What to Do If Your VPN Won't Connect?
A VPN is an essential tool for anyone who needs increased privacy or access to programs that only work with a VPN. However, sometimes connecting to a VPN can be a challenge. If you've ever encountered the message "Cannot connect to VPN," you know how frustrating it can be - especially if you need to get work done urgently. Connection problems depend on various factors: blocked ports, faulty routers, not updated software, or outdated VPN protocols. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot a VPN connection issue.
If the VPN doesn't connect, try the following things:
- check network settings - change server - open the necessary ports - disable firewall - update or reinstall the VPN service Let's look at each of these steps in more detail. By the way, they are applicable not only to desktop versions of VPNs but also to Android or iOS smartphones.
If you have problems with your internet connection, the VPN may not work at all or may work incorrectly. Therefore, it's important to make sure that your internet is active and stable. It's also important to consider that frequent switching between mobile internet and Wi-Fi can also affect the VPN connection. To keep your data safe in case of unexpected internet outages, Shiva VPN has a kill switch feature. It instantly stops all connections and disconnects all devices from the internet. If you can't connect to the internet, try the following: check your balance turn off and then turn on Wi-Fi restart your router check the connection tightness of the Ethernet cable to the router If the internet still doesn't work, it's worth calling your provider to find out the reasons for the lack of connection on their end.
2. Change the Server
Sometimes the problem may be related to the server used by the VPN provider. Check if the server you are trying to connect to is working. Some servers may refuse new connections if they are overloaded. To avoid such a situation, choose automatic server selection, then the VPN service will select the fastest and most relevant servers for your location. And, of course, it won’t try to connect you to an overloaded or non-working one. If you prefer to manually select a server, try choosing a different one or changing the country in the settings.
3. Check if the Necessary Port is Open
Perhaps your internet provider is blocking traffic on the current port, try changing the default port settings to make sure the correct port is open for VPN. Shiva VPN blocks all ports except those necessary for the operation of the VPN. The reason for this is security, as open ports create many risks for the internet connection.
4. Check for Firewall Blocking
Windows has its own network firewall that filters traffic without the user's knowledge. In most cases, this filtering is more than adequate and you don’t experience any problems when working with the internet. But sometimes it can block the VPN connection. To avoid this, simply add the VPN application to the exceptions list in the firewall settings.
5. Update or Reinstall the VPN Service
If your service version is outdated, the VPN may malfunction. Update it to the latest version and try connecting again. Data protection protocols and programs require constant updating because new types of blocks are constantly appearing. To be sure that the version is always the most current, enable automatic software updates in the settings. You can also update your browser, as outdated versions can also block VPN connections. For example, if you are using an old version of Safari, Firefox, or Chrome, update it to the latest version and try connecting to the VPN again. And if we are talking about mobile devices, some services require that you first open the app, press the connect button, and accept the connection. Alternatively, try restarting your phone and reinstalling the app. If none of the above methods help solve the problem, contact your VPN provider or connect to Shiva VPN.
