IPv4 and IPv6 results separately.
Disconnected tunnelThe app UI may show stale connection state.Reconnect and refresh the IP check.

What to test

  1. Check your IP before connecting to the VPN.
  2. Connect the VPN and refresh CheckIP Space.
  3. Compare ISP and ASN, not only country.
  4. Open Browser Information and check timezone and language.
  5. If IPv6 appears, confirm your VPN supports IPv6 or disables it safely.

A working VPN usually changes the public IP and network operator. The ASN may show a hosting provider or VPN network instead of your home ISP.

If the IP changes in one browser but not another, check proxy extensions, DNS-over-HTTPS settings and per-app VPN rules. If desktop traffic changes but mobile apps do not, the VPN may be configured only on one device. If the country changes but the ASN remains your ISP, you may be looking at cached page data rather than a fresh request.

FAQ

Why does my VPN location change but IP stays the same?

The VPN app may not be routing your browser, or the page may be cached. Refresh and compare ASN.

Can browser extensions bypass VPN?

Some proxy extensions can override traffic routing. Disable them while testing.

Is WebRTC the same as public IP?

No. WebRTC can expose network candidates in some cases, while public IP lookup shows the request source seen by this website.

Related guides

VPN IP CheckFull VPN checklist.IPv4 vs IPv6Understand address leaks.Timezone vs IPCompare browser signals.