Slack not Working with VPN? Try this!

One of the easiest ways to fix Slack not working with VPN issues is to switch to another server on your VPN app.

Sometimes, certain servers may be overloaded, and others may be blocked by Slack, resulting in connection errors. 
By changing your server location, you can find a faster and more reliable one that works with it.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your VPN app and disconnect from the current server.
2. Choose a different server location from the list of available options. You can try servers that are closer to your physical location or the location of your Slack workspace.

3. Connect to the new server 
4. Check if Slack is working properly.

This method may help you resolve the issue quickly and easily. However, if you still encounter errors, you can try the next solution.

Another possible reason why Slack may not work with VPN is that your cache data are interfering with the connection. 

App cache data are stored on your device to remember your preferences and settings. 
However, sometimes they can also cause conflicts or errors when you’re using a VPN.

To fix this, you can clear your app cache.

CLEAR DATA ON SLACK PC

1. Click the Windows icon located in the bottom left corner of your screen. Alternatively, use the Windows + I shortcut.
2. Select Settings from the Start menu.
3. Click on the Apps tile. This will display all the applications installed on your computer.

4. Find the Slack application and click on it to expand its options.
5. Click on the Advanced Options link.
6. Scroll down and locate the Reset button. This feature is used to fix any issues with the application if it’s not functioning properly.

7. A warning message will appear, informing you that resetting Slack will delete your app data and sign you out of your account. If you agree to these terms, click on Reset again.

8. Try reconnecting to Slack with your VPN app.

If you are using a mobile phone to access Slack, you may need to take a few different steps to clear your app cache data:

CLEAR DATA ON SLACK MOBILE

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Tap on Apps or Applications.

3. Find the Slack app and tap on it.
4. Tap on Storage or Storage & Cache.
5. Tap on Clear cache.

6. Try reconnecting to your Slack again.

Typically, your internet-connected device relies on your ISP’s DNS servers to process requests.
However, if these DNS servers are slow or not appropriately configured for caching, it can lead to connection issues.

Fortunately, if you are using NordVPN, you can use its private DNS server. 
Here’s how to do it.

1. Right-click the network icon (or the WiFi icon if you are connected to WiFi) in the taskbar notification area and select Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Change adapter options.

3. Right-click the TAP-NordVPN Windows adapter V9 and choose Properties.

4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter NordVPN’s DNS addresses: Preferred DNS server: 103.86.96.100 and Alternate DNS server: 103.86.99.100

6. Repeat steps 3-5 for your physical network adapter, Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

7. Try reconnecting to Slack.

Ultimately, you can improve your connection speed and ensure a smoother experience on Slack.

Sometimes, the VPN server may have certain restrictions or configurations that interfere with Slack’s functionality.

One of the ways to access Slack again is by enabling split tunneling and excluding Slack’s IP routes from the VPN.

So, the app directly accesses the internet through your regular connection.

Here’s how to enable this feature using ExpressVPN as an example:

1. Open the ExpressVPN app.
2. Click on the Settings gear icon in the top-left corner and select Options.

3. Look for the split tunneling feature and check the Manage connection on a per-app basis.
4. Then click on the Setting button under it.

5. Check the Do not allow selected apps to use the VPN and check the plus box.

6. Select the Slack app from the list of installed apps.

7. Click on Ok.

8. Try connecting to Slack again

Note: using this method means your traffic to and from the Slack app will not be encrypted by the VPN. 
This means it will not be routed through a VPN server, and your IP address will not be hidden.

Running the connection test helps to check if your computer can connect to the Slack servers. 
To run the Slack connection test, follow these steps:

1. Go to the test Slack website on your browser. 
2. Sign into your account.

3. The Slack connection test will start automatically and check your connection to the Slack servers.

If there are any errors, the test will display them and provide instructions on how to fix them.
If there are no errors, the test will display a message indicating that your connection to Slack is working properly.
The Slack connection test will check the following:
⚫ Internet connection
⚫ Browser’s cache
⚫ Computer’s firewall
⚫ Your network’s proxy settings
If you are still having problems fixing the problem, you can contact your network administrator for help with the URL at the bottom of the test.

The last resort to fix Slack not working with VPN is to change your VPN provider altogether.
This is because some of them may not be compatible with Slack.

If you’re using a free or low-quality VPN, we recommend switching to a premium one that offers better performance and compatibility with the app.

One of the best VPNs for Slack is ExpressVPN, which is a fast, secure, and reliable service.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN and download the software from their website.

Follow the instructions to install the app and sign in with your credentials.

Open the app and choose a server location from the list of available options. You can use the Smart Location feature to connect to the best server for you automatically.

Connect to the server.
Check if Slack is working properly.

Does Slack block VPNs?
No, Slack does not block VPNs.
However, some VPNs may not work well with Slack due to network