⚡ Quick Fixes (Try These First)
1. Switch to a different server
2. Change VPN protocol (try WireGuard or IKEv2)
3. Restart your device and router
These 3 steps fix 80% of connection issues. If not, continue below.
What's Your Error Message?
Click your error type for targeted fixes:
Try a Different Server
The server you're trying to connect to might be overloaded, under maintenance, or blocked by your network. This is the most common fix.
How to do it:
- • Open your VPN app's server list
- • Choose a server in the same country but different city
- • Or try "Quick Connect" / "Best Server" option
- • If one country doesn't work, try a neighboring country
Change VPN Protocol
Some networks block specific VPN protocols. Switching protocols often bypasses these blocks.
Protocol to try (in order):
WireGuard/NordLynx: Fastest, works on most networks
IKEv2: Good for mobile, reconnects quickly
OpenVPN (TCP): Most compatible, slower but reliable
OpenVPN (UDP): Faster than TCP, might be blocked
Where to change protocol:
- NordVPN: Settings → VPN Protocol
- Surfshark: Settings → VPN Settings → Protocol
- ExpressVPN: Settings → Protocol
Restart Everything
The classic IT fix. Clears temporary glitches in your VPN app, network stack, and router.
Restart in this order:
1. Close VPN app completely (not just minimize)
2. Restart your computer/phone
3. Restart your router (unplug for 30 seconds)
4. Reopen VPN and try connecting
Check Your Internet Connection
VPN needs a working internet connection first. Make sure you can access websites without VPN.
Test your connection:
- • Disconnect VPN
- • Try visiting google.com
- • If that doesn't work, the problem is your internet, not VPN
- • Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa)
Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily
Security software sometimes blocks VPN connections. Test by temporarily disabling them.
Important: Only disable briefly for testing. Re-enable immediately after, and add VPN to whitelist if this fixes the issue.
Common culprits:
- • Windows Defender Firewall
- • Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky
- • Bitdefender, Avast, AVG
- • Corporate security software
Update Your VPN App
Outdated VPN apps can have bugs or incompatibilities. Updates often fix connection issues.
How to update:
- Windows/Mac: Check for updates in app settings, or download latest from VPN website
- iOS: App Store → Updates
- Android: Play Store → My Apps → Update
Flush DNS Cache
Corrupted DNS cache can cause connection issues. Clearing it forces fresh DNS lookups.
Commands by platform:
Windows (Run as Administrator):
ipconfig /flushdns
Mac (Terminal):
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
iOS/Android:
Toggle airplane mode on/off, or restart device
Change VPN Port
Networks sometimes block standard VPN ports. Switching to port 443 (HTTPS port) often works because networks rarely block it.
How to change port:
- • Look in VPN app settings for "Port" or "Connection" options
- • Try port 443 (HTTPS) first
- • Other options: 80, 8080, 53
- • Some VPNs have "Obfuscated" or "Stealth" mode that handles this automatically
Re-login to Your VPN Account
Authentication errors often fix themselves with a fresh login. Session tokens can expire or become corrupted.
Steps:
1. Log out of VPN app completely
2. Close and reopen the app
3. Log in with your credentials
4. If password doesn't work, reset it on VPN website
Reinstall the VPN App
Nuclear option. Completely removes and reinstalls the app, clearing all cached data and configurations.
Complete reinstall:
1. Uninstall VPN app
2. Restart your device
3. Download fresh installer from VPN website
4. Install and log in
Special Case: VPN Connected But No Internet
If your VPN shows "Connected" but websites won't load, try these specific fixes:
Disable Kill Switch Temporarily
Kill switch might be blocking traffic due to a detection error. Disable it, test connection, then re-enable.
Check DNS Settings
Set your device to use VPN's DNS or public DNS (8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1) instead of your ISP's DNS.
Disable IPv6
Some VPNs don't handle IPv6 well. Disable IPv6 in your network adapter settings and try again.
When to Contact VPN Support
If none of these fixes work after 30 minutes of troubleshooting, contact your VPN's support team. Have this info ready:
- • Your operating system and version
- • VPN app version number
- • Exact error message (screenshot helps)
- • What you've already tried
- • Your network type (home Wi-Fi, work network, mobile data)
Pro tip: NordVPN and Surfshark both have 24/7 live chat. It's faster than email tickets.
Still Having Issues?
If your current VPN consistently fails, it might be time to switch. These VPNs have the best connection reliability in our testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my VPN keep disconnecting?
Usually caused by unstable internet, aggressive power saving settings (on mobile), or kill switch triggering. Try switching protocols or disabling battery optimization for the VPN app.
My work/school blocks VPN. What can I do?
Try obfuscated servers (NordVPN) or Camouflage Mode (Surfshark). These disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS. Using port 443 also helps.
VPN works on phone but not computer?
Likely a firewall or antivirus issue on your computer. Check Windows Defender or your security software and add VPN to the whitelist.
Does my ISP block VPNs?
Some ISPs do block VPN protocols. Signs: VPN worked before but suddenly stopped, or works on mobile data but not home Wi-Fi. Try obfuscated servers.