The VPN industry is projected to reach US$137.7 Billion by 2030. People use VPNs for secure connections, better speeds, remote access, and fantastic gaming.
Don’t be terrified if you see: ‘VPN is not working.’ We have 4 proven VPN troubleshooting tips you must follow to keep going smoothly with your VPN.
Common VPN Issues You Can Experience
Some of the common issues we all can sometimes deal with while using VPNs are:
Slow Connection Speeds
Sometimes, when you use a VPN, your internet can slow down. This might happen because of a few reasons.
One reason could be that the server you’re connected to is far away, making data travel longer. Another reason is that the VPN’s encryption can add extra work for your computer.
Connection Drops
Sometimes, while using a VPN, you can experience connection drops. This could be because of the VPN’s kill switch feature, which helps to cut off your internet access if your VPN connection is affected. Another reason might be the slow communication with the server.
IP and DNS Leaks
When using a VPN, you expect your online activities to be private. But sometimes, your actual IP address or DNS could be leaked. This could expose your identity and make your online security vulnerable.
Knowing how to check for these leaks and stop them from happening is essential. Also, choosing a reliable VPN to keep your data private is vital.
Incompatibility with Streaming Services
Ever tried to watch your favorite show on Netflix while using a VPN and found it didn’t work? That’s because some streaming services block VPNs.
They want to ensure you watch their content in the correct region, and you think that your VPN is unsupportive.
4 Proven VPN Troubleshooting Tips for You
Some essential tips can help you run your VPN smoothly. Let’s have a look at them:
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Server Selection
Picking the correct server is crucial for your VPN to work smoothly. You might find it difficult to secure if you are connected to a very far away server experiencing downtime. For example, if a server in the USA has slowed down your connection, you might try Canada.
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Protocol Adjustment
By changing your VPN protocol, you can have better connectivity. VPNs offer protocols such as OpenVPN, Wireguard, IPsec, and more. You will find the protocols a VPN offers in the Settings.
Also, VPNs need specific ports to work well. If your ISP has blocked particular ports, the VPN connection might not work correctly.
Ports needed by a VPN:
TCP – 443
UDP – 500.
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Firewall and Antivirus Software
Firewalls and antivirus can block the VPN traffic, slowing or altogether dropping the connection. Restricting the firewall for a VPN client and turning off anti-virus can help your VPN connection to get restored.
- Click on the Windows search bar.
- Search for the “Control Panel”.
- In the Control Panel, Select “System and Security”.
- Select “Windows Defender Firewall”
- “Tap “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”.
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Restart Your VPN App
When you restart your VPN app, a new connection is made between your internet and a VPN. Close your VPN from all devices completely. Wait for a few seconds. Reconnect and check if it is working correctly or not.
Here Are Some More Tips to Troubleshoot Your VPN Connection
Here are some more tricks you can try if your VPN connection is not working:
- Monitor your internet connection.
- Reinstall the latest version of the VPN application.
- Contact VPN Support.
VPNs and Compatibility With Some Platforms
Ensuring your VPN is compatible with the website or service you intend to use is a smart move. It prevents future issues like being blocked or banned.
While VPNs are adept at bypassing geographic restrictions, websites can be just as cunning. Therefore, it’s vital to conduct your research before investing your money.
A particularly challenging site to access with a VPN is Netflix. Netflix is a prime reason many people opt for a VPN.
Why? Because with a VPN, you can theoretically watch Netflix content worldwide, granting access to movies, documentaries, and TV shows before they’re officially released in your country.
However, not all VPNs cooperate seamlessly with Netflix, so examining the provider’s website beforehand is prudent.
If your VPN isn’t Netflix-compatible, there’s no workaround; you’ll have to choose a VPN service that works with Netflix.
Tried Everything! But You Should Try the Following
Let’s talk about a somewhat advanced solution if you’ve tried everything and your VPN issues persist: flushing your DNS cache.
This can be necessary because VPNs enable you to bypass your internet service provider’s (ISP) DNS. However, your operating system may still retain cached DNS settings from when you weren’t using the VPN, causing conflicts.
On a Windows computer:
- Type “cmd” into the system search box in the lower-left corner of your screen.
- Right-click on “command prompt” and choose “Run as Administrator.”
- In the new window, input “ipconfig/flushdns” and press “Enter” on your keyboard.
For macOS devices:
- Click the Spotlight search button and type “Terminal.”
- When the Terminal application appears, double-click it.
- In the terminal, input the command “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” (without quotation marks).
- You’ll be required to enter your Mac’s password, which will clear the DNS cache.
Note: Please attempt other methods and then move to this one!
VPN Keeps Disconnecting: How to Fix It?
You are worried that your VPN is not connecting or disconnecting now and then. The steps mentioned below can help:
If your VPN frequently drops its connection, it’s likely due to an unstable internet connection. To prevent these disconnections, consider the following steps:
- Ensure your internet connection is consistent and robust.
- Experiment with connecting to a different VPN server located in another place.
- Test out a different DNS server. However, be aware that custom DNS servers can slightly increase the risk of a DNS leak.
- Try switching between various VPN protocols.
- Adjust your VPN settings to avoid disconnecting when inactivity or switching between networks.
- Check whether any firewall or antivirus software on your device is causing interference with your VPN connection.
- If the issues persist, contact your VPN provider’s customer support for additional assistance.
What’s Most Important?
You must choose a highly trusted VPN to minimize VPN problems and VPN connection issues. A reliable VPN is vital as it is accountable for safely processing your data.
Your choice should be a VPN with an extensive network worldwide, better security options, a range of VPN protocols, and a security audit policy.
Got a Clue!
VPNs have become a necessity, and so has their efficient usage. If you are experiencing VPN connection problems, go for a detailed review of its working and security features. If it still needs to be resolved, contact your service provider.
