VPN Not Working in Egypt? FIX and Bypass Geo-Restrictions
5 tested solutions to unlock the internet in Egypt
7 min. read
Updated on
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help VPNCentral sustain the editorial team Read more
VPN not working in Egypt? There’s a way to fix that.
The Egyptian government usually censors websites that promote free speech on the internet. It also limits the use of apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Skype.
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)
The country additionally cracks down on the VPNs residents use to avoid existing restrictions. However, a service with stealth protocols can easily evade such blocks.
Let us show you how. But first:
Why Egypt Blocks VPN Services
In 2018, Egypt enforced a law giving its government the power to control internet usage. The regulation allows authorities to clamp down on any online platform.
This includes websites, social media apps, media outlets, etc. Moreover, the law extends to persons who allegedly post fake news on the web.
The move aims to stop the spread of propaganda that threatens the country’s stability. But in the process, legitimate platforms have fallen victim to the strict measures.
As a result, residents opted to use VPNs to bypass the restrictions. But the joy was short-lived following a ban on their usage.
However, if your current VPN is not working in Egypt, there are many vendors that employ stealth technologies to sidestep censorship.
How Egypt Blocks VPNs
The government of Egypt employs deep packet inspection (DPI) techniques to monitor the country’s internet traffic.
Similar to the Great Firewall of China, it can detect and stop data transfers via VPN protocols. Some common examples include OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP, and so on.
The country’s highly advanced firewall also monitors IP addresses used by VPN vendors for blocklisting. It additionally scans and blocks open ports on private networks.
But there’s more.
Egypt requires internet service providers (ISPs) to double down on web censorship. The government may impose hefty fines on companies that fail to comply with the orders.
For that reason, thousands of online platforms are inaccessible from Egypt. The good news is anything man-made is breakable, just as you’re about to find out.
VPN not Working in Egypt (Quick Fix)
You need to use VPNs that offer stealth protocols to free your internet in Egypt.
Here’s the detailed breakdown:
1. SSL Tunneling via VPN
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is a VPN technology that requires SSL/TLS to encrypt traffic. It also channels your connection via a remote proxy server to boost privacy.
With this approach, the data exchange between your device and the web always remains secure. Furthermore, it lets your internet activity bypass the government’s deep packet inspections.
Even though SSL Tunneling is virtually unbreakable, its implementation on VPNs is complex. Lucky for you, ExpressVPN is among the top vendors on the market that provide it at no extra cost.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Sign up for ExpressVPN and pick a subscription.
- Download and install the app to your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Launch that app and follow the step-by-step instructions on your screen to complete the setup.
- Once done, go to ExpressVPN’s Options and choose Automatic under Protocol.
- Click OK to save.
- From here, pick an ideal location and connect to access any platform on the internet.
The beauty of ExpressVPN is in its network coverage. It has servers in over 150 locations across 90 countries for freedom of choice.
Moreover, it features a 256-bit SSL network encryption that’s tough to crack. And, its strict zero-log policy ensures you leave no digital footprints behind.
ExpressVPN’s pocket-friendly plans are ideal for any user in Egypt. You benefit from fast speeds and round-the-clock customer support as well.
ExpressVPN
Bypass censorship and access the web freely with this VPN’s advanced obfuscation features.2. Open VPN over TCP Port 443
Egypt’s government largely blocks the UDP/TCP ports most VPNs use. But, it leaves TCP port 443 due to its importance in securing financial transactions online.
Here’s why.
Most banks and ecommerce websites rely on TCP port 443 to safeguard sensitive data. Examples include credit card credentials, passwords, personally identifiable information (PII), etc.
The protocol utilizes the transport layer security (TLS) algorithm to harden internet traffic. This enhances privacy and prevents eavesdropping on communications between two or more computers.
In light of this, vendors like NordVPN use TCP port 443 to evade restrictions in Egypt. Best of all, the feature is active by default, so you don’t have to fumble with the settings.
NordVPN
Evade restrictions and unlock the web with this VPN’s hardened encryption protocols.3. Obfsproxy
Obfsproxy is an enhanced OpenVPN protocol that scrambles internet traffic to maximize security. It transports data via an obfuscation layer that hides it from deep packet inspection.
This approach is widely in use on Tor browsers to enable users to sidestep censorship. Likewise, VPN providers for the Chinese market use it to circumvent the country’s Great Firewall.
The good thing about Obfsproxy is it leaves zero evidence of your internet activity. That’s because its obfuscation protocol lacks any known data patterns.
Furthermore, this technique transfers data through obfuscated servers to enhance user privacy. It’s reliable, stable, and suitable for lightweight web browsing.
If your current VPN is not working in Egypt, you can switch to Surfshark, which offers Obfsproxy. Its industry-leading VPN is fast and secure, making it the perfect solution for everyday use.
Surfshark
Leave no trace of your online activity with Surfshark’s robust and reliable service.4. Shadowsocks
Shadowsocks is a type of encryption that’s specifically designed to bypass China’s internet censorship. But given its superiority, the protocol is now a standard feature in stealth VPNs.
The protocol utilizes HTTPS, which makes it difficult for authorities to eavesdrop, thus helping you browse the web anonymously.
It’s ideal for low-powered devices like phones and old computers. Moreover, it works perfectly on wireless networks with low speeds.
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is one such solution that provides a Shadowsocks connection. Its service has decent speeds and reliable latency for demanding applications like streaming.
PIA additionally offers a kill switch that disconnects you from the web when your VPN connection drops. The feature prevents data leaks, making it hard for authorities to catch up with you.
Private Internet Access
Browse the web anonymously with PIA’s proven censorship circumvention features.5. Psiphon
Psiphon is a web encryption and privacy tool on steroids. It combines the power of obfuscation, SSH, and VPN technologies to secure communications.
The protocol allows users to circumvent firewalls by making traffic look unsuspicious, which, in turn, bypasses any filtering attempts.
Psiphon constantly changes its servers to reduce the risk of getting nabbed by government censorship. The app is available for free for computer and smartphone users.
But there’s one small catch.
You get average browsing speeds of about 500Kbps. You’ll need to purchase a speed boost pack for better performance.
Other Recommended VPNs for use in Egypt
Apart from the above suggestions, there are numerous other VPNs that also work in Egypt.
Let’s have a look:
- CyberGhost: This VPN has a network of 7,000+ servers, including 40 in Cairo, Egypt. It uses OpenVPN protocol alongside TLS and SSL for encryption.
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN comes in-built with tons of anti-censorship configurations. These include OpenVPN TCP, TLS, and stealth mode to keep your traffic anonymous.
- Hide.me: This option offers hardened protocols like SSTP, TLS, SSL, and more. Its VPN network comprises over 2,000 speed-optimized servers in 75 locations.
- IPVanish: This vendor employs OpenVPN over TCP port 443 to mask user traffic. Additionally, it protects connections on its network using SSL/TLS encryption.
- TorGuard: TorGuard provides a stealth VPN service that can outsmart deep packet inspection. The service obfuscates traffic with SSL/TLS encryption to appear unsuspicious to web filters.
Wrap Up
If your VPN is not working in Egypt, then it’s time for a switch. You stand to free your internet by getting a replacement that delivers.
All you need is a service that supports stealth protocols for bypassing censorship. These include encryption features like TLS, Obfsproxy, SSTP, and more.
Alternatively, you can use Psiphon, which employs multiple algorithms to evade government firewalls.
User forum
2 messages