Why is Proton VPN blocked?

Proton VPN can be blocked for several reasons, ranging from software conflicts on your device to network restrictions and government censorship. Understanding the different potential causes can help you diagnose and resolve connection issues.

Common Reasons for Proton VPN Blocking

Various factors can prevent Proton VPN from connecting successfully, each requiring a specific approach to troubleshoot.

Local Software Interference

Your own device's settings and software can inadvertently block your VPN connection.

• Firewall and Antivirus Software: These security programs are designed to protect your system, but they can sometimes misidentify VPN connections as a threat or block the necessary ports. It's common for a system's firewall or antivirus software to interfere with the connection to Proton VPN servers. To determine if this is the issue, you can temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and then attempt to connect to a Proton VPN server. If it connects, you'll need to add an exception for Proton VPN in your security software settings.
• Conflicting VPNs or Network Tools: If you have other VPN applications or network management software installed, they might conflict with Proton VPN, preventing it from establishing a stable connection.

Network and Internet Service Provider (ISP) Restrictions

Your internet provider or local network administrator might be intentionally blocking VPN traffic.

• ISP Blocking: In some regions, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) actively monitor and block VPN connections, often due to government regulations or their own policies. They might use deep packet inspection to identify and throttle or block VPN protocols.
• Work, School, or Public Wi-Fi Networks: Network administrators in these environments frequently restrict VPN usage to enforce internet usage policies, conserve bandwidth, or prevent access to certain content. They often have strict firewall rules that block common VPN ports and protocols.

Geographical Restrictions and Censorship

In certain countries, governments implement stringent internet censorship that includes widespread blocking of VPN services.

• Government Censorship: Nations with strict internet controls, such as China, Russia, Iran, and others, employ sophisticated techniques to detect and block VPN traffic, IP addresses, and specific VPN protocols. Proton VPN continuously works to bypass these blocks, but sustained efforts by governments can make connections challenging.
• Geo-Blocking by Services: While less about "blocking" Proton VPN itself, some streaming services or websites block IP addresses associated with VPNs to enforce content licensing agreements based on geographical location. This means even if your VPN connects, the service might detect and block your VPN's IP.

Outdated Software or Configuration Issues

Sometimes, the problem lies with the VPN client itself or your network configuration.

• Outdated Proton VPN Application: Using an old version of the Proton VPN app can lead to connection issues, as it might not include the latest updates for bypassing blocks or fixing known bugs.
• DNS Issues: Incorrect DNS settings on your device or network can prevent proper resolution of server addresses, leading to connection failures.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

If your Proton VPN connection is blocked, try these practical solutions:

• Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings: As a primary step, temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software. If this resolves the issue, create an exception for Proton VPN within your security software to allow its connection.
• Try Different VPN Protocols: Proton VPN offers various protocols (e.g., WireGuard, OpenVPN TCP/UDP, Stealth). Switch between them in the app's settings. The Stealth protocol is specifically designed to bypass advanced VPN blocks and censorship.
• Connect to Different Servers: If one server is blocked or experiencing issues, try connecting to another server within Proton VPN's network, preferably in a different country.
• Update Proton VPN and Your OS: Ensure your Proton VPN application and your operating system are updated to their latest versions.
• Clear DNS Cache: Flushing your DNS cache can resolve certain network-related connection problems.
• Restart Your Devices: A simple restart of your computer, router, and modem can often resolve temporary network glitches.
• Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure your primary internet connection is stable and working correctly without the VPN.
• Contact Proton VPN Support: If you've tried all the above steps and are still experiencing issues, reach out to Proton VPN's customer support for personalized assistance. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps or inform you of any known issues in your region. For more detailed troubleshooting, you can refer to Proton VPN's official support resources on How to fix common VPN connection problems.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide