[Fix] You Can Only Connect to the Internet Through a VPN

Can only connect to the internet through VPN? We’ll help you fix that. The point of using a VPN is to keep your online activities private and secure.

But it’s not supposed to cut off your regular connection to the Internet. So, if you can’t go online without turning on the VPN, then you have a problem.

Keep reading to find out what’s behind this bizarre issue and how to resolve it and prevent it from happening again.

Why can you only connect to the Internet through a VPN?

There is a number of reasons why internet works with VPN but not without:

First, you have to determine whether the issue occurs only with certain sites and devices or all devices in the network.

Site-level

If you can’t access specific sites without your VPN, here are the possible reasons:

• ISP blocks — Your ISP may employ firewalls, DNS filtering, and deep packet inspection to restrict access to particular web pages. That could be to protect you from malicious characters or implement state-sponsored censorship.
• Geo-restrictions — Site owners may only permit access to their content to visitors from specific locations. That way, they can enforce licensing agreements with copyright holders and comply with governmental regulations.

Device-level

If only one or a few devices in your Internet network remain offline when not connected to your VPN, it’s probably because:

• Enabled VPN kill switch — This feature forces your device to go offline when you lose your VPN connection. It’s designed to keep your real IP from getting exposed.
• Incorrect DNS settings — When your VPN is on, your device uses private DNS servers to mask your activity. Consequently, your original DNS settings may not return to normal when you disconnect from the secure tunnel. That can negatively affect your regular Internet connection.
• TCP/IP problems — Short for Transmission Communication Protocol/Internet Protocol, TCP/IP establishes a set of rules for how your device communicates with other computers. VPN use can negatively impact these settings, preventing you from using the Internet.
• Firewall blocks — That could happen if your device’s firewall confuses your Wi-Fi traffic with a security threat.

Network-level

If all VPN-protected devices in your network can’t connect to the open Internet, here’s what may be behind it:

• Router issues — Often, an extended operation can cause routers to experience performance issues.

How to fix it?

To go online without turning your VPN on, we recommend the following:

1. Talk to your ISP

Trying to access ISP-blocked content with your real IP is a futile endeavor.

Instead, you may speak with your ISP to understand why the restrictions are there in the first place.

2. Disable the kill switch

If your VPN has a built-in kill switch or network lock, you can deactivate it in the settings by toggling it off.

3. Correct your DNS settings

Your VPN service may have an advanced setting that allows you not to use VPN DNS servers only.

If not, try these steps to reconfigure the properties of your network connection on Windows 10:

4. Reset your TCP/IP settings

Here’s what you need to do.

1. Press the Windows + X keys.
2. Open Command Prompt.
3. Choose Yes when a warning pop-up appears to permit changes.
4. Type in netsh int ip reset.
5. Press Enter.

5. Fix your firewall

If Windows Defender is causing your Internet connectivity issues, you have three options:

1. Run your computer’s troubleshooter for Internet connections.
2. Restore the firewall’s default settings.
3. Disable Windows Defender.

6. Reboot your router

Finally, if all devices on your network experience the same problem where internet only works with VPN, it’s time to do the following:

1. Unplug your router.
2. Leave it off for no less than 30 seconds.
3. Plug it back in.

How to prevent the problem from occurring again?

You can reduce the chances of experiencing this issue in the future by following the tips below.

• Keep your VPN software, router, and firewall updated.
• Check what particular VPN features do before activating them.
• Only change VPN and device settings you fully understand.

Conclusion

If you can only connect to the Internet through a VPN, there is an issue you need to resolve.

Once you determine whether it occurs only on certain sites, devices, or your entire network, you can diagnose what is causing it.

Afterward, you should follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll get back online in no time.

FAQ