How to Fix When VPN is Not Working?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an essential tool for online privacy, security, and bypassing geo-restrictions. However, there are times when a VPN stops working, leaving users frustrated. Whether it’s connection issues, slow speeds, or blocked websites, the answer to how to fix VPN not working is easier than it seems.

This guide explores common VPN problems and their solutions in simple, easy-to-follow steps, with a strong recommendation for VPN alternative.

Encounter VPN Service Not Working? Why?

VPN services may stop working due to various reasons, including network restrictions, server issues, or software conflicts. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) sometimes block VPN traffic, preventing connections, while certain websites and services actively detect and restrict VPN usage. Additionally, overloaded or down VPN servers can cause connection failures, making it necessary to switch to another server or change the VPN protocol.

Software-related issues also contribute to VPN failures. Outdated VPN applications, firewall or antivirus interference, and incorrect network settings can prevent proper functionality. Ensuring the VPN app is updated, adjusting firewall settings, or reinstalling the software can often resolve these problems.

Common VPN Issues and How to Fix Them

• VPN Won’t Connect
• VPN is Slow or Keeps Disconnecting
• VPN Not Working on Certain Websites
• VPN Not Working on Mobile Devices
• VPN Keeps Getting Blocked

1. VPN Won’t Connect

   If a VPN won’t connect, several factors could be causing the issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve it:

   ✅ Check Your Internet Connection:

   Before troubleshooting the VPN, ensure your internet is working properly. Try opening a website without the VPN turned on. If the internet itself isn’t working, restart your router or contact your ISP.

   ✅ Restart the VPN App:

   Close the VPN app completely and reopen it. This can resolve minor glitches that might be causing the issue.

   ✅ Change the VPN Server:

   Sometimes, a specific VPN server may be down or overloaded. Try switching to a different location within your VPN app.

   ✅ Check Your Login Credentials:

   Ensure that the username and password for the VPN are correct. Some VPNs may also require a subscription renewal, so verify that your account status is active and hasn’t expired.

   ✅ Disable Other Network Security Tools:

   Firewalls, antivirus programs, or other security software may interfere with your VPN. Temporarily disable them to see if the VPN connects.

   ✅ Flush DNS & Reset Network Settings:

   On Windows: Open Command Prompt (Admin) and enter ipconfig /flushdns e netsh winsock reset.

   On macOS: Correre sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder in Terminal.

   ✅ Try a Different Network:

   If possible, switch to another Wi-Fi or mobile network to see if the VPN works. If the VPN still won’t connect, consider using a proxy service as VPN alternative solution.

   ✅ Reinstall the VPN App:

   If nothing else works, uninstall the VPN app and reinstall it. Ensure that you have the latest version and remove any corrupted files.

2. VPN is Slow or Keeps Disconnecting

   If your VPN is connecting but performing poorly, there are several possible causes and solutions to improve performance:

   ✅ Check Your Internet Connection:

   A weak or unstable internet connection can slow down a VPN. Try running a speed test without the VPN to see if the base internet speed is sufficient.

   ✅ Switch to a Different Server:

   Choosing a server closer to your actual location can significantly improve speed and reduce disconnections.

   ✅ Change VPN Protocols:

   Most VPNs offer different protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec. Switching to a different protocol in the settings may improve stability.

   ✅ Close Unnecessary Apps/Background Processes:

   Too many active apps or background downloads can slow down your VPN speed. Close unnecessary applications and see if performance improves.

   ✅ Use a Wired Connection:

   If possible, switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet. A direct wired connection often provides better stability and speed.

   ✅ Restart or Reinstall the VPN:

   Close and reopen the VPN app and ensure the VPN software is updated to the latest version.

   ✅ Contact VPN Support:

   If speed issues persist, check with your VPN provider’s support team. Some services offer specialized servers for faster speeds.

   Suggerimento: If slow speeds or disconnections continue, consider using a reliable proxy for better stability, especially for tasks like web scraping, automation, bypassing geo-restrictions or account management.

3. VPN Not Working on Certain Websites

   If your VPN connects but fails to work on specific websites like Netflix, Hulu, or banking sites, try these fixes:

   ✅ Clear Browser Cookies and Cache:

   Websites may store location-based data in cookies. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then reload the site with the VPN on.

   ✅ Enable Incognito Mode:

   Some websites detect VPNs through stored cookies. Try using incognito or private browsing mode to bypass restrictions.

   ✅ Switch to a Different VPN Server:

   Streaming services and certain websites actively block specific VPN IPs. Switching to another server (especially one in a different region) can help bypass these blocks.

   ✅ Change VPN Protocols:

   Some websites block specific VPN protocols. Try switching from OpenVPN TCP/UDP to WireGuard or IKEv2 in your VPN settings.

   ✅ Turn Off WebRTC in Browser:

   WebRTC leaks can expose your real IP address. Thus, install the WebRTC Leak Prevent extension on Chrome. Or on Firefox, type about:config in the address bar and search for media.peerconnection.enabled to set it to false.

   ✅ Use a Dedicated IP:

   Known VPN IP ranges wound be blocked sometimes. Dedicated or residential IPs are harder to detect compared to shared VPN IP addresses.

4. VPN Not Working on Mobile Devices

   If a VPN works on a computer but not on Android or iPhone, there could be various reasons, such as app settings, network restrictions, or VPN compatibility issues. Here are troubleshooting steps to fix the problem:

   ✅ Check Internet Connection:

   First, confirm that the mobile device has an active internet connection before connecting to the VPN.

