VPN Troubleshooting: What To Do If VPN Stops Working [2024 Guide]

15 January 2024 |

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VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that allows you to create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. VPNs are useful for protecting your privacy, security, and online freedom, as they can hide your IP address, encrypt your data, and bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. However, VPNs are not flawless, and sometimes they may stop working properly.

In this post, we will show you how to troubleshoot VPN problems and fix them in a few easy steps.

VPN Troubleshooting: What VPN Problem Can It Solve?

VPN troubleshooting can solve various VPN problems, such as:

1. “VPN not connecting”

This means that your VPN software is unable to establish a connection with the VPN server, and you are left without VPN protection.

2. “VPN disconnecting”

This means that your VPN connection is unstable or interrupted, and you are exposed to your ISP or other third parties.

3. “VPN slowing down”

This means that your VPN connection is affecting your internet speed, and you are experiencing lag, buffering, or loading issues.

4. “VPN leaking”

This means that your VPN connection is not secure or reliable, and your IP address, DNS requests, or WebRTC data are exposed to your ISP or other third parties.

5. “VPN blocked”

This means that your VPN connection is detected or prevented by your ISP, network administrator, or website/service provider, and you are unable to access the content or service you want.

Why Do VPN Issues Arise?

VPN problems can have various causes, such as:

Internet connection: Your internet connection may be down, slow, or unstable, which can affect your VPN connection as well.
VPN server: Your VPN server may be overloaded, down, or far away, which can affect your VPN connection as well.
Your VPN settings: Your VPN settings may be incorrect, incompatible, or outdated, which can affect your VPN connection as well.
VPN software: Your VPN software may be buggy, corrupted, or outdated, which can affect your VPN connection as well.
Your device: Your device may have a low battery, insufficient memory, or conflicting apps, which can affect your VPN connection as well.
Firewall/antivirus: Your firewall or antivirus may be blocking or interfering with your VPN connection, which can affect your VPN connection as well.

VPN Troubleshooting: What To Do?

Depending on the cause of your VPN problem, you can try different VPN troubleshooting methods to fix it. Here are some VPN troubleshooting steps that you can take to troubleshoot VPN problems and fix them:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first thing you should do when your VPN stops working is to check your internet connection. Make sure that you are connected to the internet and that your internet speed is sufficient.

You can test your internet connection by opening a browser and visiting a website, such as Google or Bing. If the website loads fine, your internet connection is working. If not, you may need to troubleshoot your internet connection first.

2. Restart Your Device And VPN Software

Sometimes, a simple restart can solve many VPN problems. Restarting your device and VPN software can clear any temporary glitches, bugs, or cache issues that may affect your VPN connection. To restart your device and VPN software, follow these steps:

Turn off your VPN software and disconnect from the VPN server.
Switch off your device and wait for a few seconds.
Turn on your device and wait for it to boot up.
Switch on your VPN software and connect to the VPN server.

3. Change Your VPN Server Or Protocol

If your VPN server or protocol is the cause of your VPN problem, you can try changing them to see if that fixes the issue. Changing your VPN server or protocol can improve your VPN connection speed, stability, and security. To change your VPN server or protocol, follow these steps:

Open your VPN software and go to the server or protocol settings.
Choose a different VPN server or protocol from the list. You can try a server that is closer to your location, less crowded, or more optimized for your purpose.
You can also try a protocol that is faster, more secure, or more compatible with your network.
Connect to the VPN server or protocol and test your VPN connection.

4. Update Your VPN Software And Device

If your VPN software or device is outdated, it may cause VPN problems. Updating your VPN software and device can fix any bugs, vulnerabilities, or compatibility issues that may affect your VPN connection. To update your VPN software and device, follow these steps:

Open your VPN software and go to the update settings.
Check for any available updates and install them if there are any.
Open your device settings and go to the update settings.
Check for any available updates and install them if there are any.

5. Reinstall Your VPN software

If your VPN software is corrupted or damaged, it may cause VPN problems. Reinstalling your VPN software can fix any errors, conflicts, or missing files that may affect your VPN connection. To reinstall your VPN software, follow these steps:

Uninstall your VPN software from your device.
Download the latest version of your VPN software from the official website.
Install the VPN software on your device and follow the instructions.
Connect to the VPN server and test your VPN connection.

6. Check Your VPN Settings And Open Ports

If your VPN settings or open ports are incorrect or incompatible, they may cause VPN problems. Checking your VPN settings and open ports can ensure that your VPN connection is configured properly and not blocked by your network. To check your VPN settings and open ports, follow these steps:

Open your VPN software and go to the settings.
Check if your VPN settings are correct and compatible with your network. You can refer to your VPN provider’s website or customer support for the recommended settings.
Open your device settings and go to the network settings.
Check if your open ports are correct and compatible with your VPN protocol. You can refer to your VPN provider’s website or customer support for the recommended ports.

7. Disable Your Device Firewall Or Antivirus

If your firewall or antivirus is blocking or interfering with your VPN connection, it may cause VPN problems. Disabling your firewall or antivirus can allow your VPN connection to pass through without any obstruction or interference. To disable your firewall or antivirus, follow these steps:

Open your firewall or antivirus software and go to the settings.
Disable your firewall or antivirus temporarily, or add your VPN software as an exception.
Connect to the VPN server and test your VPN connection.

Conclusion

We hope that all the VPN troubleshooting steps above have helped you solve any issues you are having with your VPN. However, if you need any further assistance, comment below, and we will get back to you!

More Resources:

Debamalya Mukherjee

Debamalya is a professional content writer from Kolkata, India. Constantly improving himself in this industry for more than three years, he has amassed immense knowledge regarding his niches of writing tech and gaming articles. He loves spending time with his cats, along with playing every new PC action game as soon as possible.