To help you solve the most common issues, I’ve created an easy troubleshooting guide for patchy VPN connections. Although these fixes only take a couple of minutes, you should also use a quality VPN to reduce and even eliminate connection errors. ExpressVPN is the #1 VPN for reliable and smooth connections with its best-in-class global infrastructure. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can buy with confidence. When I tested the refund policy, an agent quickly approved my cancellation request over 24/7 live chat. I had my money back in only 5 days. Try ExpressVPN for stable connections
Quick Guide: Common VPN Connection Issues (and How to Fix Them)
Get a reliable connection with ExpressVPN
How to Stop a VPN From Disconnecting Frequently
1. Change DNS Servers
A DNS server connects you to your desired online page by translating domain names (WizCase.com) to IP addresses (192.0.2.1). Many premium VPNs operate private DNS networks for additional security — but some also let you configure your own DNS servers. For example, Private Internet Access has DNS customization options in its app. Unfortunately, setting up a custom DNS server can weaken your security and leak DNS requests. You should only change your DNS settings if you have some technical knowledge of how it works.
2. Connect to a Different Network
More often than not, your VPN simply isn’t working because of a poor internet connection. Try connecting to the internet from a friend’s house or using public WiFi, then test your VPN. You can also test your base speed (internet speed when VPN isn’t connected) to see if your network’s performing at the expected level. If your connection is dropping or unstable, you’ll know it’s your internet, not the VPN. In this case, contact or consider changing your ISP.
3. Change VPN Protocols
A VPN protocol is a set of instructions that determines how data will travel from your device to a VPN server. Different protocols excel at security, speed, or a combination of both. OpenVPN and WireGuard are the best options to improve speeds if you have connection issues. Other protocols include IKEv2 (best for mobile devices) and L2TP/IPSec (higher compatibility). ExpressVPN offers multiple protocols, including its proprietary Lightway protocol. You’ll find all ExpressVPN’s options under its Protocol tab.
4. Switch IP Protocols
IP protocols are sets of rules that route and address data packets so they can arrive at the intended destination. Typically, VPNs operate using 1 of 2 IP protocols: UDP (User Datagram Protocol) or TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). UDP is faster, reducing the time it takes for your data to reach its recipient. Meanwhile, TCP is much more stable and secure but slower. Your VPN will automatically decide which IP protocol is better, depending on your internet connection. However, if your VPN frequently disconnects, I suggest manually choosing the TCP protocol. This is because TCP creates stable connections even on unreliable networks, resulting in fewer disconnections. Most VPNs make it easy to choose between TCP/UDP for OpenVPN — you should find the option in the app’s protocol menu. Some VPNs even have more than one TCP option. For example, ExpressVPN has a TCP connection for its proprietary Lightway protocol and OpenVPN.
5. Change Ports
A port is a start and end point for network connections and communication. Because VPNs only use 1 port to connect to a server at any given time, the ports can get overloaded, which results in disconnections and poor speed. You can manually route your VPN connection through a different port to combat this issue. Remember only to attempt this if you’re tech-savvy — especially if your VPN is set up directly through your computer software and not a custom app. Changing a port could alter registry files, which is inherently risky. If unsure, contact your VPN’s customer support and ask for advice. Some VPNs do make it easy to change ports. For example, Private Internet Access lets you change ports in-app. It also has simple guides on its website for you to follow, so you can switch ports without exposing your device to online risks.
6. Change the Encryption Level
Encryption is one of the best ways to protect sensitive data. It scrambles plain text into cipher text that only authorized parties can access and understand. Most premium VPNs use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cipher, which the US government also employs to protect classified information. Presently AES-256 bit is the most secure encryption level, but some VPNs give you the option of AES-128. While AES-128 is not as foolproof as AES-256, it’s faster and can help prevent connection issues.
