Practical technical support

What does a VPN actually do?

A VPN changes the path some or all of your internet traffic takes. Understanding that is more useful than treating it as a magic privacy switch.

A different route to the internet

A VPN typically creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. Traffic routed through it then reaches websites from the VPN connection. The IP checker can help you compare the address we see.

Where it can help

A VPN can reduce what the local network can see about traffic inside the tunnel, and can change the public IP websites see. Business VPNs can also provide access to private work systems. HTTPS already encrypts the contents of connections to HTTPS sites.

It does not make you anonymous

Websites can still recognise a signed-in account, cookies and other signals. A VPN does not prevent phishing, make a malicious download safe or guarantee that a service will work. The VPN provider becomes another party you need to trust.

Choose based on your actual needs

Consider device support, connection behaviour, privacy information, ongoing pricing and cancellation terms. Follow your workplace’s rules if you use a managed device.

Test the behaviour you care about

Start with a before-and-after IP comparison. Check the VPN settings and use suitable specialist tests if you need to investigate other traffic or leaks.