A VPN is supposed to protect your connection—not break it.
Yet one of the most common VPN problems users face is this:
VPN connects successfully, but the internet stops working.
This issue affects all major VPNs and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The good news? In most cases, the fix is simple.
Below are 7 proven steps to restore your internet connection while keeping your VPN enabled.
1. Switch the VPN Server Location
The most common cause is a misbehaving server.
What to do:
- Disconnect from the VPN
- Reconnect using a different country or city
- Prefer nearby locations first
Some servers may be overloaded, blocked by ISPs, or temporarily offline.
2. Disable the Kill Switch (Temporarily)
A VPN kill switch blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops—even briefly.
If it misfires, it can block all traffic entirely.
How to check:
- Open VPN settings
- Disable Kill Switch / Network Lock
- Reconnect and test your internet
If this fixes the issue, re-enable the kill switch later.
3. Change the VPN Protocol
VPN protocols control how data is encrypted and transmitted. Some networks block specific protocols.
Try switching between:
- WireGuard
- OpenVPN (UDP)
- OpenVPN (TCP)
- IKEv2
After changing the protocol, reconnect and test again.
4. Flush DNS Cache
VPNs sometimes conflict with cached DNS records.
On Windows:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns
VPNs often interfere with DNS settings — especially if Windows shows a “DNS server not responding” error: DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 10/11: How to Fix It Step by Step
On macOS:
- Open Terminal
- Run:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Then reconnect your VPN.
5. Disable IPv6 on Your Device
Many VPNs still rely on IPv4. IPv6 can cause routing conflicts.
On Windows:
- Network Settings → Change adapter options
- Right-click your network → Properties
- Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)
Restart the VPN afterward.
6. Check Your Firewall or Antivirus
Firewalls and antivirus software can block VPN tunnels.
Quick test:
- Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall
- Connect to VPN
- Check internet access
If it works, add your VPN app to the exception list.
7. Restart Everything (Yes, Really)
This sounds basic—but it works more often than you’d expect.
Restart:
- VPN app
- Device
- Router (wait 30 seconds before turning it back on)
Many routing issues resolve after a clean restart.
If your internet still doesn’t work even after disabling the VPN, the problem may be your Wi-Fi connection itself: Wi-Fi Connected but Internet Not Working on Windows? Try These Fixes
When Nothing Works
If the problem persists:
- Update your VPN app
- Reinstall the VPN completely
- Contact VPN support (this issue is extremely common)
Final Thoughts
A VPN connection without internet access is frustrating—but rarely serious.
In most cases, switching servers, protocols, or DNS settings solves the problem in minutes.
This is a software-side issue, not a broken internet connection.