7. Enable Obfuscation/Stealth Mode
Many VPNs can’t reliably bypass strict government firewalls in countries with internet censorship. These censors spot and block VPN traffic and may be why your VPN disconnects frequently. Obfuscation fixes this by masking VPN traffic as regular ISP traffic. A properly obfuscated connection will bypass the strictest firewalls in countries like China and advanced anti-VPN technology used by Netflix and other streaming services. To avoid being blocked from the internet when you travel to China, the UAE, Russia, and other highly-regulated countries, get a premium VPN like ExpressVPN with obfuscation on all servers. Some other VPNs let you manually turn on stealth mode. For example, PrivateVPN has Stealth VPN — toggle the feature on from Advanced View to obfuscate your connection.
8. Disable Multi-Hop Servers
If you have a slow or unstable internet connection, enabling Multi-hop servers may cause your VPN to keep disconnecting. The Multi-Hop feature routes your internet traffic through 2 different VPN servers, making it harder for your DNS requests and original IP address to leak. However, the trade-off is your connections get slower since your data takes twice as long to reach the intended destination. A one-way VPN connection offers adequate security and privacy benefits for the average user. So, if you are not a dissident in hiding, or trying to protect sensitive information, consider disabling Multi-hop for more reliable connections.
9. Disable Trusted Networks
Some VPNs let you create custom rules that automatically connect or disconnect the VPN when using specific networks. If you enable the Trusted Networks feature, marking a WiFi network as safe will always disconnect your VPN when you’re within the network’s range. To avoid unexpected VPN disconnections and for utmost security, disable Trusted Networks. You can easily enable or disable the feature on CyberGhost — just go to Smart rules to change your Known WiFi network settings. Get a reliable connection with ExpressVPN
How to Fix a VPN With Slow Speeds
1. Get a Fast VPN
A VPN slows down your internet speed because it takes time to encrypt your data and your internet traffic travels from your device to the VPN’s server and back. However, the best VPNs in 2023 minimize speed loss, so you barely notice any slowdown. A premium service like ExpressVPN has a high-speed global server network, guaranteed data security, and fast speeds. I ran tests on servers in the US, UK, France, Australia, Germany, and Japan. Each time, I connected to a server within seconds. Unlike other poor-quality VPNs (and even free VPNs), I never had any server connection issues with ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a Different Server
To get the best possible speeds, always connect to a server close to your actual location. As your internet traffic has to travel to the VPN’s remote server, you may experience delays if the server is far away. Another reason to switch servers is overcrowding. When too many users connect to a single server, it performs poorly, gets laggy, and may cause your connection to drop. If you travel abroad and want to access your Netflix account, switch between servers to find one that works best. Some VPNs, like PIA, even show you the latency on each server so you can connect to the fastest available option.
3. Use an Ethernet Cable
Try this option if you usually connect to the internet over your WiFi network. Using an ethernet cable creates a direct line between your device and router. This direct link improves internet speeds as you won’t have to deal with potentially unstable WiFi connections.
4. Check Your Internet Speed
You can use a free online speed test, like Speedtest by Ookla, to check your base speed. If your internet speed is much slower than expected, I recommend resetting your router. If this doesn’t fix the issue, you should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if your internet has a problem.
5. Experiment With Packet Sizes/MTU Settings
A ‘packet’ is a unit of data sent between your device and the destination server. The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) is the largest packet size that you can send in a single-layer transaction. Ideally, a large MTU is more efficient since it sends bigger data packets in a small amount of time. However, a large MTU can cause congestion if your network is slow — it occupies the connection for longer, delaying other data packets. Setting a small MTU lets you reduce network delays by sending smaller data packets more frequently. Some VPNs allow you to customize MTU settings. For instance, you can change CyberGhost’s MTU from its default setting to “Small.” It can improve overall VPN performance and provide a smoother connection despite unstable networks. Get a fast connection with ExpressVPN
How to Troubleshoot a VPN That Won’t Connect
1. Confirm Your VPN Login Details
Sometimes the solution you’re looking for is easy — you might’ve accidentally mistyped your username or password. If you’re sure the details are correct, try resetting your password and attempt to connect again to see if that works. To avoid accidental mistypes, get a VPN with a password manager. CyberGhost has a password manager add-on (PassCamp), that’ll protect your passwords and help you keep track of your online accounts. If nothing else works, resetting your network settings on mobile might help your VPN connect properly.
