Mon VPN ne fonctionne pas : les solutions
In the space of a few years, VPNs (Virtual Private Network) have established themselves as an essential tool for millions of Internet users.
Originally designed to guarantee secure and confidential browsing , these services also make it possible to bypass geographic restrictions imposed by certain sites or platforms ( Netflix , Amazon Prime , etc.), and thus unlock the full potential of the Internet .
However, like all technological tools, VPNs are not exempt from small operating problems from time to time , and it is common to encounter connection difficulties.
Fortunately, there are solutions to these temporary problems , the causes of which are multiple (inadequate configuration, network problems, policies of certain sites), but all of which are solvable!
So, if your VPN is not working , rest assured. In this article, we will not only detail the reasons for these malfunctions, but we will also offer you concrete solutions to remedy them quickly and easily.
5 alternatives to your current VPN to avoid problems
- NordVPN – The best VPN on the market: secure, fast and easy to use
- Surfshark VPN – The best value for money VPN: security at a low price
- Atlas VPN – The best freemium VPN on the market
- ExpressVPN – A VPN designed for security
- CyberGhost – Largest server network on this list
Reasons why a VPN doesn’t work
Although VPNs are the ultimate solution to enjoy secure online browsing and unlock the full potential of the Internet , it may happen that you experience certain problems when using this type of service.
Several reasons can be the cause of these inconveniences. Perhaps this is due to the repeated use of free VPNs , which are often less stable? Or an outdated version requiring an update? Other factors, such as blocked ports , intrusive security software , problems with VPN servers and protocols , or the instability of your internet connection , can also come into play. If you have difficulty detecting the reason your VPN is malfunctioning, don’t worry! We will go into more detail about each of the potential reasons in the next few lines.
Using a large number of free VPNs
Among the most common problems, previous use of free VPNs often explains operational problems when using a premium VPN .
Indeed, free versions, in addition to creating numerous security and privacy risks for their users, tend to hinder the functionality of premium services .
The solution to avoid this type of situation: analyze the list of installed VPNs and sort them. In order to benefit from all the features of a premium VPN, there is no need to accumulate different services, it is better to use a single VPN, preferably paid and renowned for the quality of its performance, like NordVPN .
By ridding your devices of deficient VPNs, you will be able to enjoy an optimal online experience , that is to say fast , reliable , and secure !
The VPN version is obsolete (UPDATE to be made)
Another reason your VPN may be struggling is that you are using an outdated version of it.
In fact, VPN providers constantly provide updates to their service in order to offer optimal protection against new threats present on the internet and ensure good compatibility with recent operating systems .
So, ignoring these updates can not only hamper the performance of your VPN , but also expose your data to multiple risks . So, the next time your VPN seems to be malfunctioning, first remember to check if a new update has been released recently!
Ports are closed
Sometimes the closure of some strategic ports can also be the reason for your problem.
Indeed, for your premium VPN to function optimally, several ports must remain open: UDB port 500 , essential for the IPsec tunneling protocol, UDB port 51820 , essential for WireGuard, and port 4500 .
If these ports are not enabled, your VPN performance will inevitably suffer. To avoid these problems, make sure that your router or firewall allows the ports mentioned above . To do this, simply go to your device settings, click on the ports section, then allow these 3 ports. This will allow your VPN to function smoothly and optimally.
An anti-virus or firewall blocks the VPN
If your VPN is not working as it should, also remember to check whether its operation is not hampered by the intervention of different security software , such as anti-virus or firewalls . Indeed, these programs, whose objective is to protect you against any potential threats, sometimes consider VPNs to be suspicious, and their excess of caution may simply result in your VPN connection being blocked.
If you suspect this is the cause of your problem, go to your antivirus or firewall settings , then create an exception for your private network . This simple and quick procedure should allow your VPN to function normally, and you will be able to take advantage of all of its features.
A problem linked to certain servers
The premium VPNs that we recommend on our site mostly offer networks of several thousand servers , it is possible that some of them are sometimes victims of temporary problems . Thus, some may temporarily experience slowdowns (generally linked to too many simultaneous connections), and even find themselves inaccessible for a few minutes or a few hours.
Faced with this problem, there is a very simple solution : connect to other servers .
Indeed, most premium VPNs have dozens of servers in each country, so it will be extremely easy for you to connect to another server located in the region of your choice. If you are faced with this situation, do not hesitate to test different connections until you find the one that will offer you the best performance!
Problems with VPN tunneling protocols
One of the most common reasons for VPN issues is malfunctioning tunneling protocols . The latter, essential to the proper functioning of a virtual private network, ensure the security of the connection between your devices and the servers provided by the VPN.
However, it is not uncommon for certain protocols to encounter difficulties , particularly due to restrictions imposed by certain countries or platforms, misconfigured network settings or software incompatibilities. Fortunately, most premium VPNs, which we have highlighted in our previous articles, have anticipated this type of problem, by offering several protocols. NordVPN , for example, offers 3 different tunneling protocols : NordLynx , based on WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), and IKEv2/IPSec . So, if one shows signs of failure, it is possible, in a few clicks, to switch to another, better suited to the situation and your needs, which allows you to resolve most connection problems!
An unstable internet connection
Although we often think that using a VPN is enough to guarantee a smooth and secure online experience , the fact remains that the effectiveness of this tool depends greatly on the quality of your internet connection . Indeed, low bandwidth or frequent outages can greatly affect the performance of your VPN.
To avoid this, it is crucial to adopt certain measures. First of all, start by restarting your internet box . Just like reinstalling your VPN, this basic manipulation often allows you to resolve many problems.
