Most of the time, working with VPN is perfect. They're designed to be as easy as possible, so all you have to do is install them, log in, and hit connect. However, it is impossible to guarantee that you will always have a perfect experience. Some issues may just be annoying, but there are one or two that can actively compromise your privacy while using a VPN.
So whether your VPN occasionally crashes while you're surfing the web or you're unable to access a streaming service altogether, you're probably going to run into a problem that you'll need to resolve sooner or later. That's why I've put together a quick list of the five most common VPN problems, as well as some suggestions on how to solve them.
Read on and I'll guide you through these obstacles and give you practical tips to solve them. Of course, there's no solution to bad service, other than finding a replacement from the list of our top-rated VPNs.
1. Why isn't my VPN connecting?
Unfortunately, there are many different reasons why your VPN might not connect, but there are also many potential solutions. Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Evaluate your Internet connection: You should start by making sure that the Internet is working properly. It seems obvious, but most of the time it is like that. Run a speed test to see if you're getting the connectivity you expect. It may also be wise to reboot your router just to make sure it's not the culprit. If you still don't get a connection, you should switch to an Ethernet cable to see if your Wi-Fi settings are the root cause.
- Check firewall and antivirus settings: Your connection may be blocked by a firewall or overzealous antivirus programs. They occasionally block legitimate applications that require higher privileges, as is the case with some VPNs. Temporarily disable them or add your VPN app to the list of allowed programs to see if it resolves the issue.
- Inspect the VPN server: It could be that the problem has nothing to do with your own connection. Although VPN providers invest heavily in the quality of their servers, sometimes VPN servers can go down due to excessive congestion or for maintenance reasons. You should check your provider's status page, but switching to a different server within the app will usually fix this issue.
2. Why are my VPN speeds so slow?
Slow VPN speeds can be frustrating, especially if you're streaming or working with large files. Here's how to improve your VPN performance:
- Change VPN protocols: OpenVPN is, in almost all cases, significantly slower than other VPN protocols. Most top-tier VPN providers offer multiple VPN protocols within the app. I find that WireGuard generally offers the best speeds and has been thoroughly audited so you don't sacrifice security for speed.
- Connect to a nearby server: Switching to a VPN server that is physically close to your actual location reduces latency and usually means better speeds. When you do this, check your provider's server page to make sure it is a real server and not virtually geolocated; Otherwise, you will not receive the expected benefits.
- Upgrade to a paid VPN: If you're using a free VPN, your speeds may slow down, especially if you've used up your free bandwidth. Free VPNs also often lack the infrastructure to offer high speeds, while premium services typically offer faster, more reliable connections, so if you're not happy with your free speeds, it's time to upgrade.
3. Why can't my VPN unblock streaming services?
Accessing region-specific content is one of the most popular uses of a streaming VPN, but it doesn't always work perfectly. Here's what you should do if you can't access your favorite streaming service:
- Change server: Streaming platforms are aware that VPNs allow you to bypass geo-restrictions, so they periodically blacklist IP addresses associated with VPN servers. If you are blocked, try connecting to another server in the same region.
- Use servers optimized for streaming: Some VPNs offer dedicated servers for streaming. It depends on your provider, but they should be highlighted in your app's location picker.
- Contact customer support: VPN providers have a vested interest in keeping you connected to the streaming sites you want to access. If all else fails, contact your VPN provider for help. They will suggest a working server or escalate the problem to their engineers.
4. Why does my VPN keep disconnecting?
A VPN that disconnects frequently can compromise your privacy by exposing your data over an unencrypted line. Fix this problem with these steps:
- Stabilize your Internet connection: As before, you should check if the cause is your own Internet connection. This is usually a Wi-Fi issue, so switching to Ethernet can help.
- Change server: If you're sure it's not your own connection, the server you're connecting to could be the culprit. Try a different server to see if the problem persists.
- Use a different DNS server: Your DNS settings may be interfering with your VPN. Many VPN apps offer the option to change the DNS of their servers directly in their settings, but otherwise you will have to change them manually through your operating system.
- Enable the kill switch: Even if your VPN goes offline, enabling its kill switch ensures that it won't send any data over your default Internet connection. Please note that this means that you will not be able to send any data until you reconnect to the VPN.
5. Why isn't my VPN working with my phone?
Staying secure while traveling is vital, but sometimes you'll find that your mobile devices won't connect to a VPN (even if your desktop or laptop does). Here's how to troubleshoot your trusty mobile VPN:
- Grant the necessary permissions: You'll need to make sure the VPN app has the permissions it needs to work. This can usually be done through the phone's options menu and by checking your VPN in network settings.
- Keep your device and app up to date: Your VPN client may be outdated or incompatible with your phone's operating system. Updates can fix bugs and also improve compatibility, so look for regular updates for both your operating system and your VPN app.
- Try a different network: Some networks may restrict VPN use, so if the VPN doesn't work on your mobile data network, try connecting over Wi-Fi.