How do I know that the VPN is connected and working?

How do I know that the VPN is connected and working?

The easiest way to check the status of the DuckDuckGo VPN is by navigating to the VPN screen in the DuckDuckGo app. Depending on the operating system of your device, there are also ways to quickly check the VPN status outside of the app too.  

Here's what to look for:  

1. Mobile devices: Look for the key icon (Android) or the "VPN" label (iOS) at the top of your screen. On iOS, the "VPN" label is only visible from the Control Center.
2. Desktop devices: Look for the DuckDuckGo VPN "globe" icon in the top-right menu bar (macOS) or the bottom-right taskbar menu (Windows). If the VPN is connected, you will see a small green lock on the globe icon.

Additionally, most operating systems have system settings for VPNs that display all the installed VPNs on that device. You can also check the status of each VPN there.  

To check that the VPN is working correctly when on, open a new tab in the DuckDuckGo browser and search, "What is my IP?" Confirm that the displayed IP address and location matches the one displayed in the VPN menu. You can then disable the VPN and repeat this search to confirm that your IP address and location revert back to your real IP address and location once the VPN is turned off.