It can be frustrating when your internet disconnects. And the same can be said when you lose connection to your VPN software. One minute, you’re watching a foreign series on Netflix…
Then next, your VPN loses connection with your internet.
Luckily, the most straightforward fix usually fixes any of the millions of reasons for the disconnect: turn your modem and router on and off. There’s a reason that the first troubleshooting trick recommended by customer support is usually just a good ol’ reboot—it fixes most problems.
If restarting your modem fixes your network issues, you can stop reading here. However, if you’re still facing VPN issues, keep reading to address your troubles.
How to fix your VPN in 5 steps
Losing internet at a critical moment can be more than a simple nuisance—losing internet connection in the middle of a business meeting could mean losing your job!
So to help you avoid any potential soul-crushing losses, here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing any and all VPN connection problems like the pros.
Step 1: Check your devices
Often any network issues can be caused by device settings conflicting with the network connection.If you run into VPN issues, these are the first steps you should take while troubleshooting.
Reboot your devices
Usually, the first point of failure in VPN connection issues is your devices. For example, your phone might fail to connect to the internet while your other gadgets work fine and dandy.
In that case, rebooting the problematic device can fix your VPN problems.
Reconnect to the network
Sometimes, your internet troubles might be caused by a simple IP conflict. To address the issue, you just need to disconnect from your WiFi and then re-establish the connection. And, if you’re on a wired connection, simply disconnect and reconnect the ethernet cable from your device.
Restart the modem and router
If reconnecting to the network doesn’t fix your issues, a restart can get your internet back in working order. Simply turning your modem and router on and off can address any internet issues.
Check the connections at the back of the modem and router
When a reboot doesn’t fix your network, a cable might have come loose. Check all the connections at the back of your network device to check if everything is still correctly inserted. Then, do the same check on the opposite end of the cables.
Step 2: Check your credentials
Whether a new VPN user or a veteran, everyone falls into the same trap—forgetting their username and password. Even if you’ve got your VPN app to remember your username and password, sometimes the app fails to keep a copy of your username or password.
To avoid issues like these, always keep a backup of your VPN password in case you lose or forget it. Alternatively, you can use a password manager app to keep all your passwords safe and secure. In fact, some VPN services have add-on password manager services like NordVPN and their NordPass password manager.
Tips for better security
As an extra precaution, when creating your password, ensure it's a secure string of characters that won’t be easily cracked by phishing attempts or software. Keeping a copy of your login credentials will help you avoid getting locked out of your VPN connection.
And if you want more cybersecurity tips, you can read more about cybersecurity from the Security Bank of South Dakota guide for internet safety.
Step 3: Check your server connection
VPNs have thousands of servers you can choose to connect to, and any of them could malfunction or experience downtime due to maintenance.
If your VPN provider has a broad reach like ExpressVPN’s boasted 3,000 server base across 94 countries, then your worries are small. If the provider’s server in the UK takes a dump, your ExpressVPN subscription will automatically connect you to a UK backup server to save your viewing.
It’s common for VPN servers to go down for maintenance, so look for a subscription that offers many alternative servers with its service.
Step 4: Check software issues
If you’re a long-running VPN customer, you might be running an out-of-date version of the VPN software. For example, VPNs frequently update their security definitions to address any potential breaches, so you might run into malfunctions if your software is out of date. And to stress the importance of updates, outdated software can conflict with security refreshes, which is another point of failure.
So, ensure that your VPN app or software uses the most up-to-date version of the program. Most premium VPN platforms automatically ask you to update your software once you run the program. Don’t ignore the update notification, and keep your software updated.
Otherwise, you might also find an update button within the home menu of the program. In that case, be sure to click the button whenever it appears to give yourself the best version of the VPN available.
Alternatively, your issues might stem from VPN settings you’ve changed. A quick “reset to default” in the settings menu can get your VPN in working order.
Step 5: Check firewall settings
A VPN needs software permissions to connect to the internet. If you’re encountering connection issues with your VPN, a firewall setting might conflict with the VPN connection.
If you’re using Windows, you just need to input “firewall” in the search bar and access your “Windows Defender Firewall Settings.” Then, once you’ve opened the app, you can add your VPN to the exception list to allow your program through your firewall.
To access the firewall on macOS devices, you need to do the following:
- Navigate to the Apple menu
- Select the “System” tab
- Click on Network
- Select Firewall
- Add your VPN to the exceptions tab
Once your VPN properly communicates with your firewall, you shouldn’t experience any dropped connections.
You don’t need a degree to fix a VPN
When facing VPN troubles, you might think you’re out of luck in re-establishing your network connection. But most VPN issues have a simple fix. Sometimes a quick restart can be the kickstart your VPN needs to connect to the internet. Other occasions might require a more in-depth look, like in the case of firewall issues.
Either way, you don’t need customer support for most VPN troubles. So, the next time your VPN breaks down, we hope this guide can help fix your problems.
If you want more info on which VPN best fits your needs, you can get more info from our list of top VPNs.
Desiree Wu • Editor
Desiree is a full-time Honours Business Administration student at Ivey Business School at Western University. She also served as an Editorial Intern at Flixed. Desiree is based in London, Ontario.
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