PayPal Not Working with VPN? Here's the Solution!
9 min. read
Updated on
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help VPNCentral sustain the editorial team Read more
Regardless of why you wish to access PayPal through an encrypted network, you may face a PayPal not working with a VPN issue.
The platform provides superb security measures, including fraud monitoring and prevention, which leads to VPN issues.
Access content across the globe at the highest speed rate.
70% of our readers choose Private Internet Access
70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
Browse the web from multiple devices with industry-standard security protocols.
Faster dedicated servers for specific actions (currently at summer discounts)
Online payment systems, like PayPal, provide a convenient environment to send money to family, friends, and businesses.
Accordingly, PayPal attracted over 435 million users as of 2023, permanently impacting the financial systems.
While several factors are in play, a premium VPN provider effectively resolves all the issues, restoring access to your favorite payment system.
The following article provides on-point information and step-by-step instructions to identify and resolve PayPal bugs and errors.
PayPal not Working with VPN? Here’s how to fix it!
Many online services, like payment systems, streaming platforms, etc., employ anti-VPN technologies to prevent fraud.
Doing so allows them to detect user activities, IP addresses, and browser cookies to determine whether they are on a VPN server.
So, yes! The “PayPal 403 Forbidden Error” is frustrating but not hard to fix once you understand the mechanics behind the issue.
Read the paragraphs below to access five proven methods to fix PayPal not working with VPN in a few simple steps.
- Change the VPN server
Over time, online services have created massive databases of VPN servers to help them monitor and detect VPN usage.
Accordingly, when you can’t bypass restrictions on a particular website, you can try connecting to a different server and try again.
Here’s how to change your VPN server on NordVPN:
1. Go to the Start Menu, type NordVPN, and select it.
2. Select the Arrow icon to extend NordVPN’s list of countries and pick another location.
3. Enjoy easy payments on PayPal.
Always pick 10Gbps servers closer to your location to minimize delay and enjoy optimal web performance.
Pretty much the same steps work for other VPN providers, as their use interfaces are typically very similar. - Clear website cookies and cached data
All reputable browsers, like Chrome, collect user data to provide a better experience while surfing the web.
While a VPN service masks your IP address, browser cookies could give away your actual location and get you banned on PayPal.
Follow these steps to clear browser cache and cookies on Chrome:
1. Open the Start Menu, type Chrome, then press Enter.
2. On the browser, click on the Ellipsis icon from the right corner of your screen.
3. Go over More Tools and select Clear browsing data.
4. Pick the desired Time range, check the box by Cookies and other site data, and click Clear data.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Enjoy easy payments on PayPal.
Always clear your browser data to avoid risking your data and prevent possible errors and conflicts on PayPal or similar services. - Change your VPN protocol
VPN services encrypt your web traffic to make you anonymous, and they do so using several VPN protocols depending on your network.
So, when one protocol gets blocked, you can always switch between OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc., to find another one that works.
Here’s how to change your VPN protocol on NordVPN:
1. Open the Start Menu, type NordVPN, and press Enter.
2. Once the software launches, click the Gear icon from the left and open the Connection tab.
3. Expand the drop-down next to the VPN protocol and choose another protocol.
4. Enjoy easy payments on PayPal.
While WireGuard is an optimal encryption protocol, you can test other choices to find the one that works best with your network. - Update your VPN
As anti-VPN services upgrade, VPN services also freshen their tools to keep up with the latest changes and remain on top of the restrictions.
So, keeping your VPN software up-to-date is best to access the best servers and VPN protocols and avoid website bugs and errors.
Here’s how to update NordVPN on Windows:
1. Go to the NordVPN download page and click Download App.
2. Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to Install it.
3. Enjoy easy payments on PayPal.
To go further, check your operating system for updates and ensure your computer operates the latest software. - Change your VPN provider
Different VPN providers have distinct protection capabilities and often cannot bypass all restrictions, specifically the free ones.
So, users must always subscribe to a reputable VPN provider to access premium security features and powerful servers worldwide.
Follow these steps to purchase and launch NordVPN on Windows:
1. Go to the NordVPN order page.
2. Pick a subscription period and security package.
3. Choose a payment method and click Continue to buy the license.
4. After receiving the activation code, go to the NordVPN download page and choose Download App.
5. Launch the downloaded program and follow the on-screen instructions to Install it.
6. When the program opens, click QUICK CONNECT and enjoy easy payments on PayPal.
Remember that your safety and online anonymity is worth more than the few bucks you spend on a premium VPN. Stay safe!
Why is PayPal saying 403 Forbidden Error?