Reset Connection Settings on Android
Reset Connection Settings on iOS
2. Temporarily Disable Your Firewall
Firewalls can be overzealous and stop your VPN from connecting to the internet. They can blocklist specific IP ranges to protect your device and network from cyberattacks. Network administrators can also set firewalls to block connections from the ports a VPN would typically use. Try temporarily disabling your firewall to see if that fixes your connection issue. If you can use the VPN after disabling your firewall, you should manually add it to the firewall’s safe list. Note that if your firewall carries out deep packet inspection, it could detect and end connections running most VPN protocols (such as OpenVPN).
3. Pause Your Antivirus
VPNs don’t always work seamlessly with other software, and antiviruses are common culprits when a VPN can’t connect. Like firewalls, antivirus software can be particularly stringent and block your VPN as a potential security risk. Pause your antivirus and see if your VPN works — if so, you need to add the VPN to your antivirus’ safe list. Remember to reactivate your antivirus afterward to protect your device from cyber threats.
4. Update Network Drivers Manually
The TAP adapter is a network driver that enables a VPN to connect to its servers. Occasionally, your VPN’s TAP adapter may develop issues stopping it from creating a stable server connection. If the TAP driver isn’t working correctly or needs an update, it can interfere with your VPN connection. Here’s how you can update your TAP driver:
Manually Update Your VPN’s TAP Adapter on Windows
5. Disable Battery Saver Mode
VPNs need to maintain an active connection with servers to work effectively. As a result, they use considerable CPU power and are often the first software your battery saver freezes. Battery optimization conserves power on your device, but can negatively affect VPN performance since it cuts off most CPU-intensive apps. To disable your battery saver go to your device’s battery settings. You’ll usually find them under Battery or Advanced settings.
Disable Power Saving on Android
Disable Power Saving on iOS
Disable Power Saving on Windows
Disable Power Saving on macOS
6. Contact Customer Support
Most premium VPNs offer 24/7 customer support via live chat or email to help you fix issues as they arise. More often than not, connection troubles aren’t your fault, and there are experts on-hand to help. For example, I’ve previously contacted customer support for an issue, and they informed me the VPN was already aware and fixing the problem. Stay connected with ExpressVPN
How to Fix VPN Software Crashes
1. Check Your VPN Software Version
VPN apps automatically prompt you when software upgrades are available. However, if you click “Ask Me Again Later” and forget to update your app, you could miss critical fixes in the newer version. Keeping your VPN client up-to-date will help you avoid software crashes and connection problems. It’ll also keep your software running at the highest security level, as updates may include patches for vulnerabilities. If you still have connection issues and your VPN won’t launch, try clearing its app cache. Cached data can slow your device and even stop your VPN from updating. Here’s how to clear a VPN’s cache on mobile:
Clear VPN App’s Cache on Android
Clear VPN App’s Cache on iOS
2. Reinstall the VPN Client
Sometimes errors occur during installation and can affect your VPN’s operation. If this happens, try uninstalling the software and reinstalling it directly from the VPN’s official website. Reliable VPN services like ExpressVPN have regular software updates to ensure smooth performance. Plus, its installation process is quick and easy — it took me less than 5 minutes to download and set up ExpressVPN, and it was ready to connect immediately.
3. Reset the VPN Settings
This straightforward fix is even easier when you use a top-tier service like CyberGhost. It has a “Reset to default” button on Windows that instantly takes it back to factory settings. If your VPN doesn’t have a button, follow these steps to reset settings back to default:
4. Remove Old VPN Software
If you’ve tested several VPNs over time, you might still have old VPN software on your device. Having multiple VPN clients can cause connection issues, especially if you configure some to auto-connect during network changes or when your device boots up. This can stop your preferred VPN from connecting to its servers, as the conflicting apps won’t allow more than 1 encrypted connection. To fix this, remove any old or unwanted VPN software from your device. Ensure you complete the uninstallation process (don’t just delete the files).
