VPN Not Working? 8 Simple Fixes to Try Right Now

Your VPN is not working. Maybe it will not connect at all. Maybe it connects but your real IP is still showing. Maybe it keeps dropping every few minutes. Whatever the problem, this guide covers the eight most common VPN issues and gives you a clear fix for each one. Work through them in order until something resolves the problem.

Before you start, run a quick check using our free tool so you know exactly what is wrong. That tells you whether the issue is a connection failure, an IP leak, a DNS problem, or something else. Then you can jump straight to the right fix.

Fix 1: Disconnect and Reconnect

This sounds too simple, but it fixes a surprising number of VPN problems. VPN connections can get into a bad state where the tunnel is technically open but not routing traffic correctly. Disconnecting fully, waiting 10 seconds, and reconnecting forces the VPN to establish a fresh connection to the server.

After reconnecting, run the VPN check again to see if the problem is resolved before moving on.

Fix 2: Switch to a Different Server

VPN servers can become overloaded, go offline for maintenance, or develop routing issues. If your current server is causing problems, switching to a different one in the same country often resolves the issue immediately. Most VPN apps let you do this in one tap from the server list.

If switching servers fixes the problem, make a note of which server you moved away from and report it to your VPN provider's support team so they can investigate.

Fix 3: Change the Connection Protocol

VPNs use different methods to send your data, called protocols. The most common options are WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Some networks block certain protocols. If you are on a public network, a hotel Wi-Fi, or a work network, the protocol your VPN normally uses might be blocked.

Open your VPN app settings, find the protocol option, and switch to a different one. WireGuard is the fastest. OpenVPN is the most compatible. Try both if one does not work. Some VPN apps also have a "stealth" mode designed for networks that actively block VPN connections.

Fix 4: Turn On DNS Leak Protection

If your VPN connects but our checker still shows your internet provider's name, you have a DNS leak. Your real IP is hidden but your provider can still see where you browse. Open your VPN app settings and look for DNS leak protection, private DNS, or custom DNS. Turn it on.

If the option is not available, check your VPN provider's help documentation for instructions on setting up DNS leak protection manually on your device.

Fix 5: Restart Your Device

Network settings can get stuck in a broken state on any device. A full restart clears temporary network configurations, resets your DNS cache, and gives your VPN app a clean environment to work in. This fixes VPN problems more often than you would expect, especially after operating system updates or network changes.

After restarting, connect your VPN before opening any other apps and run the check before browsing.

Fix 6: Check Your Firewall and Security Software

Firewall software, antivirus programs, and security suites can block VPN connections or interfere with how traffic is routed. If you recently installed new security software or updated an existing one, that may be the cause.

Try temporarily disabling your firewall or security software, connecting the VPN, and running the check. If it works, you need to add your VPN app as a trusted exception in your security software settings. Do not leave the firewall disabled permanently.

Fix 7: Update or Reinstall the VPN App

Outdated VPN apps can have bugs that cause connection failures, leaks, or drops. Check that your VPN app is up to date. If it is already on the latest version and still has problems, try uninstalling it completely, restarting your device, and doing a fresh install from your VPN provider's official website or app store.

A fresh install replaces any corrupted app files or settings that might be causing the issue.

Fix 8: Contact Your VPN Provider's Support

If none of the above fixes work, the problem may be specific to your account, your region, or the VPN service itself. Contact your VPN provider's support team and give them the following information:

• What device and operating system you are using
• Which servers you have tried
• Which protocols you have tried
• What our VPN check showed as the result
• When the problem started

Good VPN providers have responsive support that can often pinpoint the issue quickly with this information.

When to Consider Switching VPN Providers

If you have gone through all eight fixes, contacted support, and the VPN still does not work reliably, the service itself may be the problem. Some VPN providers have poor infrastructure, inconsistent server availability, or weak leak protection that cannot be fixed through settings alone.

The VPNs we recommend below have been selected specifically for their reliability, strong leak protection, and responsive support teams.

Recommended VPN Providers

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