What Are VPN Logs? Understanding VPN Logging and No-Logs Policies

Amanda Knudsen

Last Updated: 07/01/25

When you connect to the internet through a VPN (Virtual Private Network), the service routes your data through secure servers. But even with this added protection, your online activity might still be recorded—depending on the VPN provider’s logging practices. These records are called VPN logs, and understanding what they are—and whether your VPN keeps them—is essential if you care about privacy.

Some VPNs keep detailed logs of what you do online such as user sign-in accounts, the number of users logging in from the same email or your IP address to the service. Others claim to have a “no-logs policy,” but that term isn’t always clear-cut. In this guide, we’ll break down what VPN logs are, the different types, how long they’re stored, and why choosing a provider with a genuine no-logs policy is crucial.

Types of VPN Logs

There are two main types of VPN logs: usage logs and connection logs.

Usage (Browsing) Logs

These are the most invasive type of logs and include details about your actual online activity while connected to the VPN. That might include:

• Websites you visit
• Files you download
• Your original IP address
• Search queries
• Apps you use
• Timestamps of your sessions

Any VPN that keeps usage logs can, in theory, build a profile of your internet behavior—and possibly share or sell that data. This is especially common with free VPN services, which sometimes monetize logs by selling them to advertisers or analytics firms.

Connection Logs

Connection logs are typically less intrusive. They record information such as:

• When you connect/disconnect to the VPN
• The VPN server location you used
• How long you were connected
• The amount of data transferred
• Your device or app used

While connection logs can help providers troubleshoot issues or enforce limits, they can still be used to correlate activity if matched with other data. Some VPNs log this info temporarily; others retain it for days or weeks.

What Is a VPN No-Logs Policy?

A no-logs policy means the VPN provider does not collect or store any information about your online activity while you’re using the VPN.

In simple terms:

A no-logs VPN doesn’t track what websites you visit, what you download, your IP address, or any identifiable data about you.

Many providers claim to offer no-logs policies, but the level of logging can vary. Some VPNs won’t log usage data, but might still retain basic connection logs like timestamps or bandwidth used.

That’s why it’s important to look beyond the marketing language. Truly privacy-focused VPNs often:

• Clearly define what they don’t log in their privacy policies
• Use RAM-only servers that automatically wipe data after reboots
• Undergo independent audits to verify their claims

Example: When Turkish authorities seized ExpressVPN servers in 2017, they found no user data—backing up the provider’s strict no-logs promise.

Why Are VPN No-Logs Policies Important?

Using a VPN is about protecting your privacy. But if your VPN logs your activity, your data is still at risk.

Here’s why a no-logs policy matters:

• Protects your privacy: No stored data means there’s nothing to leak, hack, subpoena, or sell.
• Stops profiling: Advertisers, governments, or hackers can’t build a dossier on your behavior.
• Reduces legal risk: Even under pressure from authorities, a true no-logs VPN has nothing to hand over.
• Boosts trust: Transparent providers that pass independent audits earn user confidence.

Real-World Warning: In 2017, PureVPN provided user logs to the FBI in a cyberstalking case—even though it advertised a no-logs policy. This shows that marketing promises don’t always match reality.

How Long Do VPNs Store Logs?

VPNs that keep logs often have different retention policies—some purge data within hours, others store it for months.

Here’s how log retention typically works:

• No retention: Data is discarded immediately or kept in RAM, which resets with every reboot.
• Short-term retention: Data kept for 1–30 days, often for maintenance or security.
• Long-term retention: Data kept for 6+ months, sometimes indefinitely.

Many VPNs don’t clearly state how long they keep logs. And even “no-logs” VPNs might retain minimal session data temporarily to enforce limits (like device count or bandwidth caps).

Always read the fine print—and look for providers that back up their claims with audit reports or court-tested cases.

When you use a VPN to search the internet, you trust your provider with a wealth of sensitive data.

Your VPN provider could track and store your IP address, server location collection, and even the websites you visit, depending on its logging policy. In short, if compelled to do so, there are hundreds of sensitive logs that a VPN can collect and share.

The logging policies of the 90% most common VPN providers on the market have been fact-checked. Some of the most common VPN providers also collect their users’ web activities and share this data with third parties. Typical VPN providers’ logging policies are often ambiguous, confusing, or deceptive.

Why Do Some VPNs Keep Logs?

VPN providers may log data for operational reasons. Common justifications include:

1. Device Limit Enforcement

Limiting the number of devices used for a subscription is one of the most significant factors for keeping logs. Almost every VPN imposes restrictions on the number of concurrent connections used with a subscription. This is necessary for them to enforce connection and system limitations (at least when you are connected to the service).

2. Bandwidth Limiting

Bandwidth constraints often necessitate logging. Logging is essential to restrict the amount of bandwidth an account uses. If any VPN has bandwidth limitations and appears to be a VPN without logs, this should pose some concerns.

3. Logging with Rental Servers (VPS)

Several VPNs employ virtual rental servers (Virtual Private Servers). A VPS is much more inexpensive than a dedicated (bare metal) server, but this raises some issues from a privacy perspective.

The issue is that rental servers will always keep server activity logs. Also, local authorities may likely compel a server host to log data. In this scenario, a foreign VPN company’s “no logs” policies mean nothing; local officials will go straight to the datacenter to get everything they need.

4. Legal Compliance

In some countries, VPNs are legally required to log user data. Laws like the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act can force providers to cooperate with surveillance.

5. Troubleshooting Issues and VPN Efficiency Optimization

VPN providers also claim that they log connection data to help them resolve service issues and improve their network. While running a fast, stable, and reliable VPN service does not inherently require most VPNs to maintain logging, at least some necessary connection logs keep everything working well.

Note: A reputable VPN will disclose any of this in its privacy policy—and ideally avoid such practices altogether.

How Do VPNs Delete or Recycle Logs?

VPNs that do keep some logs usually implement data recycling, meaning they automatically delete old records after a set time.

Think of it like a DVR that keeps only your last 15 shows—once you record a new one, the oldest gets erased.

Depending on the provider, logs may be:

• Stored only in RAM (volatile memory, wiped on reboot)
• Automatically deleted every X hours/days
• Overwritten in rolling fashion (e.g., only last 30 days are stored)

This is better than indefinite storage—but it’s not the same as a true no-logs policy.

How to Choose a VPN with a Real No-Logs Policy

Not all “no-logs” claims are created equal. Here’s how you can spot a VPN with a real commitment to privacy:

Look for providers that:

• Undergo independent no-logs audits (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark)
• Have RAM-only servers that can’t store persistent data
• Have a clear, jargon-free privacy policy
• Have been tested in court or real-world incidents and upheld their no-logs stance

Pro Tip: Search “[VPN name] audit” or “[VPN name] logging policy” to see if others have verified their claims.

Conclusion

Using a VPN is a smart way to protect your online privacy—but not all VPNs are equally private. Many collect logs about your connection or activity, and not all “no-logs” claims are trustworthy.

If privacy is your priority, look for VPNs with transparent no-logs policies, independent audits, and strong track records. With the right provider, you can rest easier knowing your digital footprint isn’t being tracked, stored, or sold.

FAQ: Common Questions About VPN Logs