5. Restart or Change Your Device
Always try the easiest fix when in doubt: turn your device off and on again. It could be overheating or have too many processes running at once, affecting your VPN’s performance. You should also confirm that the VPN works with your device. ExpressVPN has dedicated apps for all popular operating systems if you need a new VPN. You can even set it up on game consoles and smart TVs. Remember to update your device software so it works properly with the VPN. Try ExpressVPN for reliable connections
The Best VPNs for Reliable Connections in January 2023
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Reliable and Fast Connections
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the best VPN for fast and reliable connections. Its high-speed 10Gbps server infrastructure reduces the risk of congestion and delivers stable VPN connections. I also tested ExpressVPN’s servers in multiple countries, and my speeds were consistently fast. On average, it slowed me down by only 18%, even when I connected to distant servers — a virtually unnoticeable drop in speed.
With over 3000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN is ideal for browsing, streaming, torrenting, and online gaming from anywhere. I found that ExpressVPN’s servers reliably access Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, and other location-restricted streaming platforms. ExpressVPN also unblocks: I could play high-intensity games online without experiencing any lag on ExpressVPN’s servers. It also optimizes all its servers for P2P file-sharing, so if you enjoy torrenting, you won’t have to waste time searching for a good server. I downloaded a 40 GB file in just over an hour, and the connection remained steady. However, my team and I don’t condone illegal torrenting, so check the regulations in your country and avoid torrenting copyrighted materials. ExpressVPN supports a wide range of platforms with native apps, making it easy to customize and configure your settings. I was equally impressed with its 24/7 live chat and email service — the responses were fast and helpful. In addition to excellent customer support, ExpressVPN offers advanced security features, including:
Network Lock kill switch: Conceals your browsing activity even if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly. Military-grade encryption: ExpressVPN secures all its servers with 256-bit encryption to prevent hackers from stealing your data or monitoring your activities. RAM-based servers: TrustedServer technology uses RAM-based servers that don’t store your data or internet activity. Private DNS servers: ExpressVPN runs its DNS servers, making it hard for your browsing activity to leak — not to your ISP or governmental organizations. Obfuscation: A network of obfuscated servers helps you bypass tough firewalls in countries like China and Russia so you can access popular sites.
ExpressVPN is slightly pricey, but its reliable server network, made even more robust with 10Gbps network cards, and superfast speeds make it worth the cost. You can also save money since ExpressVPN offers a 49% discount on its 1-year + 3 months plan — you’ll pay just $6.67 per month. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free for 30 days. If you’re not satisfied, ask for a full refund. I was surprised by how easy the process was — I only had to contact the 24/7 live chat, and the agent processed my refund without questions. Best of all, I had my money back in just 5 business days. Get reliable connections with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Smooth VPN Connections
Key Features: CyberGhost has a range of dedicated servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. CyberGhost tests these servers regularly to ensure high performance and compatibility with popular streaming platforms, gaming systems, and torrenting clients. These servers deliver reliable connections to popular region-locked sites and services and even niche platforms, including: On average, I had a 39% speed drop when using CyberGhost. I could stream, play games, and browse the internet without interruption. However, if your base speeds are slower (my regular speed is around 115Mbps), I suggest connecting to a nearby location. Optimized servers also offer faster speeds than regular ones, so you should stick to those when possible. During my tests, I had minimal buffering and zero lag when streaming with CyberGhost connected.
CyberGhost offers advanced security features for safe online connections. It supports industry-standard VPN protocols, like WireGuard and OpenVPN, which deliver fast speeds while keeping you secure. Other security features include:
AES 256-bit encryption: CyberGhost uses 256-bit encryption that is impossible to crack, protecting your traffic and data from hackers. An automatic kill switch: Stops all internet traffic if your connection becomes unsteady, so your data remains hidden. NoSpy VPN servers: Managed in-house in CyberGhost’s private data center, these servers offer added security and online anonymity. Split tunneling (only on Android): Allows selected apps and websites to bypass CyberGhost’s VPN tunnel so you can seamlessly access local and international sites. Only avail Perfect Forward Secrecy: Provides a unique encryption key for every new session, so even if an attacker hijacks one session, they can’t intercept future ones.
