How to Know if You’re Being Blocked Without a VPN

Your VPN connects you to a server that allows you to hide your IP address and be anonymous on the web. Many consider VPNs to be a necessary part of their daily lives. Whether you are an experienced VPN user or just getting started, there are a few signs that your VPN may not be working as optimally as it could be.

Anomalies In Network Performance

If you’re connected to a server that is not achieving the speeds you’re used to from other servers, then it could be a sign that your VPN is not functioning at its best. Some VPNs can cause a slight slowdown in speed compared to regular Internet connections, but nothing crazy. Most modern day VPNs are incredibly fast and use a cutting edge protocol that utilizes multiple servers in multiple locations. If your Internet speeds are not what they should be, then it could simply be that the VPN you’re using is slowing down your connection.

Unexpected Connection Drops

If you’re connected to a VPN and all of a sudden your Internet connection drops and won’t reconnect unless you reboot your device or reconnect via WiFi, then this could be a sign that your VPN is not functioning properly. This sort of thing happens from time to time with all kinds of connections, but it usually only happens with VPNs. If you’re experiencing sudden disconnects and are unable to connect via other means, then it could simply be that the VPN you’re using is becoming unstable.

Incomplete Logs

It’s always a good idea to review the connection logs from your VPN whenever you experience issues. This is especially important if you’re going through a router that’s shared by multiple households. These logs can help you identify the exact cause of the problem. There will usually be some sort of message displayed when you connect to the VPN that gives you an idea of what’s going on. You can also use this as an opportunity to see if any of the servers are offline so you can try connecting to another one.

No Data On Netflix

If you’re connecting to Netflix via your VPN and all of a sudden you don’t see any listings for TV shows or films even though you have a Netflix account and have paid for all your TV shows and films, then this could be a sign that your VPN is blocking these services. Some VPNs have the ability to block content from certain services and some don’t. You can ask the provider whether or not they have this ability and if they don’t then you might want to try a different VPN.

Repeated Connection Problems

If you’re connecting to a VPN and all of a sudden your Internet connection either randomly drops or repeatedly disconnects every few minutes, then this could be a sign that your VPN is not functioning correctly. It’s always a good idea to try another server or create a new account to see if the issue persists. If this happens frequently, then it could simply be that the VPN you’re using is becoming unstable.

With all of these items in mind, you can easily tell if your VPN is working or not. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions and it may simply be that your VPN has hit a speed bump and is working perfectly well. If you’re still experiencing issues then try a different server or approach. Creating a brand new account and trying out a new VPN is always an easy way to start over and see if the issue persists. Good luck!