What Does Your Internet Provider See When You Use a VPN?

Many people use VPNs to speed up and secure their internet connection. Users are concerned that, in theory, anyone could track their regular traffic and see which files they download, which websites they visit, and for what purpose. But what exactly does your internet service provider (ISP) see when you connect through a virtual private network (VPN)?

For the purposes of this article, confidential information includes not only your messages with other users, but also the websites you visit, files you download, and your search history.

What Your ISP Can See When You Use a VPN

• VPN Connection: The provider will see that you are connected to a VPN server, but will not know what you are doing online. The information is encrypted and inaccessible to the ISP.
• Server IP Address: The provider can tell that data is being sent from your device to a VPN server, but cannot see where your data goes after that.
• Traffic Usage: The provider can see the amount of data sent and received, but not its contents.
• Connection Times: The ISP can see when you connect to and disconnect from the internet.
• VPN Protocols and Ports: The provider can tell that a VPN is being used because of the specific ports and protocols associated with virtual private networks.

Your ISP Cannot See Your Confidential Information When Using a VPN

Here’s what your provider cannot see:

• The websites you visit
• The files you download
• What you post on social media
• Your search history