The issue with CyberGhost is that you’ll notice a significant drop in speed when connecting to distant locations — you’ll deal with more buffering and lag if your internet is slow. However, the optimized servers will boost speed and reduce buffering. You can also ask CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat support to recommend the fastest servers when connecting to a far-off location. CyberGhost is a premium service with affordable plans that start at only $2.19 per month. It also has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee — you can try CyberGhost risk-free and get a full refund if you change your mind. To test this, I used CyberGhost for 3 weeks, then requested a refund. A live chat agent processed it in a few minutes, and I had my money back the next day. Get fast connections with CyberGhost
3. Private Internet Access — Huge VPN Server Network Provides Plenty of Connection Locations
Key Features: Private Internet Access (PIA) has an extensive network of over 35000 servers in 84 countries — the biggest I’ve seen from any premium VPN. More servers mean more bandwidth to connect multiple users without losing speed or connection quality. I never had to deal with overcrowded servers when I used PIA to stream or download heavy files. And if I noticed any server was slow, it only took me a couple of seconds to connect to a faster server in the same area. Sometimes connection issues only require a small change to your VPN settings — and PIA’s setup is highly customizable. You can choose between encryption levels, switch ports, and more in under a minute. You can even reinstall network adapters and uninstall the software from the PIA app, which is very convenient if you need to troubleshoot connection issues. To keep your data protected, PIA has a range of security features, including:
Customizable encryption: PIA lets you choose between 256-bit and 128-bit encryption levels. To improve slow connection speeds, you can use AES-128 encryption. MACE malware and ad blocker: Blocks trackers, malicious links, and annoying ads for safer and faster online browsing. An automatic kill switch: Cuts your internet if your VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted, securing your sensitive data. Multihop and obfuscation settings: Mask your VPN connection and route your traffic through multiple locations for added security and to bypass strict firewalls.
PIA supports P2P traffic and offers port-forwarding, which can improve your download speeds when torrenting. To activate port forwarding, go to the Network tab under app Settings. PIA also keeps you safe while torrenting. I tested for IP leaks, and it never exposed my actual IP address. One downside is that PIA’s servers can’t unblock all streaming sites. For example, when I tested it, I couldn’t access my BBC iPlayer account with PIA’s UK servers. The better PIA option is ExpressVPN which reliably unblocks several streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, DAZN, Hulu, and many more. That doesn’t mean PIA is a bad streaming VPN. It easily bypasses restrictions on the following popular sites: Overall, PIA is worth a try as it offers robust security features at an affordable price — starting from $2.19 per month. You can try PIA totally risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. When I tested the process, a live chat rep processed my request immediately, and I had my money back in 5 days. Get stable connections with PIA
4. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN Bypasses Geoblocks and Firewalls Worldwide
Key Features: PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature lets you access most streaming sites and popular websites from anywhere — even in countries with internet censors like China. It’s one of the few VPNs that reliably work in China. Stealth VPN obfuscates your VPN traffic, making it look like regular traffic so VPN filters can’t restrict your internet access. If you’re traveling to China, Russia, or any country with restrictive internet, PrivateVPN will help you avoid connection issues. The problem is Stealth VPN will slow your speeds due to its multi-layer encryption. To counteract that, PrivateVPN uses High Quality Network (HQN) servers to ensure consistently fast speeds across its network. Regardless of the server location, my speeds never dropped below 46 Mbps, enough to stream Netflix in Ultra HD. Alongside a stable and secure server network, PrivateVPN offers the following security features:
Customizable encryption: Just like PIA, you can reduce PrivateVPN’s encryption level from AES 256-bit to AES 128-bit to get a speed boost while keeping your data safe. Multiple VPN protocols: PrivateVPN supports OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP, and IKEv2, giving you various options depending on your speed or security needs. Owns and operates all its servers in-house: Strengthens your internet security since PrivateVPN doesn’t rent hardware from third-party companies.
