| Updated: November 30, 2024
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The easiest thing you can do is contact your VPN provider if your VPN is not working. However, there are a few quick fixes that I have discussed in this article that can fix your VPN once and for all. Here are the most common issues VPN users face:
Premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN don’t have these issues. If your are using them and still face similar issues, contact their 24/7 customer support team.
With the rise in cyber threats, VPNs have become essential tools for ensuring your safety and security online. However, after spending hours researching the right VPN for your needs on trusted sources like VPNforWhat.com, it can be incredibly frustrating if your VPN still isn’t working as expected.
Failed VPN connections may occur due to unstable internet connections, outdated applications, VPN blockage by your ISP or firewall, etc. Don’t worry; I will discuss the most common issues faced with VPNs and how you can easily fix them.
A VPN hides your IP address, encrypts your data via secure tunneling, and lets you access geo-restricted websites and OTT platforms, making it useful software. According to research, most people use VPNs for online privacy, followed by secure browsing. Additionally, the software lets you unblock streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Max, etc.
Here are the most common errors faced by VPN users:
Here are some quick fixes to resolve the above-mentioned VPN issues:
If your VPN is still not working, check out these specific issues with solutions.
Your VPN may not be working due to misconfiguration, an outdated VPN application, or your firewall blocking the VPN. Follow the steps mentioned above to rectify this issue.
If the issue persists, then here are a few solutions:
Your internet traffic uses different ports for sending and receiving information. The port for web browsing is different than the one used for sending an email. VPNs usually use port 443 TCP and 1194 TCP/UDP. Here is how you can check and configure your VPN ports:
Note: Changing ports manually can cause other browsing issues. I strongly recommend contacting your ISP and VPN provider before taking this step.
A kill switch is designed to cut off your access to the internet when the VPN is not connected. This feature adds a second layer of security to your devices and helps prevent data leakages. Here are the steps to disable the kill switch and check if your internet connectivity is restored:
A VPN kill switch starts working when your PC is switched on. If your internet connectivity is restored by disabling the kill switch, contact your VPN provider to resolve this issue.
Several factors can contribute to a slow VPN connection. Your internet connection might be inherently slow, or the server you’re connected to could be overcrowded with users. Additionally, it’s important to remember that VPNs typically reduce internet speed to some extent because your data is routed through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server and back.
Here are a few steps to speed up your internet with VPNs:
There are two reasons a VPN server is providing slow internet speed.
1- Busy server: Too many users are using the same server. This is often observed in free VPNs which offers limited servers to free users.
2- Distant server: The distance between you and the VPN server you have connected matters on the internet speed. It takes time to send your traffic around the globe to a VPN server and back to your devices. I advise VPN users to connect to a closer location and select the best VPN servers at the optimum speed.
Changing your VPN server can increase your internet speed. This mattes a lot if you are into gaming and cant afford a lower ping rate.
A VPN protocols is a set of rules which encrytps your data and sent it to the VPN server via secure tunnel. Some VPN protocols offer great encryption at the cost of speed which is good if you are dealing with sensitive data and important files.
However if your VPN usage is like a regular VPN user who wants to hide their IP address or unblock content. I prefer using WireGuard whcih offers tight security and fast speed. You can also use the OpenVPN which is tired and tested by thrid parties for speed and security.
This VPN protocol is offered by most modern VPN provider. ExpressVPN’s lightway protocol and NordVPN’s NordLynx are modified version of WireGuard VPN protocol. Here are a few popular VPN protocols offered by modern VPN providers with their benefits.
Premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer thousands of servers worldwide, allowing you to connect to different servers within the same country or city. For example, ExpressVPN provides three server options in New Jersey and five in Los Angeles, enabling you to switch servers while staying connected to the same location.
NordVPN and Surfshark also offer multiple servers in the same city. Therefore, investing in a premium VPN is recommended to get decent internet speed.
If you are facing slow speed with a VPN, even with premium VPNs, I recommend checking your internet usage. Here are a few ways to speed up your internet connection:
Streaming services and OTT platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video use advanced systems to detect and block VPN usage. This is done to enforce copyright restrictions for movies and TV shows that don’t have global streaming rights.
Netflix and other streaming platforms will give you the infamous VPN-detected error and ask you to turn it off to continue watching. The best thing you can do is to use a premium VPN that offers residential IP addresses.
