How to Fix VPN Connected But Not Working [No Internet Access]

One common reason your VPN might be connected but not working is a problem with how your computer handles domain names (DNS). Another issue can occur when you set up the VPN to use the remote network’s default gateway, which might override your usual internet settings.

Additionally, sometimes the connection attempt is rejected when it should be accepted or accepted when it should be rejected.

Check the solutions below to fix your VPN and get back to bypassing geo-blocks and ISP restrictions with your VPN.

Why Is My VPN Connected But There’s No Internet?

If your VPN connects but blocks internet access, it’s usually due to configuration or server-side issues. This is a common problem across VPN providers and devices.

Common Reasons for VPN No Internet Issues

• 🛑 Incorrect DNS settings – Your system may be using unreachable or blocked DNS servers.
• 🌐 Unstable or slow internet connection – A weak connection can cause VPN tunnels to fail.
• 📍 Overloaded or misconfigured VPN server – The server you’re connected to may be down, blocked, or have bad routing.
• ⚠️ Temporary VPN service outage – Some VPNs experience downtime or connectivity issues from time to time.

It Happens with All Major VPNs

This isn’t unique to one provider — users report similar issues with:

• NordVPN connected but no internet (e.g., NordLynx issues)
• GlobalProtect not working
• Forticlient VPN no internet
• Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and Pulse Secure VPNs
• Can only access internet through VPN
• OpenVPN, Windows built-in VPN, and Radmin VPN

Affects All Operating Systems

This VPN issue can happen on any platform:

• Windows 10 & 11
• macOS
• Linux, iOS, and Android (less frequently)

How to Fix VPN Connected But Not Working: Step By Step Instructions

1. Switch to Another VPN Server

Why: The server you’re using might be overloaded, temporarily down, or blocked.

Steps:

1. Open your VPN app.
2. Disconnect from your current server.
3. Select a different server (ideally in a different country or region).
4. Click Connect.
5. Open your browser and check if you can access websites.

2. Restart the VPN Client

Why: The VPN app may have crashed or failed to reconnect properly.

Steps:

1. Fully close the VPN app (don’t just minimize it).
2. Right-click its tray icon and select Exit if available.
3. Reopen the VPN app.
4. Connect to a server.
5. Check your internet connection again.

3. Check Your Internet Connection Without VPN

Why: If your base connection isn’t working, the VPN won’t either.

Steps:

1. Disconnect from the VPN.
2. Open a web browser and try accessing a site like www.google.com.
3. If the page doesn’t load:
   • Restart your router/modem.
   • Try a different device (e.g., your phone).
   • Contact your ISP if the issue persists.

4. Check for DNS issues

1. Ping an external IP address like 8.8.8.8 to confirm your internet connection is working. You can check whether you can reach the server you’re going to connect to by pinging it using the next steps.
2. Click Start and type CMD in the search bar.
3. Click Command Prompt.
   
4. Type ping 8.8.8.8 (you can replace it with the address you wish to ping) and press Enter.

If you get replies from the ping, it indicates your connection is working and the issue is likely with the DNS, so you need to resolve DNS issues.

If you don’t get a reply, for example, a Request Timeout message, it shows something is blocking the VPN connection.

5. Flush DNS Cache

1. On the Start menu, type View Network Connections.
   
2. Right-click on the network connection you’re using.
3. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4)and then on the Properties.
4. Ensure you have Obtain IP Address automatically and Obtain DNS Server Automatically This configures your device to acquire the settings directly from your modem/router.
5. Click OK and exit.

This is necessary if your VPN client, or a DNS leak protection script crashes and left an unusable DNS configuration.

6. Switch Network Type (Wi-Fi ↔ Mobile Data)

Why: Some networks block VPN traffic (especially mobile networks or public Wi-Fi).

Steps:

• If using Wi-Fi, try connecting via mobile hotspot.
• If using mobile data, switch to Wi-Fi and try again.
• Test VPN connection on both types to isolate the issue.

Swtich networks: If your VPN isn’t working on mobile data, try switching to Wi-Fi and check with your mobile provider if the issue is happening only on data.

