Fix: Can’t Access Patreon Error - 4 Tested Fixes

Experiencing trouble accessing Patreon? We have solutions!

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can't access patreon

So, you can’t access Patreon, right? Don’t panic! 

The platform is popular amongst creators who use it to monetize content. As such, you might lose out on potential income if inaccessible. 

Luckily, the problem is easy to fix using a VPN. Other alternative ways include using SmartDNS Proxy, Psiphon, and clearing browsing data.

That said, I’ll show you why it occurs and how to avoid it. Ready? Let’s begin.

Quick Guide: Can’t access Patreon (Solved)

Follow the steps below: 

  1. Go to ExpressVPN and sign up.
  2. Download and install the VPN.
  3. Connect the VPN to a Patreon-supported country.
  4. Access Patreon hassle-free.

It’s that simple!

Where’s Patreon available?

Before we dive into how to access it, let’s clear this out: Patreon is available worldwide except for a few countries.

These include: 

CountryReason for Unavailability
CrimeaUnsupported/Economic santions
CubaUnsupported/Economic sanctions
Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR)Unsupported/Economic sanctions
IranUnsupported/Economic sanctions
Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR)Unsupported/Economic sanctions
North KoreaUnsupported/Economic sanctions
SyriaUnsupported/Economic sanctions
AlgeriaBanned/Censored
ChinaBanned/Censored
EgyptBanned/Censored
IndiaBanned/Censored
RussiaBanned/Censored

The unavailability is partly due to compliance arising from economic sanctions. As a company headquartered in the United States, abiding by the rules is critical. 

Apart from that, some countries block citizens from using the platform. This is due to strict regulatory requirements and national security concerns. 

Another reason can be caching errors arising from the malfunctioning of your browser. This can arise due to botched updates, misconfigurations, network errors, etc.

As such, the site will fail to load, indicating the presence of a problem. Here’s what to expect:

patreon loading error

The good news? 

You can access Patreon as long our country isn’t sanctioned. Surprisingly, it’s super easy!

Can’t access Patreon (Solved)

As mentioned, a VPN is the best solution for accessing Patreon. It’s easy to install, configure, and optimize for a better web experience.

Most are competitively priced, making them available for everyone. They also come with tons of intuitive features to free your internet. 

That’s why I suggest you:

1. Use ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is well-known for its top-tier security, blazing-fast speeds, and global connectivity. It runs a web of 3,000+ servers available in about 105 countries.

The service provides a user-friendly application that makes configuration a breeze. Support is available for pretty much every internet-enabled device out there.

It comes with 256-bit network encryption out of the box. Moreover, you get best-in-class connection protocols like Lightway, IKEv2/IPSec, UDP/TCP, etc.

ExpressVPN doesn’t log your browsing activity, which maximizes your privacy. Besides, you get a kill switch to prevent accidental data leaks when your internet fails.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Go to ExpressVPN and subscribe to the service.
  2. Download the ExpressVPN app and install it on your device.
  3. Run the application and enable the kill switch under settings.

enable kill switch on expressvpn

  1. Go back and choose a server in a Patreon-supported country and connect. 
  2. Access Patreon on your device trouble-free.
patreon working with expressvpn

ExpressVPN comes with unlimited bandwidth for work and play. It supports eight simultaneous devices for sharing with family and friends.

ExpressVPN

Access Patreon whenever and wherever, with this budget-friendly VPN.
Check price Visit website

2. Use SmartDNS Proxy

SmartDNS Proxy is a service primarily designed for streaming. Still, it works exceptionally well making it ideal for ordinary web browsing. 

The solution routes your connection through remote DNS servers. This action spoofs your location, perfect for unblocking geo-restricted content. 

Unlike a VPN, this option doesn’t require any software installations. It’s a play-and-play solution compatible with computers, routers, smartphones, etc. 

Follow these instructions: 

  1. Go to SmartDNS proxy and sign up for the service.
  2. Check your account for the Preferred and Alternative DNS Addresses. Ensure you opt for US-based DNS credentials. 
  3. Open your router’s control panel and locate DNS Settings. You can refer to the device manual for directions.

configure smartdns proxy on your router

  1. Replace the DNS Addresses with the ones obtained in Step 2. 
  2. Save and reboot your router for the changes to take effect.
patreon working with smartdns proxy

Like ExpressVPN, SmartDNS Proxy comes with unlimited traffic. Additionally, the vendor offers a 14-day risk-free trial for the service.

SmartDNS Proxy

Access Patreon on any device connected to your home network using SmartDNS proxy.
Check price Visit website

3. Use Psiphon

Psiphon is a trusted anti-censorship tool for accessing blocked online content. It works like a VPN, offering multiple servers for location spoofing.

The service safeguards connections using 256-bit encryption. Furthermore, the vendor changes servers often to toughen user privacy. 

The application is lightweight and novice-friendly. You’ll find it easy to use and get your way around. 

Onboard includes a split tunnel to allow direct access to local services. This ensures you operate your Patreon while keeping in touch with your surroundings.

This is how it works:

  1. Download and install Psiphon on your favorite device.
  2. Run the application and access Settings.
  3. Locate Split Tunnel and enable it. 

enable split tunnel on psiphon

  1. Go back to the servers list and connect to a US-based server.
  2. Launch your browser to access Patreon. 
patreon working with psiphon

As easy as pie!

4. Clear web browser cache

Sometimes, your browser cache could be the culprit. It comprises tiny data files used for accelerating website loading speeds. 

However, the cache can build up fast causing your browser to encounter errors. Examples include occasional freezing, sluggishness, and sites failing to load.

As such, clearing the data can help get rid of such problems. Browsing will be smoother, more responsive, and error-free. 

Follow these steps:

  1. Open your web browser’s Settings.
  2. Locate Privacy and Security.
  3. Select Clear Browsing Data.
select clear browsing data
  1. Choose the Advanced tab.
  2. Set the Time Range to All Time.
set the time range to clear data
  1. Select Clear Data.
  2. Alternatively, use Reset Settings to restore a clean copy of your browser. 
reset browser to clear all data

Note that, this option clears all data saved on your browser. As such, you might be required to resubmit details like login credentials to access Patreon.  

Why you need a VPN to access Patreon

Patreon recommends using a VPN in areas where censorship is widespread. It’s vital for bypassing restrictions that some countries enforce to block the platform.

It can also help streamline the connection if your internet is unstable. As such, you’ll avoid network issues that impact access to the service.

VPNs make this possible by tunneling traffic through remote servers. This results in improved internet speeds and latency, enhancing your browsing experience.

Security is equally top-notch, thanks to the presence of 256-bit encryption. Such a measure shields you against potential threats alongside providing superior privacy. 

Let’s address the elephant in the room.


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Wrapping up

Now you know what to do if you can’t access Patreon. You should always go with a VPN as the preferred workaround. 

It offers a reliable and secure way to access the platform. Additionally, it’s easy to set up and enjoys broad device compatibility.

Other options include SmartDNS Proxy, which is simple to configure. Or else, use Psiphon if you need a quick cost-free solution. 

Clearing the browser cache can also fix errors causing Patreon to be unreachable. Even better, you’ll enjoy smoother and faster access to the platform.

More about the topics: patreon

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