VPN Not Working? How to Fix & Stay Secure

VPN suddenly not working? You’re not alone! Many users experience connection failures, slow speeds, or complete VPN downtime, leaving them vulnerable online. Whether you’re trying to access Netflix, bypass geo-restrictions, or stay anonymous, a non-working VPN is frustrating.

If your VPN is not working, don’t worry—this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the problem step by step. We’ll cover:

• Understanding VPNs
• The most common reasons why your VPN isn’t working.
• Quick fixes to restore your connection.
• Advanced solutions for bypassing tough restrictions.
• How to fix VPN issues on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Stay Connected with Proxies Even When Your VPN Stops Working
• FAQs

What is a VPN?

A VPN, Virtual Private Network, is a tool for securing your connection by encrypting your data and routing your traffic through a remote server. This process will mask your real IP address to enhance privacy and security. VPNs are mainly used for enhancing privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, and securing public Wi-Fi connections.

Why Your VPN is Not Working: Common Causes & Fixes

Before diving into fixes, let’s understand what might be causing your VPN issues:

1. ISP Blocks on VPN Traffic

Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) actively detect and block VPN connections, especially in countries with strict censorship laws (China, UAE, Russia).

Solution: Try switching to an obfuscated server or using a different protocol like WireGuard or OpenVPN TCP instead of UDP.

2. Firewall or Antivirus Interference

As a default security measure, firewalls and antivirus software often block VPN connections.

Solution: Temporarily disable your firewall/antivirus software and see if the VPN works. If it does, add the VPN application to the whitelist in its settings.

3. Outdated VPN Software

An older version of a VPN client may have bugs or be incompatible with newer operating system updates.

Solution: Update your VPN app to the latest version in an official way.

4. Incorrect VPN Settings & Protocol Issues

Misconfiguration can lead to connection failures or poor performance.

Solution: Switch to different protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2) to see which works best for your network.

5. Blocked VPN IPs (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer)

Streaming services like Netflix actively block known VPN IP addresses to enforce regional restrictions.

Solution: Connect a server optimized for streaming or contact your VPN provider for a list of working servers.

6. Server Overload or Downtime

If too many users are connected to the same server, it can slow down or even disconnect.

Solution: Switch to a different server location with a lower traffic load.

Quick Fixes: How to Troubleshoot a Non-Working VPN

1. Restart your device and router—this can resolve temporary network issues.

2. Switch to a different VPN server—some servers may be blocked or under maintenance.

3. Change your protocol—try OpenVPN TCP instead of UDP for better stability. 

4. Disable firewall/antivirus temporarily—test if they are blocking the connection. If this fixes the issue, whitelist your VPN in security settings.

5. Update your VPN client—always use the latest version for bug fixes and security updates.

Advanced Solutions for Fixing Persistent VPN Issues

1. Change Your DNS Settings

Some ISPs use DNS filtering to block access to VPN servers. Manually setting up a different DNS can help bypass these restrictions:

• Use Google DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
• Use Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1

2. Use Obfuscated Servers (Stealth Mode)

If you’re in a country with strict censorship (China, UAE), obfuscated servers disguise your traffic as regular HTTPS traffic to bypass deep packet inspection (DPI).

3. Enable Split Tunneling

Some apps may conflict with your VPN connection—split tunneling allows you to route only certain apps through the VPN while keeping others on your regular internet connection.

VPN Not Working on Specific Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android & iOS

Windows:

• Run your VPN app as an administrator (Right-click > Run as Administrator).
• Check if Windows Defender Firewall is blocking your connection (Control Panel > Firewall > Allow an app through firewall).

Mac:

• Go to System Preferences > Network, remove the old VPN profile, and re-add it manually using OpenVPN or IKEv2 protocol settings provided by your provider.

Android & iOS:

• Clear app cache (Settings > Apps > Select VPN App > Clear Cache).
• Reinstall the app from the Play Store/App Store if it keeps disconnecting randomly.

Use a Proxy to Stay Connected When Your VPN Is Not Working

If your VPN is blocked, a residential proxy is the best alternative because:

It uses real residential IPs, harder to detect and block.

Unlike VPNs that use data center IPs (which are easy to blacklist), residential proxies assign you an IP from a real ISP network—making it appear as though you’re browsing from a normal home connection.

It works even when Chrome extensions & PC VPNs fail.

If your browser-based VPN extensions were disabled, setting up a proxy directly in your browser or operating system ensures uninterrupted access without relying on third-party apps.

It provides multiple protocol options (HTTP/SOCKS5) for different needs.

SOCKS5 proxies offer fast and secure connections for streaming & gaming. HTTP proxies work well for web browsing and bypassing geo-restrictions.

It bypasses streaming & geo-restrictions more effectively than many VPNs.

Since streaming platforms primarily target known VPN servers, using a proxy with a constantly rotating IP pool increases your chances of accessing restricted content without detection.

Need a reliable proxy provider? Consider MacroProxy for high-speed residential proxies that work even when VPNs fail!

Choose the Proxy Type According to Why VPNs Fail

Understanding how VPN blocks work can help you choose the best alternative solution:

Since ISPs and platforms primarily target VPN IPs, switching to a residential proxy service allows you to bypass these restrictions while maintaining anonymity.

If you’re unsure how to set up a proxy on your device, check out our detailed guide on How to Configure a Proxy for step-by-step instructions!

FAQs

1. Why Netflix Not Work with VPN?

Netflix actively blocks known VPN IP addresses to enforce regional restrictions.

2. Why Does Weave Not Work When VPN Is On?

Weave (a software or service) may restrict VPN usage due to security policies or IP mismatches.

3. Why Is My VPN Not Working?

Your VPN may not work due to ISP blocks, outdated software, or incorrect settings.

4. Why Does Grammarly Not Work with VPN?

Grammarly may block VPNs for security reasons or detect an unusual login attempt.

5. Why Is VPN Not Working on My Phone?

If your VPN isn’t working on mobile, it could be due to network settings or app restrictions.

Still facing issues? Consider using a residential proxy for better reliability!

Stay Connected Even When Your VPN Stops Working

When multiple VPNs go down at once—whether due to ISP blocks, government crackdowns, or platform blacklisting—the best alternative is using a high-quality residential proxy. Unlike traditional VPNs, proxies offer:

• Less detection risk due to real residential IPs
• Multiple protocols (HTTP/SOCKS5) for different use cases
• Easy setup on browsers, operating systems & mobile devices

If you’re struggling with a non-working VPN, switch to a reliable proxy service like MacroProxy today for uninterrupted browsing and streaming!