If you still can’t browse while connected and suspect filtering, see how to fix VPN error 806 (often caused by blocked GRE/IPsec). You can also check VPN not working on Wi-Fi for Wi-Fi–specific fixes.

7. Check Your Firewall or Antivirus Settings

Why: These can block VPN traffic even if the app says “connected.”

Steps:

1. Open your antivirus/firewall software.
2. Temporarily disable the firewall.
3. Connect to the VPN again and test internet access.
4. If it works:
   • Re-enable the firewall.
   • Add your VPN app to the list of allowed/excluded apps.

8. Release and Renew IP Address

1. Click Start and type CMD.
2. Right-click Command Prompt from the results and select Run as Administrator.

3. In the black screen, type these two commands: ipconfig /release and then ipconfig /renew then press enter after each.

Check if the connection starts working again.

9. Switch to a better VPN

If you’ve tried the other fixes and your VPN is still connected but not working, the problem might be the VPN service itself. This is especially true if you’re using:

• ❌ A free VPN, which often lacks reliable servers, good support, or proper maintenance.
• ❌ A cracked or pirated VPN version, which is risky — it may be outdated, tampered with, or blocked by many services.
• ❌ A low-quality provider with limited server infrastructure, slow speeds, or poor compatibility with modern firewalls and networks.

A reliable tool that you can switch to is PIA. We recommend Private Internet Access (PIA) for its proven reliability, strict no-logs policy, and vast server network. It consistently bypasses restrictions, offers advanced security features, and delivers fast, stable connections.

Its servers are incredibly fast, making it a great VPN for streaming and gaming with limited drops or delays to worry about.

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10. Check the Ethernet adapter option settings

1. Right-click the Start menu and select Network Connections.

2. On the left-hand side click Ethernet.

3. Click Change adapter options.

4. Right-click the network connection you’re using and select Properties.
5. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and type OpenDNS addresses (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields.
7. Click OK, then Close, then Close Finally, close the Network Connections window.
8. Flush your DNS. At this point, we recommend that you flush both your DNS resolver cache and your web browser’s cache. This ensures that your new DNS configuration settings take effect immediately.

11. Change your VPN protocol

VPN protocols are the methods by which your device connects to a VPN server.  If your VPN uses the UDP protocol by default, this may be blocked in some countries.

For optimal performance, choose the protocols below in the following order:

• OpenVPN TCP
• L2TP
• PPTP

Open your VPN’s options or settings and select the Protocol from the list.

Note: PPTP offers only minimal security so only use it when absolutely necessary.

You may also want to read:

• Can’t Connect to VPN on Public Wi-Fi? Here’s What to Do
• VPN Not Working on 4G? Try These Fixes
• Can’t Connect to VPN When Using Mobile Hotspot? Here’s the Fix

12. Change your DNS server configuration

Open Network Connections settings

1. Right-click Start and select Run.
2. Type ncpa.cpl and click OK.
3. In the Network connections window, find your usual connection, either LAN or Wireless network connection.

4. Right-click the connection and select Properties.

Set the DNS server addresses

1. Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) or just Internet Protocol.

2. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.

3. Type these Google DNS server addresses: Preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4
4. If Google DNS is blocked, try the following:  Neustar DNS Advantage (156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1) enter and press OK; Level3 DNS (4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2) enter and press OK. Once you’re done, set your VPN’s DNS settings, and flush old DNS entries as described in the next solution.

Manually configuring your Windows computer with other DNS server addresses can help you access blocked sites and enjoy faster speeds.

To configure your Windows computer, please follow the instructions above.

13. Adjust your proxy settings

1. From the Tools or gear menu.

2. Select Internet options.

3. In the Connections tab, click LAN settings.
4. Uncheck all of the displayed options except automatically detect settings.
5. Click OK, and OK.
6. Close your browser and then open it again.

A proxy server is an intermediary between your computer and the Internet, often used to hide your real location and allow you to access websites that would otherwise be blocked.

If you’re having trouble connecting to the Internet, it’s possible that it has been set to use a proxy server.

Make sure that your browser is set to an auto-detect proxy or to no proxy.

FAQ