Facebook Not Working With a VPN? Here's a Simple Fix!

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Facebook not working with VPN

The list of countries that have banned Facebook gets longer every year. 

That’s why sometimes you have to use a VPN if you want to stay on the social network.

Unfortunately, the software might not always work as intended. And yours might trigger error messages that keep you from logging in to your account.

To find out what to do when Facebook is not working with your VPN, keep reading. We’ll cover that and other useful information.

Why is Facebook blocking your VPN?

It’s probably because of one of the following reasons:

  • Facebook detects your VPN connection — The social network might be restricting access to VPNs and blacklisting IP addresses associated with unusually high numbers of connections.
  • Your VPN hardware isn’t working — VPN servers can’t stay operational 100% of the time. When they’re down, they can’t spoof your location.
  • The authorities neutralize VPNs  — The countries that ban Facebook often prohibit the use of VPNs too. 
  • Activated split tunneling — Enabling this feature allows individual apps to bypass your VPN’s encrypted tunnel. They connect to the Internet without masking your IP or hiding your DNS requests. 
  • Your VPN’s version is old — Your software must be updated regularly. Otherwise, it might develop vulnerabilities that can compromise its functionality.
  • Your VPN isn’t good enough — Some lower-tier services can’t stop traffic data leakage and can’t help you access restricted content.

How to fix Facebook when it’s not working with your VPN?

Here are the best things you can do to resolve the issue:

1. Clear your browser’s memory

If you use Google Chrome, follow these steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + H to pull up History.
  2. Click Clear browsing data.
Google Chrome History menu
  1. Go to the Advanced tab.
  2. Check the Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files boxes.
Clear browsing data - Advanced tab
  1. Set the time range to All time.
  2. Click Clear data.
Clear Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files

2. Try other VPN servers

Here’s how it’s done on Private Internet Access (PIA) for Android:  

  1. Open the app and tap on Current Region.
PIA mobile app dashboard
  1. Connect to a region where Facebook is available and is near your physical location.
  2. Start using Facebook.

Changing servers is easy and effective in circumventing VPN IP blacklisting and isolated server downtime issues.

3. Obfuscate your VPN traffic

Here’s how you can do it on PIA’s Android app:

  1. Tap on the hamburger icon to open the menu.
PIA menu icon
  1. Go to Settings.
PIA mobile app settings
  1. Proceed to Obfuscation.
PIA obfuscation options
  1. Toggle on Connect via proxy.
PIA turn on Connect via proxy feature
  1. Tap on OK on the pop-up message.
PIA setup your proxy app pop-up message
  1. Select Facebook on the app list.
PIA select proxy app
  1. Tap on Save.
PIA save selection of proxu apps
  1. Reconnect your VPN.
  2. Begin connecting with your friends on the platform.

Obfuscation gets rid of all traces of your VPN from your traffic, allowing you to use a restricted app in heavily monitored cyberspaces.

4. Review your VPN’s split tunneling exceptions

On Android, here’s how to check PIA’s split tunneling settings:

  1. Tap on the hamburger icon for the menu.
  2. Proceed to Per App Settings.
Per App Settings on PIA's mobile app
  1. Search for Facebook.
  2. If the lock icon next to it is red, tap on it to turn it green and make sure that it’s protected by your VPN.
Per app settings - turned on and off
  1. Reconnect your VPN.
  2. Once the connection is successful, start using the social network

This solution can help if only Facebook is not working with your VPN. 

5. Find a more reliable VPN service

If none of the above methods worked, it’s time to quit on your VPN and switch to something better.

As mentioned, we highly recommend PIA because of its battle-tested no-logs policy and 10Gbps and RAM-only server in 80+ countries and territories. Furthermore, it has a large hardware fleet in the US, and native Android and iOS apps, among other benefits.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Order a subscription on PIA’s site to set up an account.
PIA pricing plans
  1. Download its Android or iOS app.
Get PIA
  1. Once installed, open the app and log in.
Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Use your favorite social networks even in the most restrictive environments with this reliable VPN service.
Check Price Visit Website

Wrap up

Facebook’s world is getting smaller as it is. And an ineffective VPN only makes it worse. 

Hopefully, you found our tips helpful and managed to regain your access.

Let us know what resolved your Facebook not working with a VPN issue in the comments!