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Proton VPN Not Connecting - How To Fix It in 6 Simple Ways

5 min. read

Updated onJune 24, 2024

updated onJune 24, 2024

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Proton VPN not connecting can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for secure and private internet access. Common reasons for this issue includeserver overload, incorrect protocol settings, interference from antivirusorfirewall software,andDNS configuration issues.

Fortunately, you can easily solve the problem with the right steps. Before we begin, try these quick fixes:

If none of the quick fixes work, read on for more.

How To Fix Proton VPN Not Connecting

How To Fix Proton VPN Not Connecting

Now, try these solutions in this order:

Switch Servers

Server problems or heavy traffic can lead toProton VPNconnection issues. Here’s how to switch servers:

Change Protocols

Proton VPNsupports multiple protocols includingSmart, WireGuard, and OpenVPN (UDP and TCP). Switching Protocols can sometimes bypass network restrictions or compatibility issues. Follow these steps to change them:

Add an Exception for Proton VPN to Your Antivirus

Sometimes,antivirussoftware can block VPN connections. However,it’s not recommended to disable itcompletely since it protects your PC from different risks. You can add Proton VPN as an exception instead:

Your Proton VPN app should now connect without interference from your PC’s antivirus.

Add an Exception for ProtonVPN to Your Firewall

Firewalls can also block VPN traffic just like antivirus. Instead of disabling it, add an exception so that ProtonVPN can connect smoothly while maintaining your Windows security.

Follow these steps:

Adjust TAP Adapter DNS Addresses

Incorrect DNS settings in the TAP adapter can cause Proton VPN connection failures. To prevent this,modify your TAP adapter’s DNS settingsto obtain an IP address automatically. Here’s how:

Try an Alternative VPN Provider

If Proton continues to have connectivity issues, you can try another VPN provider likeNordVPN. It hasover 6,000 servers in 100+ countriesfor better connectivity options and less congestion. TheNordlyx protocolalso provides a more stable connection.

Here’s how to set up NordVPN on your PC:

Apart from speed, NordVPN includes features likeDouble VPNfor extra security,CyberSecfor ad blocking and malware protection, andOnion over VPNfor additional privacy.

All things considered, you can resolve Proton VPN not connecting using the above fixes for uninterrupted safe internet access. If these methods fail, you should consider an alternative provider like NordVPN. Moreover, if you’re encountering a similar problem withOpera VPN,VyprVPN, orMcAfee VPNwe’ve got you covered.

So, which trick has worked for you in the end? Feel free to share it in the comments.

More about the topics:VPN

Vlad Turiceanu

Windows Editor

Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.

Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!

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Vlad Turiceanu

Windows Editor

Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.