PrivateVPN is impressive as it unblocks many popular platforms. Still, it has a downside — due to its small server network, you’ll likely experience server congestion. Sometimes I had to wait almost a minute to establish a secure connection. For faster connection times, try ExpressVPN — I could always connect to its servers in under 5 seconds. ExpressVPN also has a more extensive server network. In any case, PrivateVPN is a great VPN considering it has impressive unblocking capabilities and is one of the most affordable monthly VPNs. Its plans start at just $2.00/month for a subscription. PrivateVPN unblocks: You can see if PrivateVPN works for you by trying it out yourself — it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy with the service, you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel within 30 days. To confirm this, I requested a refund via email, and an agent processed it the same day. I had my money back in less than a week. Stay connected with PrivateVPN
5. IPVanish — Highly Customizable VPN Connections for Stability and Speed
Key Features: IPVanish is ideal if you’re an advanced VPN user who wants to customize your server connections. You can handpick the best servers based on latency and load. Then, in the “Quick Connect” tab, you’ll see your visible location, new IP address, and total connection time. You can also monitor your download and upload speeds, your current protocol, and more from the dashboard to troubleshoot connection issues. During tests, I could quickly connect to any IPVanish servers. I manually selected the fastest server close to me by filtering the countries, ping, and user loads — which helped me avoid overcrowded options when streaming or gaming. IPVanish also supports several protocols, but I recommend WireGuard and OpenVPN as they gave me the fastest connections.
Some streaming sites that IPVanish reliably accesses are: IPVanish has a SOCKS5 proxy server which offers even faster streaming and torrenting speeds. The SOCKS5 proxy doesn’t encrypt your traffic but will mask your actual IP address so you can bypass geoblocks. If your regular internet is slow, this proxy can help improve speeds since it doesn’t encrypt your connection. IPVanish has premium security features, including:
An audited zero logs policy: IPVanish has been independently audited and never stores your online activities and personal information on its servers. IP leak protection: Protects against DNS, WebRTC, and IP data leaks to ensure your information remains hidden from trackers. Military-grade encryption: Secures traffic with AES 256-bit encryption so only authorized parties can view your data and messages. Scramble IP: Disguises VPN traffic so you can access the internet in some countries with censorship, like Turkey. This feature only works with the OpenVPN protocol.
The only issue with IPVanish is that its app is not intuitive for beginners — the interface can be a lot to take in at first. It displays several configuration options and server information that other VPNs don’t typically provide. However, it gets easier with time, and if you love flexible software, you’ll appreciate the level of control you have with IPVanish. If you’re ready to try IPVanish, I recommend its 1 year plan that costs $3.99 per month. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to test IPVanish risk-free before locking into a subscription. To get a refund if you change your mind, log in to your account dashboard and cancel your subscription within 30 days. The process is fast, and you’ll get your money back in a few days, if not hours. Get reliable connections with IPVanish
Other VPN Issues? Try These Fixes
VPN Can’t Access Netflix (& Other Streaming Sites)
Few VPNs can bypass the advanced anti-VPN technology that popular streaming sites like Netflix use. Even if a VPN can access these sites, its servers may not always work and it could struggle to unblock popular libraries like Netflix US. If this happens, you can try switching between servers or ask your VPN’s support for the ones that work with the site you want to access. Better yet, switch to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN that bypasses the toughest geo-restrictions to unblock Netflix US and other streaming platforms reliably.
VPN Isn’t Working in China
Most VPNs can’t bypass the Great Firewall of China that blocks access to foreign websites like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and even VPN websites. So if you’re traveling to the country, you should subscribe to a powerful VPN. ExpressVPN has obfuscated servers that mask your VPN traffic and safely grant unrestricted internet access. Remember to install the latest version of your VPN before traveling and be conscious of China’s laws and regulations on VPNs, so you don’t break the law.
My VPN Server Is Showing the Wrong Location
If an IP checker shows you connected to a country that’s not the VPN location you chose, it often means you’re using a virtual server. While VPNs have their regular servers physically located in an area, virtual servers are not. So, if your VPN has a virtual server in Cyprus, it’ll route your data through a nearby physical server (in Turkey, perhaps). But it assigns you a Cyprus IP address. It’s best to avoid virtual servers because popular streaming services like Netflix use technology that can detect them easily. These platforms can block your access or show you the wrong library. You might find yourself watching Netflix Turkey instead of Netflix Cyprus.
I Can’t Find a VPN Server I Previously Used
VPNs may temporarily take servers down for upgrades (or indefinitely) due to a host country’s new regulations. For example, ExpressVPN and TunnelBear shut down their physical servers in India because the government’s new policy requires VPNs to store user logs. Such a law goes against both providers’ zero logs policies and would infringe on users’ privacy. Get stable connections with ExpressVPN
How do I stop my VPN disconnecting and reconnecting?