   ✅ Disable Battery Optimization for VPN:

   Some mobile devices restrict VPN apps in the background, causing disconnections.

   ✅ Enable VPN Permissions:

   Ensure the VPN app has the necessary permissions to run on your device. Go to Settings > Apps > VPN App and enable permissions.

   ✅ Switch Network Type:

   Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the VPN works better on one than the other. Some ISPs may block VPN connections on certain networks.

   ✅ Deactivate Private DNS or iCloud Private Relay:

   On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS. Then, set it to Automatic or Off.

   On iOS: Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Private Relay. Then, turn Private Relay Off.

   ✅ Update the VPN App:

   Outdated apps can cause connection failures. Check for updates in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and update your VPN.

   ✅ Reinstall the VPN App:

   Uninstall and reinstall the VPN app to reset all settings and remove any potential bugs.

   ✅ Try a Proxy Instead:

   If the the used VPN is still not working, a proxy running on mobile device which offers more stable connections is an option to try.

5. VPN Keeps Getting Blocked

   If your VPN is frequently or always blocked, it is likely due to IP blacklisting, deep packet inspection (DPI), or DNS filtering by networks, websites or ISPs. Here are the solutions to restore access from VPN:

   ✅ Switch to a Different Server:

   If websites and ISPs block VPN IP addresses, try connecting to another server, preferably one with less traffic or in a different country.

   ✅ Enable Obfuscation Mode or Stealth VPN:

   Some VPNs offer stealth mode or obfuscated servers that hide VPN traffic to make it look like normal browsing to prevent VPN detection. Enable this feature if available, which is useful for bypassing strict firewalls. Look for settings like:

   • Stealth Mode
   • Obfuscated Servers
   • Chameleon Protocol
   • Camouflage Mode

   ✅ Clear DNS and Browser Data:

   Clear your DNS cache to avoid using outdated or location-specific information. Meanwhile, removing old cookies and cache can help avoid geolocation data that might be used to identify VPN usage.

   ✅ Use a Different Port:

   VPNs typically use common ports like 1194, which may be blocked more easily. Ports less common, such as 443 (HTTPS) or port 80 (HTTP) have more possibility to bypass restrictions.

   ✅ Test with a Different Network:

   Sometimes, your ISP or network administrator blocks VPN traffic. Try using a different Wi-Fi network or mobile data to check if the VPN is being blocked by your current network.

   ✅ Contact Customer Support:

   Your VPN provider may have additional servers or specific settings to bypass blocks. Contact VPN’s support team for tailored advice.

   ✅ Try a Different IP Provider:

   Some VPNs and proxies are better at bypassing restrictions than others. If your VPN is consistently blocked, consider switching to a more reliable provider to assign a different IP address and mask your real location.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

1. Restart device: A simple restart can resolve many technical issues on device.

2. Disable IPv6: Some VPNs don’t support IPv6, which can cause connection issues. Disable IPv6 in your network settings.

3. Custom DNS servers: Switching to Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) can improve VPN performance.

Best VPN Alternative: Dedicated Proxy Service

When looking for online privacy and security solutions, VPNs are often the first choice. However, dedicated proxy services offer a powerful alternative, often outperforming VPNs in speed, customization, and specific use cases like web scraping, automation, and accessing geo-restricted content.

A dedicated proxy service assigns a private proxy IP to a single user, ensuring better control, stability, and anonymity. Unlike shared proxies or VPNs, dedicated proxies do not suffer from bandwidth limitations due to multiple users.

Key Benefits of Dedicated Proxy Over VPNs

1. Higher Speeds & Lower Latency

Since dedicated proxies do not encrypt data as VPNs do, they offer faster speeds and lower latency, making them ideal for tasks like streaming, gaming, and automated browsing.

2. Better Anonymity & Bypass Restrictions

Dedicated proxies are harder to detect than VPNs, making them useful for accessing region-locked content or avoiding bans on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and social media networks.

3. Ideal for Automation & Web Scraping

VPNs often get blocked when used for automation and web scraping. Dedicated proxies, especially rotating residential proxies, allow users to scrape data without being detected.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Dedicated proxies can be more affordable than high-quality VPNs, especially for businesses that require multiple IPs for web scraping, ad verification, or social media management.

While VPNs remain useful for encrypting traffic, dedicated proxy services offer superior speed, control, and stealth. For businesses and individuals requiring stable and undetectable IP addresses, dedicated proxies—especially deleghe residenziali statiche—are the best VPN alternative.

When choosing a dedicated proxy provider, OkeyProxy stands out due to its:

• Reliable static & residential proxies
• Global coverage for geo-targeting
• Fast and secure connections
• Unlimited bandwidth usage
• HTTP(S)/SOCKS5 supported
• Flexible pricing plans
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Conclusione

A VPN is an essential tool for online privacy and security, but it can sometimes stop working for various reasons. Whether it’s connection failures, slow speeds, blocked access, or frequent disconnections, the solutions above can help fix VPN issues commonly.

If VPNs frequently fail, consider using a reliable proxy service – OkeyProxy, which offers SOCKS5 & residential proxies that provide stable, unrestricted access to websites and streaming services.

By implementing these simple yet effective fixes, users can enjoy uninterrupted and secure VPN access for browsing, streaming, and protecting online privacy.