If this is not enough, then it may be wise to reduce the effort required of your bandwidth , by temporarily disconnecting other connected devices (tablet, smartphone, smart television, etc.), or by turning off updates. -plan and downloads that can monopolize your connection.
Finally, another effective technique is to bring your device closer to your router , in order to strengthen the signal, or, even better, to use an ethernet cable to optimize the internet connection. If despite these adjustments the problem persists, consider contacting your internet service provider: an upgrade or maintenance may be necessary.
In summary, although premium VPNs are powerful tools, their proper functioning remains dependent on the quality of your connection. By implementing these few recommendations, you will maximize your chances of taking full advantage of all their features!
My VPN is not working, what are the most common solutions?
If each incident is specific, and there is no universal solution, know that most of the problems encountered by premium VPNs can be resolved thanks to a few common manipulations.
First instinct: consider changing VPN providers . Indeed, some, despite their great promises of “premium” service, are simply not up to par. An alternative may also be to temporarily disable your firewall. Another avenue to explore: changing servers . Indeed, some can sometimes be overloaded or malfunction.
And if none of these techniques work, don’t hesitate to use an old but very effective technique: restart your computer . Continue reading our article to learn more about these different proven methods!
Change VPN provider
If your VPN isn’t working, it may be because you haven’t opted for a premium service . Indeed, the VPN market is full of different providers, and not all of them offer the same level of performance. Fortunately, there are a handful of providers who, thanks to their expertise, offer both excellent geographic coverage , solid performance and a high level of security to their users. Among them, we can notably cite:
- NordVPN : regularly presented as the undisputed leader in the VPN market, this provider of Lithuanian origin offers an almost infallible security system, excellent performance and very good geographic coverage.
- Surfshark VPN : Launched in 2018, this provider is considered the main competitor to NordVPN. It stands out in particular by being one of the rare services to offer an unlimited number of connections to its users.
- Atlas VPN : of American origin, this VPN is the only provider on our list to offer a free version in addition to its premium version.
- ExpressVPN : the Ferrari of VPNs. This British Virgin Islands-based provider is known for its high-end performance, but its plans are much more expensive than its competitors.
- CyberGhost : with its nearly 10,000 servers, CyberGhost offers unbeatable geographic coverage, making it possible to unblock almost all international content catalogs offered by the main streaming platforms.
Temporarily disable your firewall
Another solution may be to temporarily disable your firewall . Indeed, it can sometimes identify your VPN as a potential threat and block it, and disabling it could help you quickly resolve your problem . However, don’t forget to reactivate your firewall once the connection is re-established , as it remains a key part of your computer’s security system!
Change server
It is common that some VPN servers , for different reasons, become temporarily inaccessible or do not work as they should. This could be caused by too many users logged in at the same time or by server-specific technical issues. The solution ? Change server . Indeed, the 5 VPNs highlighted in our article ( NordVPN , Surfshark VPN , Atlas VPN , ExpressVPN and CyberGhost ) all offer networks made up of thousands of servers, and simply switching to another server will allow you to instantly resolve the problem encounter !
Restart the computer
The best kept secret of IT professionals for decades: if you have problems, turn it off and on again . Although this simple gesture may seem trivial, it often resolves many technical issues , by resetting many processes and configurations.
So, if your VPN doesn’t seem to be working, don’t hesitate to try this age-old trick; you will be surprised by its effectiveness!
Conclusion
Ensuring secure browsing on the Internet and exploiting its full potential has become increasingly complex in recent years. Fortunately, in this quest, premium VPNs have proven to be invaluable allies.
Allowing you to enjoy anonymous browsing while bypassing geographic restrictions , these services are used by millions of users all over the world. Unfortunately, like all technological tools, they are not without flaws and can sometimes present problems: from outdated configurations , to port problems , to the quality of the internet connection , many factors can have an impact on the performance of your favorite VPN. Fortunately, there are many quick and easy solutions to implement. So, if your VPN is faltering, don’t hesitate to use this article as a road map! Whether it’s a change of provider , an update , or a simple check of the quality of your connection , returning to optimal performance is often just a few clicks away!
And you, which VPN do you use to ensure the security of your connection? Do you know of any other solutions to fix malfunctions that we haven’t mentioned in this article? Tell us in the comments section below!
Read also :
Why is Netflix blocking my VPN?
ExpressVPN not working with Netflix? The solution in 2024
How to use a VPN in 2024? The complete guide
How to install a VPN on Samsung Smart TV
How to unblock IPTV in 2024? Complete guide
FAQs
Qu'est ce qu'un VPN ?
A VPN (from English Virtual Private Network ) is a service available in the form of a subscription which, thanks to its many features, protects the connection of its users and hides their IP address by replacing it with that of the VPN server to which the application allows you to connect. Also called a virtual private network, this service allows its users to ensure their online privacy and bypass all geographic restrictions imposed by their favorite sites and platforms.
Quel est le VPN qui fonctionne le plus souvent ?
Although there are dozens of premium VPNs, NordVPN is unanimously recognized as the undisputed market leader. Renowned for its excellent security system, its vast network of servers and its excellent performance, this VPN launched in 2012 is also known for its reliability. Indeed, this service guarantees an unrivaled experience for its 14 million users, and in the event of a problem, customer service available 24/7 is also available!
Pour quelles raisons un VPN ne fonctionne t-il pas ?
There can be several reasons why your favorite VPN has suddenly stopped working : the quality of the chosen service, temporarily inaccessible servers, potential conflicts with your firewall or an antivirus installed on your device, the quality of your internet connection or even problems with tunneling protocols. Although each situation is unique, these issues are the most common among users experiencing operational issues!