I cannot connect to the VPN. What can I do? - IVPN Help (2024)

    Most connection failures are caused by something blocking the connection to our servers. Before you begin troubleshooting a blocked connection please check the following:

    • Verify that your internet connection is working whilst disconnected from the VPN. Try loading a website or pinging a web address such as 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1. See how to run the ping command. If you are using the IVPN client, ensure that the IVPN firewall is not activated. If your connection is still not working then you will need to contact your ISP to resolve the issue.
    • Verify that the server you are connecting to is online and available on the server status page.
    • Double-check that you are using the correct IVPN Account ID (ivpnXXXXXXXX or i-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX). For more info see I receive an ‘authentication failure’ message. What can I do?.

    Once you have verified all of the above, proceed to troubleshoot the connection as follows:

    1. Try connecting using a different OpenVPN port. See how to change ports/protocols.
    2. Try WireGuard VPN protocol - available in all of our native apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux and Android.
    3. Try IPSec with IKEv2 VPN protocol. Setup guides can be found here.
    4. Enable the Obfsproxy feature and retry the connection.
    5. Temporarily disable any firewalls or antivirus software on your computer and retry the connection.
    6. Try another internet connection, some types of connections are particularly problematic such as public hotspots, cellular hotspots and hotel internet connections.
    7. Try another device as there may be an issue with your local device. Our service works with many different devices, see our setup guides.

    Still can’t connect? Please see how to submit VPN diagnostic logs to IVPN so we can help you diagnose the issue.

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    I cannot connect to the VPN. What can I do? - IVPN Help (2024)

    FAQs

    I cannot connect to the VPN. What can I do? - IVPN Help? ›

    Internet Service Provider (ISP) Blocking: Your ISP may restrict access to some websites. These limitations can be overcome by using a VPN. DNS problems: Your DNS configuration may be incorrect or banned. Even when your ISP's DNS is difficult, VPNs frequently employ other DNS servers, enabling access.

    What to do if a VPN is not connecting? ›

    If your VPN is not connecting, you can try a few ways to fix the issue:
    1. Check your internet connection. ...
    2. Check your credentials. ...
    3. Check your VPN server status. ...
    4. Check your VPN protocol and ports. ...
    5. Look for VPN software issues. ...
    6. Check the firewall blocking. ...
    7. Restart your VPN app. ...
    8. Reinstall the latest version of your VPN app.

    Why is my internet not working without VPN? ›

    Internet Service Provider (ISP) Blocking: Your ISP may restrict access to some websites. These limitations can be overcome by using a VPN. DNS problems: Your DNS configuration may be incorrect or banned. Even when your ISP's DNS is difficult, VPNs frequently employ other DNS servers, enabling access.

    Why are VPNs not working today? ›

    Ensure your VPN settings are correctly configured and the ports open. Disable firewall or antivirus. Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking your VPN connection. Try disabling them temporarily to see if that fixes the problem.

    How to connect to a VPN? ›

    1. If you haven't already, add a VPN.
    2. Open your device's Settings app.
    3. Tap Network & internet. VPN. ...
    4. Next to the VPN you want to change, tap Settings .
    5. Turn Always-on VPN on or off. If you've set up a VPN through an app, you won't have the always-on option.
    6. If needed, tap Save.

    What is blocking my VPN connection? ›

    VPNs typically get blocked due to government censorship, copyright concerns, streaming location restrictions, or school and workplace restrictions.

    What happens if you don't connect to VPN? ›

    Governments, advertisers, and hackers can sometimes try to monitor your web browsing history. Without a virtual private network (VPN), your internet service provider (ISP) may record your online activity and sell it to the highest bidder.

    Why does VPN not work on some Wi-Fi? ›

    Your firewall might be blocking the VPN. Your VPN software might be outdated. Your VPN settings might not be configured correctly. You might have poor internet connectivity or an intermittent network connection.

    How to connect without VPN? ›

    Use a Proxy

    A proxy is similar to a VPN because it acts as a middleman between the internet and connected device. A VPN is a type of proxy, but standard versions are usually free. However, they lack the same security features and encryption that VPNs offer. Proxies can still hide an IP address effectively.

    When VPN is on no internet? ›

    The likely causes for these issues include: Poor connectivity at the chosen VPN server location. Interference by internet service providers for certain VPN protocols. Interference from your antivirus or online security application's outgoing packet transmission.

    Why aren't any VPNs working? ›

    There could be various reasons why a VPN is not connecting, such as network connectivity issues, firewall or antivirus blocking the VPN connection, outdated VPN software, or server issues at the VPN provider's end.

    Why open VPN is not working? ›

    Security or firewall settings could be blocking it. By default, Access Server requires three ports to be reachable: TCP 443, TCP 943, and UDP 1194. Check that the port is correct. Make sure you're not trying an incorrect port.

    What is the port number for VPN? ›

    The most common VPN ports include 1194 for OpenVPN UDP and TCP port 443, 500 for IPsec/IKEv2, and 1723 for PPTP.

    How do I always connect to VPN? ›

    Here are the steps to do that, outlined in the section below:
    1. The user installs OpenVPN Connect.
    2. The admin allows an auto-login connection profile for the user.
    3. The user downloads an auto-login profile.
    4. The user sets the OpenVPN Connect launch options.
    5. OpenVPN Connect connects to the VPN automatically at startup.

    What is the safest free VPN? ›

    8 Free VPNs of 2024
    • TunnelBear: Best for user-friendliness.
    • Proton VPN: Best for enhanced anonymity.
    • hide.me: Best for leak protection.
    • Windscribe: Best for unlimited device connection.
    • VPN Unlimited: Best for lifetime protection.
    • CyberGhost: Best for ease of use.
    • Hotspot Shield: Best for streaming.
    Apr 6, 2024

    What is the IP address of a VPN? ›

    A VPN replaces your actual IP address to make it look like you've connected to the internet from a different location: the physical location of the VPN server, rather than your real location.

    Why is always on VPN unable to connect? ›

    This could be because one or more network devices, such as routers, firewalls, or the Network Address Translation (NAT) between your computer and the remote server isn't configured to allow VPN connections. Contact your administrator or your service provider to determine which device may be causing the problem.

    How to check if a VPN is working? ›

    How do I check if a VPN is working? Visit websites such as WhatIsMyIP or IPLocation to see your original IP address. After connecting to a VPN, revisit the IP address checking website to recheck your IP address. The VPN works if the displayed IP address differs from your original IP address.

    Is my ISP blocking my VPN? ›

    A: One of the easiest methods is to try connecting to your VPN using a different network, like a mobile data connection. If the VPN works on another network but not on your home ISP, there's a good chance the ISP is blocking it.

    How to fix VPN detected? ›

    Best Ways to Make Your VPN Undetectable in 2024
    1. Choose a Quality VPN. The easiest way to avoid VPN detectors and VPN blocks is to just use a VPN proven to be undetectable. ...
    2. Change the VPN Protocol. ...
    3. Use Obfuscation Features. ...
    4. Use TCP Port 443. ...
    5. Use Tor over VPN. ...
    6. Change the VPN's IP Address. ...
    7. Use Mobile Data. ...
    8. Use Shadowsocks.

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