Troubleshooting VPN issues

Having issues with a VPN? Here’s a few pointers to help you get it sorted

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Written by Vicky van Niekerk
Updated over a week ago

With more people working from home, VPNs are used more and more to allow secure connections to their workplace. Under the hood, a lot is going on to make a VPN work so if you find yours isn’t working, follow this guide to help you get back up and running.

Check Your Internet Connection:

Before attempting to connect to your VPN, ensure your broadband connection is stable and operational. You can do this by verifying that other devices connected to the same network have internet access. If other devices don’t have internet access, check out the guide in this link.

Restart Devices:

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix connectivity issues. Try restarting both your computer/device and your router/ONT. After restarting, attempt to connect to the VPN again.

Try with a wired connection

Occasionally, an unstable WiFi environment can cause a VPN connection to fail. Try plugging your device into your brsk router with an ethernet cable. If this isn't possible, try moving your device closer to your router, ideally in the same room.

Verify VPN Credentials:

Ensure you have the correct username, password, and server information for your VPN. Even a minor typo can prevent a successful connection. Double-check these credentials and try logging in again.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software:

Firewalls and antivirus programs may sometimes interfere with VPN connections. Temporarily disable these software programs and attempt to connect to your VPN again. Remember to re-enable them once the connection is established.

Update VPN Client and Router Firmware:

Ensure that both your VPN client software and computer/device software is up to date. Outdated software or firmware can cause compatibility issues that hinder VPN connectivity. Check for updates through the respective software or device settings and install any available updates.

Contact VPN Provider Support:

If you've tried the steps above and still can't connect to your VPN, reach out to your VPN provider's customer support or your work’s IT support team for further assistance. They may be able to troubleshoot specific issues related to their service.

Things to note

We want your internet access to be as high-performance and seamless as possible, so we don’t block any of your traffic. Sometimes your VPN provider may block your IP address for various reasons, so we recommend speaking to them first for any issues with a VPN.

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