Feb 01, 2024

A Troubleshooting Guide: Why Your VPN Won’t Connect and How to Fix It

A virtual private network (VPN) protects your connection to the Internet and helps mask your identity by hiding your IP address. It redirects traffic through a remote server from the VPN provider and encrypts data to prevent attackers from stealing it or seeing your activity online. Privacy is a big concern for online users. VPNs essentially ensure anonymity on the Internet and enhance privacy.

While a VPN can be great for online security, it can sometimes have issues. One of the most common problems is that it just won’t connect. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will take you through all the possible fixes for a VPN that won’t connect.

Common VPN Connection Issues

There can be countless possible causes behind a VPN not connecting such as server overload or downtime, an outdated application, configuration errors, or network issues. Here are some of the most common issues.

1. Problem: Incorrect Login Credentials

If you’ve received an error message that your login credentials are incorrect, this can prevent access to VPN services. This runs true for both free and paid VPNs.

Other than incorrect login details, expired subscriptions can also prevent access.

Solution: Verify and Update Account Details

Verify that you’re logged in with the same account you used to subscribe. If your account has been compromised, change your password immediately and inform the VPN provider. Make it a habit to change your password periodically.

Log out of devices that aren’t yours after using your VPN account.

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2. Problem: Connection Drops

If the VPN server isn’t responding, chances are it’s overloaded with requests to also connect. VPN servers don’t have an unlimited capacity for handling requests and often experience peak hours. This is known as a server overload.

It could also be experiencing downtime, meaning the service is not working. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as server overload too, maintenance, or technical failures. VPN providers often update their servers for security reasons which can cause them to temporarily not work.

Solution: Switch IP/Servers

If the server is down, it won’t receive traffic from your device. A quick fix to an unavailable VPN server is simply using another one. Most VPN providers offer servers from various locations worldwide. For instance, if you’re trying to connect through a server in North America, try changing it to a server in Europe or Asia and see if you’re successfully connected.

You may have to disconnect first, select a different server, and then connect.

3. Problem: Unable To Connect After A Settings Change

Let’s say you make an update (changing your IP address for example) to your network settings and your VPN fails to connect. Or even changing your Domain Name System for example.

The VPN configuration settings may have a problem. For instance, a mismatch in client and server protocol can result in the VPN not connecting or connecting but not working. A VPN protocol determines the tunnel, a secure pathway within a network, for transmitting data. Some of the protocols used by VPNs include OpenVPN, IPsec, and L2TP.

Similarly, a port that the VPN needs to send data may be blocked. Ports are assigned according to the type of traffic, for example, emails or web requests. Again, port use also depends on the protocol.

Solution: Review and Adjust Your Settings

Try changing certain settings such as your protocol. A VPN protocol is a set of rules that determines how your data travels from your device to the VPN server.

Changing the protocol used by the VPN can sometimes restore the connection and allow you to browse the web securely. This can also be helpful if you’re connected to the VPN, but the connection is lagging.

The exact steps to change the protocol for the VPN may differ by application and device.

Here are general guidelines for changing it:

Launch the VPN software on your device.
Go to Settings or Preferences.
Locate connection or protocol settings.
Select a different protocol from the one currently selected (for example, from IPsec to OpenVPN).
Save the changes.
Reconnect with VPN.

If you’re using a router-based VPN, you’ll need to log in to the router settings through the browser and change the protocol from the router settings.

4. Problem: Your Internet Connection Is Not Stable

If you’re experiencing VPN drops in areas with weak wifi signals, a common culprit of a VPN not working is network issues.

A VPN can only connect if your network is working. So, if there’s a problem with the Internet connection, you won’t be able to enable a VPN connection. Network issues, in turn, may be caused by disruptions from the Internet service provider (ISP) or a faulty router.

Solution: Stabilize Your Network Connection

Check your internet connectivity. If on Wi-Fi, ensure a strong signal or switch to a wired connection. Restarting your router is also a common way to stabilize your connection. You could also change your DNS server or update your firewall.

If all else fails, turning to your mobile hotspot can also help in the meantime at least.

5. Problem: The VPN Drops After Installing New Software

You just installed a new software on your computer and then your VPN drops. This can be frustrating and even concerning. This tends to happen due to conflicts between the new software and your VPN.

This could be explained by your antivirus or firewall program. These are designed to protect your device from threats, but can sometimes be over-protective and block VPNs from working. It may perceive the VPN as a threat.

Solution: Adjusting Security (Firewall) Settings

Try temporarily disabling the firewall and using a VPN. If the VPN connection is established, add it to the allowed or exclusion list in security settings and turn the firewall back on.

6. Problem: The VPN Is Not Updated

If you receive an error message that your VPN is not updated, that may just be causing the connection failure. It’s outdated!

This could be due to security or compatibility issues. Missing features and improvements and bug fixes may also explain why an outdated application may fail you.

Solution: Update Your VPN Application

It’s important to ensure your VPN software is updated. That not only ensures you face no connection issues but also offers the latest features and fixes any security vulnerabilities. To ensure you’re using the latest version of the application, check the version/release history on the official website, and compare the latest stable version number with what you have installed.

