VPN Not Connecting
VPN Not Connecting
If your VPN won’t connect, here’s how to get it working again. These steps work for home users, remote workers, and small businesses using self-hosted or third-party VPN services.
Check your internet connection
Make sure your brsk broadband is working by testing other websites or streaming apps. If nothing loads, run through this guide instead.
Restart everything
Turn your router off, then restart your device. Wait 60 seconds before turning the router back on.
Switch to a wired connection
If possible, connect your laptop or desktop directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. If you’re on WiFi, move closer to the router to reduce dropouts.
Double-check your VPN login
Typos in your username, password, or server address can cause connection errors. Make sure you’re using the correct details.
Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall
Some antivirus apps or firewalls block VPN connections. Temporarily disable them to see if the VPN works. Don’t forget to turn them back on afterwards.
Update your software
Make sure both your VPN app and your device are up to date. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
Still not working?
Speak to your VPN provider. Some VPNs block IP ranges or require specific ports.
Brsk doesn’t block any VPN traffic. However, your VPN provider might block your connection based on IP or location. If you suspect your IP address is being blocked, ask your provider or try connecting using a different network (like mobile data) to test.
Need more help?
Email support@brsk.co.uk or call 02039 255 299.
Troubleshoot Email Issues
Troubleshoot Email Issues
If you're struggling to send emails especially from a self-hosted server or older email client; it might be because Port 25 is blocked on your connection.
This only applies if you're on our default CGNAT setup. We'll explain what that means and how to fix it.
We Block Port 25
Port 25 is the default port used to send email via SMTP.
However, it's often abused by spammers and malicious software.
To protect our network (and your inbox), we block Port 25 for most customers using CGNAT. This helps:
Reduce spam and phishing risks
Prevent your IP from being blacklisted
Keep the network stable for everyone
This only affects you if you send emails using Port 25 with a self-hosted mail server, an email client set to Port 25, or automated tools sending mail from your network. If you use Gmail, Outlook.com, or other web-based email, you’re will not be affected.
Using BetterIP?
If you’ve upgraded to BetterIP (our dedicated IP add-on), we don’t block any ports including Port 25.
You’ll have full control for things like self-hosting, remote access, and advanced configurations.
Learn more about BetterIP (replace with real link)
Fixes You Can Try
Use a different port
Change your email settings to use Port 587 or 465.
These are secure, supported alternatives for sending email.
Enable SMTP authentication
Check your provider’s settings.
Many email services allow sending with a username and password instead of using Port 25.
Switch to a web-based email
Use Outlook.com, Gmail, or another browser-based service to send mail without issues.
Upgrade to BetterIP
If you're self-hosting or need open ports, BetterIP removes these restrictions.
Check Your IP
Your public IP may be blacklisted if spam was previously sent from it.
Find your IP by searching “What’s my IP” in Google
Check your IP at Spamhaus
For more information, please reach out to support via support@brsk.co.uk or 02039 255 299.
Geolocation Not Matching
Geolocation Not Matching
Are websites showing the wrong location? Websites use your IP address to guess where you are. If they’re wrong, it’s usually due to how third-party geolocation databases interpret your IP.
Troubleshoot with this checklist
Make sure you’re not using a VPN
Clear your browser’s cache or try private browsing
Try the app or website on another device
Switch your Domain Name System (DNS) to Google or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
Try switching to mobile data. Does the issue go away?
If it’s still wrong:
Take a screenshot of the issue
Let us know which app or website is affected
Send the info to support@brsk.co.uk or call 02039 255 299.