Common VPN Issues in 2025 and How to Fix Them

You are not alone if you are working through a VPN that does not meet your expectations. We understand how frustrating it might be for any user.

Fortunately, most of those problems are easily solvable. If you learn how to troubleshoot appropriately, it will take a little while before you return to the world of secure browsing and uninterrupted streaming.

This blog will cover the ten most common VPN issues, their fixes, and how selecting the best VPN service helps you avoid most of these challenges.

VPN Doesn't Connect

One of the fundamental and most frequent issues that users face in a VPN is the need for connecting. Using your office network over public Wi-Fi and finding your VPN won't connect. Frustrating, isn't it?

Following are a few of the simple steps to troubleshoot such scenarios:

Possible Reasons:

• Port Block Issue: Your ISP might have blocked specific ports on the network.

• Firewall Restrictions: The firewall could be blocking the VPN connection.

• Network Adapter Problems: Your network DNS settings might be incorrectly configured.

Solutions

Log Out and Re-Log In

If the issue is related to the VPN software, simply log out of your account and log back in. This refreshes the VPN application and often resolves the problem.

Try a Different Server

The problem could also be server-related. In such cases, try connecting to a different server. Opt for a server that is either physically closer to you or has a minimal connection load for better results.

Change the Protocol

If none of the servers connect, consider changing the protocol. Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may block specific ports and protocols to restrict VPN usage. For optimal performance, try using protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.

VPN Keeps Disconnecting

It can be frustrating when your VPN disconnects, especially during critical activities like transactions, gaming, or streaming your favourite shows online.

Possible Reasons:

• Server Overload: The server you're connected to might be overloaded.

• Firewall Interruption: The firewall could be interfering with your VPN connection.

• Network Drop Issue: Packet loss in your connection could be causing instability.

Solutions:

• Connect to Servers with Minimum Load:
  Crowded servers often lead to frequent disconnections. For a stable connection, switch to a server with the least load.

• Disable Firewall:
  Firewall settings might be interrupting the VPN connection. You can allow the VPN through the firewall or temporarily turn off the firewall if that's too complex. Rest assured, secure VPNs typically have built-in firewalls to maintain protection.

Network Drop Issue

Frequent disconnections may indicate packet loss in your internet connection. Packet loss occurs when data packets fail to reach their destination, disrupting the connection.

• Solution:
  Contact them to resolve the issue since only your ISP can address packet loss.

VPN Speeds are Too Slow

Slow internet is always frustrating. VPN connections can sometimes reduce speed, but there are easy ways to address this.

Possible Reasons:

1. Crowded Server: You may be connected to a server with high traffic.
2. Protocol Incompatibility: Certain protocols may not work well in your network.
3. VPN Server Limitations: The VPN server may impose speed limits.
4. ISP Throttling: Your ISP may detect VPN usage and deliberately reduce speed.

Solutions:

1. Try a Different Server: Connect to a less crowded server for better performance.
2. Experiment with Protocols: Switch to another protocol like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
3. Upgrade to Premium: Free VPNs often limit speed; upgrading can enhance performance.
4. Use a Secure VPN: Choose a VPN capable of bypassing ISP throttling techniques like Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).

VPN Application/Connection Keeps Crashing

VPN apps can occasionally freeze, crash, or stop working, just like other software.

Possible Reasons:

1. Bug in the App: Outdated software may cause issues.
2. App Conflicts: Running multiple VPN apps can lead to crashes.
3. Hardware Incompatibility: The app might not support your system hardware.

Solutions:

1. Update Your VPN: Always check for and install updates. Enable automatic updates to stay current.
2. Close Conflicting Apps: Avoid running two VPN apps simultaneously. Uninstall the conflicting app if necessary.
3. Check Hardware Compatibility: Ensure your VPN supports your device and OS architecture.

Can't Establish Tunnel Connection

VPNs create a secure tunnel for data transfer, but if it fails to establish, the connection won't work.

Possible Reasons:

1. Proxy Misconfiguration: Proxy servers may interfere with VPNs.
2. Missing TAP Adapter: The TAP adapter, essential for VPN operation, may need to be included.

Solutions:

1. Reconfigure or Remove Proxy: Avoid using a proxy server, as VPNs provide greater security.
2. Check for a TAP Adapter: Reinstall the VPN app to restore the adapter.

Can't Access Streaming Services

Users often find streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ block VPN usage, displaying messages like "VPN detected."

Possible Reasons:

1. Geo-blocking Restrictions: The VPN may fail to bypass regional blocks.
2. Lack of Streaming Support: The VPN may not support streaming.

Solutions:

1. Use a Trusted Streaming VPN: Select VPNs with dedicated streaming servers capable of bypassing geo-restrictions and providing a buffer-free experience.

VPN Not Working on iPhone

If your VPN isn't working correctly on an iPhone, try the following steps:

• Restart your phone.

• Reinstall the VPN app.

• Test the VPN on another device.

• Reset network settings.

• Switch to a data connection.

• Contact the VPN support team.

VPN Not Working on Android

If you're experiencing issues with a VPN for Android devices, follow these steps:

• Reset the app cache or precise data.

• Reset network settings on your device.

• Connect to a different Wi-Fi network.

• Update or reinstall the app.

• Use mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.

• Test on a device with a different Android version.

Closing Thoughts

VPN problems are widespread; most are solvable with simple troubleshooting. Sometimes, specific issues with VPNs may be persistent, but they tend to be hugely mitigated by using a better VPN with solid support and an upper hand over features.

This content was first published by KISS PR Brand Story. Read here >> Common VPN Issues in 2025 and How to Fix Them