If it’s outdated, here’s how to reinstall the VPN software:

Uninstall the VPN application from your computer or mobile device.
Restart your device to ensure any data from the application is cleared.
Download and install the application from the website/store.
Launch the application and log in to your account.
Connect to a VPN server of your choice.

7. Problem: VPN Not Connecting On Mobile

If you’re using a VPN app on your mobile device, it might not work if it doesn’t support the network you’re connected to. One example could be from your workplace if it’s a corporate establishment with strict policies.

When your VPN refuses to connect to your mobile device, it could be due to issues like incompatible VPN protocols or app-specific settings. For instance, if you’re using a VPN app that doesn’t support the network you’re connected to (e.g., a strict corporate network), it may fail to establish a connection.

Solution: Check VPN Settings

You can try a few steps to solve the issue of VPN not connecting on mobile.

Step 1: Ensure you have the right VPN protocol in your app’s settings.

Some networks may require specific protocols.

Step 2: Check if the VPN app has all the necessary permissions to allow for internet access on your device.

Step 3: If you’re still experiencing issues, restart your mobile device.

Step 4: As a last option, you could also remove and then reinstall the VPN app from your device.

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Additional Considerations

1. My VPN is Too Slow

A slow VPN means your internet connection while using the VPN is slower than usual. This can make performing any actions very frustrating. It’s likely due to high server traffic or excessive encryption.

Here are the steps to solving the issue:

Try switching to a different server location that’s closer to you
The next step would be to change your VPN protocols (such as from OpenVPN to IKEv2 or L2TP) to see if one performs better
Check the speed of your internet to ensure this is not the issue
Lower the encryption level in your VPN settings – this will increase speed but lower security.

2. My VPN Isn’t Hiding my IP Address

If your VPN is not hiding your IP address, your online activities and location are exposed. This goes against the privacy and security efforts of using a VPN. It can stem from misconfigured VPN settings or other leaks.

Here are the steps to solving the issues:

Check that your VPN is actively connected
Perform a DNS leak test to check the requests are going through the VPN
Disable IPv6 in the network settings of your device
Enable a kill switch on your VPN if available – this ensures internet access is blocked with the VPN drops

3. My VPN App Won’t Open

This means you aren’t able to launch your VPN app on your device, and can’t establish a secure connection. This can be caused by app bugs or other issues with apps on your device. Outdated versions or corruptions can also be responsible.

Here are the steps to solving the issues:

Start by restarting your device – sometimes the simple method works best
Update the VPN app on your device, and make sure you have the latest version
Clear the cache and data on the VPN
Reinstall the app if all else fails

4. My VPN Is Blocked or Banned

Network-wide VPN bans take place when a specific network decides to block the VPN connection. This is common in government or corporate networks and makes it impossible to use a VPN on that network.

Here are the steps to solving the issues:

Try a different server location
Change your VPN protocol that might not be blocked
Used obfuscated servers – some VPN providers offer the ability to bypass restrictions

VPN Restrictions

Your workplace network, for example, may have specific VPN policies. While many businesses use VPNs to secure their data, they may restrict use to specific providers. They may also require you to connect to their VPN when working remotely. This helps prevent any kind of detrimental cyber attack.

Ensure you’re familiar with VPN usage policies in your workplace before installing an application and connecting with it. Always check the policies of your company with your IT manager.

Device-Specific Settings and Restrictions

It’s possible to restrict the use of VPNs to specific devices only. This is called device filtering, enabling the admin to select which devices can connect with a VPN server from a provider. As a result, only trusted devices can connect with the VPN server.

If you’re trying to connect to a VPN provided by another party (for example, your employer), ensure that your device is registered and trusted by the VPN application.

Network Devices and Their Role in VPN

Network infrastructure components, like routers and modems, play an important role in establishing a VPN connection. After all, the data is transmitted via these devices.

The router or modem should support the VPN protocol, and any built-in firewall features in the router should permit VPN traffic. Additionally, some routers also have built-in VPN capabilities, allowing them to establish remote private connections.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re still unable to connect to a VPN server, you should contact technical support from your VPN provider. It’s best to try the fixes suggested above before contacting support. Ensure that you have all the information ready to provide to a representative. Inform them about the fixes you’ve already tried.

You can also find helpful resources on community forums specific to the VPN provider and VPNs in general.

Conclusion

VPN connection issues can often be resolved by fixing network connection problems, switching servers or protocols, or updating the application. As a golden rule, update your VPN software regularly, as and when a new version is released. This ensures seamless connectivity and allows you to take advantage of new features. To have a trouble-free experience with a VPN, only choose the best VPN provider with solid infrastructure, a good track record, and a user-friendly interface.

FAQ

Q: What are the most common reasons for a VPN not connecting?

A: Incorrect login credentials, connection drops by server overloads, switching your IP or server, adding new software or updating something on your device, and an unstable network connection are highly common reasons that users might encounter with a VPN.

Q: How can I fix a VPN connection that keeps falling?

A: Basic checks such as verifying internet connectivity, trying different servers and advanced techniques like switching VPN protectors are some of the best troubleshooting information.

Q: Can a VPN affect the speed of my internet?

A: Yes, a VPN can sometimes affect your internet speed due to the encryption process that secures your data. The distance to the VPN server can also affect its speed. Here are 8 ways to speed up your VPN.