It depends on why your VPN isn’t connecting, but I’ve created a list of common VPN connection errors (and quick fixes). For example, if you’re trying to use a VPN in a country with strict internet firewalls (like China), it could be the VPN itself that doesn’t work. Another common issue is that your antivirus could flag your VPN as dangerous and block the connection. To fix this, pause your antivirus and add your VPN to its safelist. Your VPN might also be disconnecting due to a slow internet connection. In this case, reach out to your ISP for a solution, or consider switching to a new provider.
How do I get my VPN to work with streaming services?
First, check if your VPN works with streaming platforms — only a few VPNs can unblock streaming services. To be sure, read online reviews. Alternatively, you can contact your VPN’s customer support team and ask for a list of working servers. If your VPN typically works with the site but isn’t connecting at the moment, here are some quick fixes:
Clear your browser’s cache Use incognito mode Switch servers to regain access to your streaming service.
Why isn’t my free VPN connecting?
Free VPNs might be tempting, but they offer unreliable connections. Unlike premium VPNs with solid server networks, free VPNs usually maintain only a handful of servers in a few locations. These servers struggle to access streaming sites and get congested quickly, leading to poorer connections. While some free VPNs are actually good, they also limit you with data caps, affecting how much streaming, browsing, and torrenting you can do. Once you exhaust your data allowance, you’ll lose access to the service.
What can I do to fix a VPN that won’t connect?
There could be an issue with your network or the VPN software itself. Don’t worry; I’ve compiled a list of easy fixes for any VPN connection issue. More often than not, your VPN won’t connect due to your network. So first, test your internet connection to ensure it’s fast and can support the VPN connection. If you can connect on an alternative device or network, the issue isn’t with your VPN service. If your VPN still doesn’t connect after testing different networks, try reinstalling the VPN software. A fresh installation can fix most software issues and allow the VPN to work smoothly. Plus, always ensure your VPN software is up-to-date, as there may be a new patch that fixes known connection problems.
How can I fix a VPN with slow connections?
All VPNs inevitably slow down your internet speeds, but premium VPNs with fast connections help you avoid noticeable speed drops. Besides using a good VPN, the easiest way to improve speeds is to switch to a closeby server and use a fast protocol, like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
Why does my VPN keep disconnecting?
Many factors can contribute to your VPN’s connection issues. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Your internet connection isn’t stable enough to maintain the VPN connection. The VPN server is currently down for maintenance. Your VPN software isn’t the latest version. The internet is too slow for a reliable connection. Your firewall or antivirus is blocking the VPN. There’s a conflict between your VPN and another software on your device.
Generally, use a reliable VPN to have the best chance of a smooth connection. ExpressVPN’s servers provide consistent and dependable connections, even over long distances. It offers high-speed infrastructure and robust security, ensuring smooth speeds and guaranteed data protection.
Why does connecting to a VPN disconnect my internet?
If you’re using a VPN with a kill switch enabled, it could be blocking your internet access. A kill switch protects you from data leaks by stopping traffic when the VPN disconnects. This can happen when you switch to a different server or your internet connection is unstable and causes the VPN to keep reconnecting. To fix this issue, disable your kill switch feature. [Stay connected with ExpressVPN]
Fix Your VPN Connection Quickly and Easily
Fixing your VPN might seem complicated, but it’s a simple procedure that only requires a little patience. Most solutions listed here are easy for beginners to try and will remedy common VPN issues, like using nearby servers for faster speeds, or pausing your antivirus. However, if your VPN keeps having problems and you don’t want to waste time searching for solutions, consider investing in a premium VPN with fast and steady connections. ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN I’ve tested — I’ve always connected to a fast server within seconds. It’s also my best choice for streaming and torrenting without disruptions, thanks to its solid server network. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free for yourself. You’re protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can claim a refund if you’re not satisfied. I tested the refund policy myself, and an agent processed my refund immediately. I had my money back within a week. Try ExpressVPN today risk-free