The infamous “PayPal 403 Forbidden Error” surfaces as the platform attempts to block VPN usage since it opposes its core policies.
As mentioned in previous paragraphs, PayPal constantly scans and blocks VPN servers to prevent fraud or nefarious activities.
Most online services, including PayPal, do so by blacklisting IP addresses, blocking VPN ports, or detecting VPN traffic.
Read below for more information on how PayPal monitors and detects VPN usage on the platform to avoid further complications.
How does PayPal detect my VPN?
According to PayPal, it’s against the Legal Agreement to access the platform via a proxy and can result in your account getting banned.
Here are the primary methods online services employ to block VPNs:
- Blacklisting IP addresses: Users with the same web access have identical IP addresses, like people in a household. However, when thousands of users suddenly log in to PayPal with the same IP, they get flagged as using a VPN service and lose their accounts.
- Blocking VPN ports: VPN protocols utilize various ports to encrypt your data before sending it out. For instance, OpenVPN protocol often operates on a UDP port 1194, potentially making firewalls more sensitive to monitor the port for suspicious activity.
- Detecting VPN traffic: Progressive VPN blocking technologies study the nature of web traffic. For instance, OpenVPN uses SSL and leaves a distinct trace on the web, making it detectable for companies with the right tools.
And it doesn’t end there! Companies constantly upgrade their security measures to prevent VPN usage more conveniently.
Does PayPal work with a VPN?
Yes and no! The VPNs that work with PayPal are the ones that can overcome these barricades without popping up on the radars.
Accordingly, weaker VPN providers (especially free ones) don’t provide the necessary features to bypass such heavy restrictions.
In contrast, premium VPN providers offer the technology and level of encryption that cannot get detected by any security measures.
The following paragraphs summarize valuable information and discuss the top VPN choices for bypassing PayPal restrictions.
Best VPNs for PayPal
As mentioned in previous paragraphs, not all VPN services can overcome PayPal restrictions and might even get your account banned.
Here are the top VPN providers proven to work with PayPal:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN remains one of the most commonly used services worldwide, offering outstanding services at low prices.
The reason we picked it as our first choice is that it has 5,600 servers in 59 countries across the globe that can overcome PayPal geo-barricades ASAP.
That’s because it employs advanced encryption and obfuscation on its servers.
Importantly, this VPN service uses advanced VPN protocols and does not keep any user logs, so your data will be completely safe and secure.
What’s more, the provider comes with multiple subscription choices, starting with $12.99 monthly, and 30 days to try it risk-free.
Features:
- +5,600 servers in 59 locations
- Strict no-logging policy
- Custom DNS servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN
Use this untraceable VPN for error-free and safe access to your PayPal account!2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN remains ahead of the competition with its superb performance capabilities and premium support line.
First, we must mention it offers 10Gbps servers in 160 locations across 94 countries, delivering superior control and anonymity.
Not only that, the provider comes with multiple subscription choices, starting with $12.95 monthly and 30 days to try it risk-free.
Features:
- Premium servers in 160 locations
- Enhanced VPN protocols
- TrustedServer technology
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN
Use this secure VPN to protect your data and securely access PayPal!3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) remains the most budget-friendly VPN provider with excellent tools and features.
With 10Gbps servers spread over 84 locations worldwide, PIA is a solid choice for bypassing PayPal restrictions.
Not only that, the provider comes with multiple subscription choices, starting with $12.95 monthly, and 30 days to try it risk-free.
- Servers in 84 countries
- Private DNS for every server
- Strict no-logging policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Private Internet Access
Secure your connection while accessing your PayPal account by connecting to PIA!4. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a Romanian provider with high-quality security features and lightning-fast servers worldwide.
Like most reputable VPNs on the market, the platform offers 256-bit encryption to implement optimal security and send web traffic without triggering PayPal.
Moreover, the provider comes with multiple subscription choices, starting with $12.99 monthly, and 45 days to try it risk-free.
Features:
- Upgraded VPN protocols
- +6,400 servers in 89 locations worldwide
- Private DNS for every server
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost
Check your PayPal account without hassle with this reliable, unblockable VPN!Wrap up
Over the years, PayPal has conveniently impacted the financial systems by making payments as straightforward as possible.
Despite the platform’s many advantages, it comes with fraud prevention approaches that lead to blocking VPN activity.
But how can I fix PayPal not working with VPN? Don’t worry, because a reputable VPN provider can encrypt your data without getting PayPal suspicious.
So, always opt for a premium VPN service, and remember that your safety is definitely worth a few more bucks a month.
Finally, if you need more help with the instructions in this article, contact your VPN’s support line for further assistance.
User forum
0 messages