Why is your VPN not connecting and what to do?

Nowadays the usage of VPN connections has gained on popularity. It is due to the fact that they provide security and anonymity on the Internet, protecting users from being tracked or from hacker attacks. However sometimes there are problems when it comes to establishing a connection.

In this article we will have a look at the main reasons why a VPN might not work and how to fix such issues.

Why is your VPN not connecting?

Problems can be caused by various factors. The most common ones are:

• incorrect program settings,
• lack of access to the network or use of an unavailable provider,
• damaged or missing drivers,
• incorrect indication of the protocol parameters,
• problems with the firewall.

What to do if your VPN stopped working?

1. Checking the Internet connection

One of the most common reasons why VPN won’t turn on is internet connection problems. Since the VPN uses it to establish a secure connection, if your internet connection is down, the VPN won’t work either. Make sure your internet connection is functioning properly before trying to connect to the VPN.

2. Firewall and antivirus software settings

If you have a firewall or antivirus software, it might happen that they block VPN connections. Check your firewall settings to make sure it’s not blocking VPN connections. Furthermore, a VPN connection can be blocked by any antivirus software, which might evaluate it a potential security risk. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software and reconnecting to the VPN.

3. Router settings

Often connection errors happen not because of the VPN itself but because of the router, which provides internet connection. Check your device settings to make sure your VPN works correctly.

For example, if the packet filtering is enabled or the ports used by your VPN are blocked in the settings, you will not be able to connect to the VPN. In addition, some routers may restrict the use of certain protocols such as PPTP or L2TP.

f you are unsure which settings to apply to your router, check out the user manual or contact the manufacturer.

4. Poor system performance

In some cases a lack of the device’s power can cause VPN problems. In order to avoid them, it is recommended to use devices with sufficient power.

If you are unable to update your computer or phone, you can try using a less resource-intensive VPN connection or limit the amount of transferred data.

5. Using another VPN

If all of the above steps did not help, you can try connecting to a different VPN. If you keep your VPN, contact its provider’s technical support for assistance

What to do if none of the VPN connections works?

1. Check your Internet connection and make sure it is working properly. Check your network status, as well as other connected devices.
2. Make sure all settings are correct. Check the username, password, server address and protocol.
3. Make sure the latest drivers are installed if the problem occurs on the PC.
4. Make sure your router settings are not blocking VPN connections.
5. Make sure your device has enough power to run the VPN and check its settings.
6. Restart your device. It will clear the memory and terminate all unnecessary processes that may affect the VPN.

All in all, VPN connections problems can be caused by a variety of factors. You need to check your connection settings and updates, as well as restart your device.

To avoid further problems and inconveniences, you can also purchase a premium VPN service, which will provide you with more stability and security in your work.