VPN is not connected? 7 ways to fix it
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But fortunately, there are measures on how to manage such situations. Find out how to fix many VPN no connection issues below.
Why is my VPN not working and how can I fix it?
If your VPN software is not working properly, you can do several things: Check your network settings, change your server, make sure the correct ports are open, disable the firewall, and reinstall your VPN software. If none of the following methods work, it’s time to contact your VPN provider.
Let’s dive into the details and discuss how you can fix your VPN client. These VPN troubleshooting tips also apply if you are using Android or iPhone devices.
Your VPN may have connection issues due to many reasons. Before your service provider gets upset or disappointed, try these methods:
Why not connect to VPN?
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Check if your internet connection is ok
First of all, check your internet connection. Try loading a few pages without a VPN connection and see if it still works. If you have NordVPN, don’t worry too much if your internet connection is poor. Once NordVPN recognizes a defect in the VPN connection, the built-in kill switch will cut the link to the Internet.
If not, try the following:
- Disconnect your Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it;
- Reboot your router;
- Check your router’s Ethernet cable to see if it’s connected;
- Contact your Internet service provider if you still need help getting back online.
We also have tips on how to increase your Wi-Fi bandwidth.
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If you run VPN software on your router, make sure you enter the correct credentials for it as they are separate from your VPN account. If it is incorrect, you will not be able to connect to the VPN server.
If you are using NordVPN, you can easily check it out via the User Control Panel, which can be accessed from our webpage. Choose NordVPN under dashboard On the left. Then scroll down to advanced Configuration and see the username and password in the file Service credentials (manual setup) Section. Make sure to check to see if the website you downloaded the VPN from is also legitimate. Take a look at this checklist to verify the authenticity of the site.
- Double check the URL to make sure it is spelled correctly;
- Look for a lock in the address bar. Most browsers will notify you if the site is not secured;
- Enter the URL on this site.
Also, be sure to use complex passwords for your VPN account and change them often to stay safe. You can use NordPass secure tool to store them.
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Check if your favorite VPN server is working
The problem may be with the infrastructure of the VPN provider, specifically the VPN server. First, check if your VPN is working. Next is the servers. Some servers can reject new connections if they are overloaded. If you are using a premium VPN, you should have access to many servers; For example, if you are struggling to connect to a VPN to browse the UK, just try to disconnect and then select UK again. You will be sent to a different VPN server, and that might fix the problem.
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Check if you have the correct ports open
Your provider can block traffic on a specific port, so try changing the default port settings to see if the correct ports are open for the VPN.
For NordVPN to work, ports 443 TCP and 1194 UDP must be open. Your firewall or router must also allow the VPN to pass through. Just note that NordVPN does not offer a port forwarding service. The app blocks all ports except those that your VPN software needs to function. This makes you more secure, as open ports create a lot of security risks for your internet connection.
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VPN software, just like other software, can crash or experience bugs and errors from time to time. Always make sure you have the latest version of your app (premium providers like NordVPN run continuous testing to find bugs as soon as possible). Also try resetting or reinstalling your software if the problem persists. Consider closing some background programs and cleaning up disk space. Don’t forget to check your internet connection too.
There may also be issues with your VPN settings. You can easily reset it to default if you suspect something is wrong.
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Also, make sure that your firewall is not blocking VPN connections. Add the VPN software to the exceptions list in the firewall settings.
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If none of these methods help you, contact your service provider’s customer service and inform them of your concerns. NordVPN support is available 24/7, so you can reach us anywhere, anytime.
Why is my VPN connection so slow?
Although premium VPN services do not slow down the internet significantly, you may occasionally experience speed drops, especially with poorly configured VPNs. Here are some tips on how to fix it.
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First, we recommend that you run a speed test to see if the problem lies with your VPN or your ISP. Check the differences between speeds with and without VPN software. Find out more about VPN speed tests here.
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As mentioned above, server performance may vary depending on user proximity and server load. Try to connect to a VPN server that is closer to your actual location and less busy.
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VPN tunneling protocol switch
Not all VPN protocols are created equal, so switching them out might be a good idea. NordVPN offers you some protocols to use. Our Nordlynx VPN protocol is very fast and secure and will not significantly slow down your internet speed. Its lightweight nature gives you the best speeds and tight security.
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Change your port or IP protocol
If you can’t connect to a VPN or your connection is slow, it may not be the VPN server or VPN provider. Try changing your IP protocol from TCP to UDP. While both have their pros and cons, UDP is usually faster than TCP. However, this comes at the cost of stability.
You can also set your own ports. VPN clients use recommended and specific VPN protocol ports to route their traffic. Ports separate traffic from different sources to keep it organized. However, not all ports can communicate well with your VPN. Also, your ISP may slow down some ports, so switching them may be a good idea. Check this link to see what you can do to increase VPN speed.
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Configure your security software
Your security software may interfere with VPN connections. Adding NordVPN to their whitelist should allow it to work as intended. Once you do that, you will have no problems connecting to the VPN server.
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If you are using a free VPN, you will likely encounter connection and speed disturbances frequently. Unreliable or underfunded VPN providers usually lack VPN servers and adequate customer service to ensure the best experience. Moreover, they collect your data frequently and do not give you the privacy that you would expect. Be wary of any VPN provider that offers a free service – it’s often too good to be true.
How can I prevent a VPN from disconnecting?
If your VPN stops working frequently, your traffic may be compromised and you may not get the privacy you expect from your service. The good thing is that there are several ways to mitigate these VPN problems. Try these before resorting to contacting your VPN provider.
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Change your firewall settings
Your firewall scans and blocks incoming packets, so naturally it will also slow down your network. If it is too slow, you can disconnect your VPN service. Some firewalls don’t work well with VPNs, so make sure your firewall doesn’t disrupt your VPN traffic. Add your VPN software to the exceptions so you don’t need to disable your entire firewall and lose a layer of protection.
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Use a different DNS server
Sometimes, your service provider’s DNS server may not work properly, so it is worth changing to another one. In the NordVPN app, you can easily do this in the Preferences section. Just keep in mind that dedicated DNS servers expose you to a higher DNS leak risk. Fortunately, NordVPN offers DNS leak protection to make your experience more secure.
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Again, this may help if your system is interfering with the VPN protocol. Try switching from TCP to UDP or choose one of the many protocols NordVPN offers.
Just note that if you use premium VPN services, the probability of encountering serious problems with your internet connection or VPN is low. The best VPNs offer speed and security. So download this VPN for a smooth and secure internet experience.
Privacy protection starts with one click.
Stay safe with the world’s leading VPN
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