What to Do If Your VPN Is Blocked?

VPNs have become essential tools for maintaining privacy, security, and unrestricted access to online content. VPNs allow users to mask their IP addresses, encrypt internet traffic, and access geo-restricted content.

VPNs offer immense value, whether you’re using a VPN for secure online banking, streaming content from foreign services, or accessing websites from regions where internet censorship is prevalent.

However, there are situations where your VPN might get blocked, preventing you from accessing the internet or certain services. Websites, governments, and internet service providers (ISPs) sometimes block VPNs to enforce regional restrictions, maintain content control, or prevent access to banned websites.

In this article, we will explore what to do when your VPN is blocked and offer solutions to bypass these restrictions and maintain access to the open Internet.

Why Are VPNs Blocked?

1. Geographical Restrictions

Many websites and streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer implement geographical restrictions to prevent access to content outside specific regions.

These platforms often detect and block VPNs to enforce licensing agreements, which means if you’re trying to access a U.S. streaming service from Europe using a VPN, you might face a block.

2. Government Censorship

In certain countries, governments impose strict internet regulations and censorship. For example, countries like China, Russia, and Iran heavily control the internet and block VPNs to prevent citizens from bypassing restrictions.

The infamous “Great Firewall of China” is a prime example, blocking most VPN services to ensure users cannot access banned websites.

3. Workplace or School Restrictions

Organizations like schools, universities, and corporate offices often block VPNs to maintain control over the network. They may do this to prevent employees or students from accessing restricted websites or to ensure that bandwidth is used solely for work or academic purposes.

4. ISP Interference

Some ISPs may block VPNs to maintain control over user activity. This is often seen in countries where ISPs work closely with governments to enforce internet censorship or where ISPs throttle users’ bandwidth based on their online activities.

What to Do If Your VPN Is Blocked

If your VPN gets blocked, there are several solutions to bypass the restriction. Depending on how the block is implemented, one or a combination of these methods should help you regain access to your VPN.

1. Switch to a Different Server

One of the easiest solutions is to switch to a different server provided by your VPN service. VPN providers typically offer multiple servers in various countries. If one server is blocked, try connecting to another server in the same country or a nearby region.

Many VPNs also have servers specifically designed for streaming, bypassing censorship, or ensuring anonymity, so look for those options in your VPN app.

Steps to Switch Servers:

• Open your VPN app.
• Navigate to the server list.
• Choose a different server in the same country (or another region if necessary).
• Connect to the new server and test access to the blocked website.

2. Use a Different VPN Protocol

VPN protocols dictate how your data is encrypted and transmitted over the internet. If your VPN is blocked, it may be due to the specific protocol being detected. Many VPN services offer multiple protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec. Switching to a less-detectable protocol can help you bypass VPN blocks.

Common VPN Protocols:

• OpenVPN: Widely used and secure, but more likely to be detected.
• WireGuard: Faster and lighter, harder to detect.
• IKEv2/IPsec: Good for mobile users; often bypasses blocks easily.
• L2TP/IPsec: Older protocol, less secure but sometimes useful for bypassing blocks.

Steps to Change VPN Protocol:

• Open your VPN settings.
• Locate the protocol selection section.
• Switch to a different protocol.
• Reconnect to the server and check if the block has been bypassed.

3. Use Obfuscated Servers or Stealth Mode

Some VPN providers offer obfuscated servers or a stealth mode that disguises VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic. This feature is particularly useful in regions with strong VPN detection and blocking mechanisms, like China or Iran. Obfuscation can help mask your VPN activity, making it harder for websites or ISPs to detect and block your connection.

VPN Providers with Obfuscation:

• ExpressVPN: Provides stealth servers.
• NordVPN: Offers obfuscated servers.
• Surfshark: Offers Camouflage Mode for hidden VPN use.
• VyprVPN: Features its proprietary Chameleon protocol.

Steps to Enable Obfuscation:

• Open your VPN app settings.
• Find the obfuscation or stealth mode option.
• Enable the feature and reconnect to the server.
• Test if you can access blocked content.

4. Use a Dedicated IP Address

Shared VPN servers are more likely to be blocked because many users are connecting from the same IP address, raising red flags with websites or ISPs. Some VPN services offer dedicated IP addresses, which are exclusive to you. This can make it harder for websites or networks to detect and block your VPN usage.

VPNs Offering Dedicated IP Addresses:

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• PureVPN
• CyberGhost

How to Get a Dedicated IP:

• Contact your VPN provider and request a dedicated IP service.
• Once allocated, connect using the dedicated IP address.
• Test if the VPN block has been bypassed.

5. Use a Mobile Data Connection

If your VPN is being blocked on your home or work Wi-Fi network, consider switching to a mobile data connection. Many ISPs and organizations block VPN traffic on fixed connections but have less control over mobile networks. Using your phone as a hotspot or switching to a mobile VPN can help you bypass these restrictions.

Steps:

• Disconnect from your Wi-Fi network.
• Enable mobile data on your device.
• Reconnect to the VPN using mobile data.
• Test access to the blocked content.

6. Change Your DNS Settings

Changing your Domain Name System (DNS) settings can help bypass certain VPN blocks. Some websites or ISPs block VPNs by intercepting DNS queries. By switching to a third-party DNS service like Google DNS or OpenDNS, you can bypass these blocks and access content more freely.

Steps to Change DNS Settings:

• Go to your network settings.
• Manually set your DNS to a third-party provider (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 or OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222).
• Reconnect to your VPN and test access.

7. Use a VPN with Smart DNS

Some VPNs offer Smart DNS features that allow you to bypass geographic restrictions without encrypting your traffic. This method works well for streaming services that block VPN traffic while still offering location spoofing benefits. Smart DNS can be faster than a VPN, as it doesn’t encrypt all your data, but it’s less secure.

VPNs Offering Smart DNS:

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• Surfshark

Steps:

• Enable Smart DNS in your VPN settings.
• Connect to the appropriate server.
• Test access to restricted content.

8. Use Tor Browser with a VPN

If you’re in a heavily censored country or facing a VPN block from government entities, using the Tor browser in combination with a VPN can provide additional anonymity and unblock access.

Tor routes your internet traffic through multiple servers around the world, making it extremely difficult to track or block your activity. This method is slower but highly effective for bypassing stringent blocks.

Steps to Use Tor with VPN:

• Download and install the Tor browser.
• Connect to your VPN.
• Open the Tor browser and access the restricted site.

9. Contact Your VPN’s Customer Support

If all else fails, reach out to your VPN’s customer support team. Many VPN providers have dedicated support for resolving issues with blocked connections. They may offer tips, alternative servers, or custom configurations to bypass blocks in specific regions.

Preventing Future VPN Blocks

Once you’ve unblocked your VPN, it’s a good idea to take steps to prevent future interruptions. Here are a few tips:

• Choose a VPN with Obfuscation Features: Ensure your VPN provider offers obfuscated or stealth servers to disguise your traffic.
• Regularly Update Your VPN Software: VPN providers constantly update their servers and software to counter new blocking techniques.
• Use a Premium VPN Service: Free VPNs are often the first to be blocked by websites and ISPs, as they are less secure and more widely used. Premium VPNs offer more sophisticated methods for bypassing blocks.

Conclusion

Having your VPN blocked can be frustrating, but there are many effective solutions available. Whether it’s switching servers, using a different protocol, enabling obfuscation, or contacting your VPN provider, there are multiple ways to bypass blocks and maintain access to the open internet.

Always choose a reliable VPN service with the right tools to counteract these restrictions, and consider taking preventive steps to ensure future blocks are avoided.

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