Premium and paid VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN refresh their IP address and use a pool of residential IPs, making it impossible for streaming platforms to detect them. However, sometimes the IP address or VPN server won’t respond, and your Netflix library will not be changed; in that case, you need to clear your device cache or connect to a different server in the same country.
Here are more hacks to unblock and access streaming platforms and OTT services.
Your browser can store your location and history. It is best to clear your browser history and cache when facing a Hulu or Netflix proxy error. Different browsers have different settings; here is how you can clear your browser cache and cookies using Google Chrome:
An obfuscated VPN server uses special encryption to make your traffic look like normal internet traffic. This way, you can use a VPN in countries where VPNs are illegal and access streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video.
Most premium VPNs offer obfuscated servers that encrypt your traffic using SSL/SSH encryption so that it looks normal and VPN metadata is hidden. NordVPN and Surfshark offers this feature in their regular VPN package. NordVPN has placed this special server in the United States, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands, which can bypass the strongest firewalls.
Contacting your VPN provider’s customer support department is sometimes the best way to access streaming platforms. You don’t have to clear your browser cache or switch to a obfuscated server, instead the customer support team will resolve your problem.
ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark have 24/7 live chat support, which will resolve your issue in no time.
This issue can arise due to two main reasons:
Here is what you need to do to send emails with a VPN enabled.
The best you can do to mitigate and exterminate the email issue is to get a dedicated IP address with your VPN. Email providers usually block VPNs as part of security measures; their system thinks that it is a hacker or cyber criminal who is trying to access your inbox, which results in VPN IP blockage.
If you are low on budget and cannot afford a dedicated IP, you can resolve this issue by changing your VPN server and IP address.
Sometimes, VPNs block ports that are used by email providers. Most modern VPN providers block TCP port 25 inorder to save you from unwanted spam. Switch to a more secure port like port 587 or 465 if you want to use the email service with VPNs.
Another solution is to use split tunneling. By adding your email app to the split tunneling list in your VPN client, its traffic will bypass the encrypted tunnel, allowing the app to function properly.
Most VPN providers include the split tunneling feature in their standard subscription. However, keep in mind that using it for sending and receiving emails may reduce the security of your email traffic.
VPNs typically rely on specific ports, like 1194 TCP/UDP or 443 TCP, and if these are blocked by your ISP or router, the connection won’t work. Just for your information most VPNs uses these ports to send nad receive data.
Here’s how to resolve the issue:
Follow these steps if your VPN is not working with mobile data:
If you are unable to log in with your credentials, follow these steps:
I have encountered these VPN issues myself and found the fixes mentioned above to be highly effective. While most VPN problems can be resolved with these solutions, if they don’t work, you should contact your VPN provider’s customer support. VPNs are generally plug-and-play software, so such issues are relatively rare.
That said, I often face streaming-related issues, which I typically resolve by switching servers, clearing my browser cache, or using obfuscated servers.
I have used and tested many VPNs, free and paid both and usually a good VPN service can take 3-5 seconds to connect to your desired server.
However, there are factors affecting the connecting time, which are:
Premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have several servers in a single location to mitigate these issues.
If your VPN isn’t connecting, the problem usually comes from one of three sources: the VPN software, your network connection, or your device settings.
To fix it, check that your VPN app is up-to-date and reset it to default settings if needed. Confirm that your internet connection works without the VPN.
Finally, ensure your device’s network settings allow the VPN to connect and that no other apps are interfering with the connection.
Avast and McAfee are well-known for their antivirus solutions, and while they’ve introduced VPNs over the years, I wouldn’t recommend using them.
I personally prefer premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN for tasks such as hiding my IP address and unblocking restricted content.
This isn’t about issues like Avast VPN not working with Firefox or McAfee VPN struggling with Netflix. It’s simply my preference to use specialized software designed specifically for these tasks.
Connect to a VPN server and open a website in your browser. If you can browse the internet, your VPN is functioning.
However, it’s important to verify your IP address before and after connecting to the VPN. If your IP address changes after connecting, the VPN works as expected. For a more detailed approach, check out our comprehensive guide on how to test your VPN.
You intenet connection is disconneted after enabling VPN on your device can be becasue of several reasons. It can happen if the VPN is misconfigured, antivirus or firewall is blocking the VPN or VPN app needs an update.
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
