Why Your VPN Is Not Connecting and How To Fix It

VPNs are a great tool to protect your data and online activity. Although this is an easy way to deploy privacy measures, there will be moments when the VPN is not functioning properly. It can be quite stressful to deal with VPN issues when your security is on the line. The good news is that most of these issues can easily be resolved with a bit of research and troubleshooting.

Why Do People Use VPNs?

The main reasons people use VPNs are to ensure privacy and anonymity. VPNs use encryption and protocols to keep your data, activities, and IP address safe from prying eyes.

The most common instances where people use VPNs are:

• When using public Wi-Fi.
• When accessing sensitive business or personal information.
• To get access to geo-restricted content.

It is important to choose a good VPN that provides good speed, privacy, and security. A good VPN will also not sell your data or browsing history to any third parties.

Common VPN Connection Problems

Usually, when a VPN issue pops up, it is one of a few common VPN problems:

Internet Connection

If your connection is out, your VPN will not work at all. Additionally, if your internet connection is very slow or your bandwidth is not large enough, it can cause your VPN to not work properly.

Issues With The Servers

It is possible that some of the servers can be overloaded or experiencing maintenance, which means your VPN will not work with that specific server.

Your FireWall Or AntiVirus Is Giving Issues

There can be instances where your firewall or antivirus is working overtime and blocking any activity from your VPN, as it perceives it as a potential threat.

Your Software Needs Updating

Your VPN is like any other app and needs to be updated regularly. If you missed the most recent update, it might affect the way your VPN is working.

Account Issues

Perhaps you have forgotten to renew your subscription, or maybe something went wrong with your last payment. This can cause your usage to be paused.

How To Fix A VPN That’s Not Working?

Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you figure out why your VPN isn’t working. These steps are very easy to follow:

Check Your Internet

Your VPN needs a stable internet connection to work. Start by checking your internet speed by doing a speed test. If your internet is slower than usual or not working, try restarting your router. If your internet is still slow or not working, it’s time to call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for assistance.

Check Your Firewall

If your firewall is blocking your VPN connection, you will need to reconfigure your firewall settings or temporarily disable your firewall until your VPN makes a connection.

Check The Server

Try changing the location of the server you are connecting to.

Change The VPN Protocols

Some VPNs offer different protocol options. Choose a different protocol and see if your VPN works better. Some protocols are less secure, so make sure to switch it back when you are done using the VPN.

Update Your VPN

Make sure your VPN is updated and that you have installed the latest version. You can check for updates in your app store or on the relevant website where you purchased your VPN. Try your VPN again once it has been updated.

Reinstall Your VPN

Sometimes, it can help to delete your VPN app and reinstall it. This way, you can log in again from scratch. Once you have logged in again, try to see if your VPN is working now.

Get Help

Most paid and professional VPN services offer customer care services to their clients for exactly this reason. They will have some troubleshooting tips of their own that you can try.

Why Is My VPN Not Connecting While I’m On Wi-Fi?

The most common reason for this issue is usually connectivity problems. It will be beneficial to do a speed test to check if your internet speed is too slow. Next, you can restart your router and test your internet speed again. If the issue persists, you will need to contact your ISP provider.

Why Do Streaming Services Block My VPN?

There are multiple reasons why streaming services block VPNs. Some common reasons include the need to uphold licensing agreements that restrict certain content in some countries or to prevent people from misusing free trials. Some troubleshooting tips you can try are restarting the streaming service after you’ve chosen a server or changing the location of the server.

Why Is My VPN Browser Extension Not Working? 

This sometimes happens when your VPN extension is not compatible with the browser you use. It may be possible that this can be fixed by updating your browser or trying a different browser. Alternatively, some websites automatically block VPN traffic to protect their site, meaning that you will not be able to visit that site when using a VPN.

Troubleshoot Your VPN Like a Pro

Troubleshooting your VPN does not have to cause headaches. Usually, it is an easy fix that you can do yourself. Sometimes a simple action, like restarting your internet, updating your VPN, or reinstalling your VPN, can fix the problem easily. For people using a reputable VPN service, you will usually have access to 24/7 customer care services that can help you if your efforts do not succeed.