How to Fix yt-dlp Not Working With VPN (Quick Fix)

If yt-dlp stops working when you connect to a VPN, you can run into failed downloads, connection errors, or very slow speeds.

This usually happens because video sites block known VPN IP ranges or due to DNS and routing conflicts between your VPN app and yt-dlp. The good news is you can fix it fast with a few targeted tweaks.

Why is yt-dlp not working with a VPN?

yt-dlp needs stable, direct access to hosting servers. A VPN changes your route and IP, which can:

1. Trigger geo-restriction rules and blocks.
2. Create IP or region mismatches across requests.
3. Reduce speed due to encryption overhead.
4. Cause DNS conflicts that break lookups.

If you’ve had wider problems before, this general guide on how to fix VPN not working is a helpful reference.

Fixes that restore yt-dlp with a VPN

1) Switch to a different VPN server

Platforms often blacklist entire VPN IP ranges. Change to another city or country and test again. Rotating through a few nearby servers usually restores access. If your tunnel fails to establish, use this resource on VPN not connecting to rule out client-side issues.

2) Enable split tunneling

Use your VPN’s split tunneling to control what goes through the tunnel. Route yt-dlp through the VPN if you need a different region. If the source site blocks your VPN outright, exclude yt-dlp from the tunnel so it connects directly.

3) Change your VPN protocol

Switch to a faster, more stable protocol. WireGuard and OpenVPN (UDP) are solid picks for download tools. If you’re on IKEv2 or TCP, try UDP or WireGuard and re-test downloads.

4) Flush DNS and use the VPN’s DNS

DNS conflicts are a common reason for failed requests. Do this:

1. Disconnect the VPN.
2. Windows: Open Command Prompt (admin) and run ipconfig /flushdns. macOS: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache then sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
3. Reconnect and ensure your VPN enforces its own DNS.

If you want a refresher on how tunneling and DNS behave, see what is a VPN and how it handles lookups.

5) Update yt-dlp to the latest build

Sites change often. yt-dlp updates include new extractors and fixes. Run:

python3 -m pip install -U yt-dlp

6) Try a different VPN provider

If the platform blocks your provider’s IP space, switching services is the quickest path. Premium options tend to refresh IPs more often and bypass filters more reliably. For costs across popular options, check this VPN price comparison. If you’re brand new to all this, the VPN beginners guide breaks down features like split tunneling and protocols.

Quick tips to keep yt-dlp stable with a VPN

1. Pick a nearby server for better speeds.
2. Keep both the VPN app and yt-dlp updated.
3. Avoid free VPNs since their IPs are flagged quickly.
4. Test multiple protocols to find the most stable route.

yt-dlp working with VPN in minutes

In most cases, switching servers, changing protocols, flushing DNS, and updating yt-dlp will restore downloads fast. If blocks persist, a different VPN provider is the simple fix.

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