No software is perfect. That’s the first thing that you have to understand when using any type of software, tools, or apps online. Just like any software, VPN is also not perfect. Sometimes, you will need to deal with various errors with your private connection, and you have to troubleshoot it yourself. Of course, you can call tech support to help you fix it, but it is always better for you to learn to troubleshoot it yourself before going through the trouble of explaining your problem to the tech support.
When using VPN, sometimes you might notice that the private connection doesn’t work as you would expect it to be. This problem might vary depending on the service provider, but all VPN connections share common errors that the users need to deal with from time to time. Here are various VPN errors and how to troubleshoot them:
1. Unable To Reach The Private Servers
Sometimes, when you try to connect to the private servers in your VPN software, you are unable to do it. There are various reasons that cause this to happen, but the most common reason is that the private servers are not available at the time because of downtime or maintenance. It can also be caused by your internet connection itself, which might not be properly configured for the normal connection. Additionally, if you have a wrong username and password, you also can’t reach the private servers in your VPN software.
Troubleshooting Tips: Try checking your regular connection first and ensure that you are properly connected to the internet. You can also switch to different servers that are available on the VPN software. Lastly, check if you have properly logged into the VPN interface using the correct username and password.
2. IP/DNS Address Leak
Once you’ve connected to the private server of your choice and start browsing the internet, you will be able to hide your real IP/DNS address. This is the main function of the VPN as it makes your online activity anonymous and private. However, at some unexpected times, the VPN connection might accidentally reveal or leak your IP/DNS address, which makes your browsing session no longer private. If this happens often, this could be a problem for your online privacy and security.
Troubleshooting Tips: Always check the IP/DNS leak while using VPN from time to time. In this way, you always know that you are using a private IP/DNS instead of using your real IP/DNS. Also, be sure to turn on the Kill Switch feature on your VPN software to turn off your connection automatically whenever the private server is having any problem and needs to drop off the connection.
3. VPN Connection Slowdown
Your private connection is supposed to be able to help prevent any slowdown or throttling as it is applied by your ISP. Therefore, it should be able to keep your connection speed at the maximum, meaning that you will be able to experience the fastest speed for your internet connection. When you experience a slowdown in your VPN connection, there is clearly a problem. Don’t forget to check the VPN speed using the speed test checker online.
Troubleshooting Tips: Please check your regular connection first. If the regular connection is the one having the speed problem, then the virtual private network itself is fine. However, if you can obtain a faster speed than your VPN speed, then the VPN server is the one having problem. To solve this problem, it is recommended that you switch to another private server, especially the server that doesn’t have too many current users.
4. Consecutive Connection Drops
Not all VPN services offer the same connection stability for the users. That’s why you need to pick your virtual private network service very carefully and not wasting your money buying the wrong VPN subscription. Connection drops are quite common when you use any VPN service, but if you experience consecutive connection drops, there is something wrong with the VPN that you are using. It means that your private connection is unstable and unreliable.
Troubleshooting Tips: The first thing that you need to do is to check whether this is caused by your VPN connection or your regular connection. So, check whether it is the regular connection that has connection drops or the private connection. If the problem is on the private connection, try changing to different servers and find the servers closest to your location. If this problem persists for days or weeks, it is better to change the VPN connection altogether.
5. Unable To Access Certain Blocked Websites
Aside from keeping your online activity secure and private, VPN can also be used to access blocked website. It is the tool to give the users the freedom in accessing the internet. By using VPN, you must be able to access any website that is blocked by the government. If, by any chance, you might not be able to access certain websites that are blocked by the government, then there is a problem in your VPN connection.
Troubleshooting Tips: Usually, to access certain blocked website, such as Netflix or torrent sites, your VPN service provider has prepared some special servers to use. So, whenever you need to access those blocked websites, you need to switch to these special servers first. So, check if there are servers specially designed to access certain blocked services, such as torrents, Netflix, BBC, and so on. Then, use those servers whenever you need to access those blocked websites.
Those are the various VPN errors that you need to know and how to troubleshoot them. Before contacting the tech support to fix these errors, it is better for you to try to fix it yourself first. It will save you a lot of time.