[Quick Fixes] Website Won’t Load When VPN Is On

You’re ready to watch your favorite show, check out some work files, or scroll through your social media—but suddenly, the website just won’t load. Even more frustrating? You’re connected to your VPN, which should be making everything run smoother, safer, and faster. So, what’s going on? Why isn’t it working the way it’s supposed to?

The truth is, this common issue can stem from a few different sources. Here are some possible reasons why websites won’t load when VPN is on:

• VPN Server Issues: The VPN server you’re connected to might be overloaded or experiencing technical difficulties.
• Blocked Websites: Some websites may block traffic from certain VPN servers, which can prevent them from loading.
• DNS Leaks: If there’s a DNS leak, your device might still be sending requests through your regular internet connection, causing the site not to load.
• Browser Cache or Cookies: Your browser might be storing old data, which can cause conflicts with the VPN connection.
• Conflicting Security Features: Some VPNs have security features like threat protection or firewalls that might interfere with loading specific websites.
• VPN Protocol Issues: Sometimes, certain VPN protocols (like OpenVPN or IKEv2) might not be compatible with certain websites or networks.

But don’t worry, in the following sections, we’ll walk you through simple fixes to get you back online and surfing smoothly.

1. Check for Server Issues

First things first: The VPN server you’re connected to could be the culprit. VPN servers can sometimes experience technical issues or slowdowns, which might make the website fail to load. The simplest fix here? Switch servers. Most VPN apps (like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, BearVPN or CyberGhost) make it easy to pick a different server location. Just tap or click to disconnect from your current server and choose a new one. A different server might give you the speed and stability you need to access that stubborn website.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache

Your browser cache is like your digital memory—it stores bits of information to help websites load faster next time. But what happens when that memory gets overloaded with outdated data? Well, you might end up with a website that refuses to load, especially when you’re on a VPN.

Here’s a quick fix: Clear your cache and cookies. It’s a simple way to refresh the data your browser uses. Most browsers, like Chrome and Safari, make it easy to clear this stuff.

Steps for Chrome:

1. Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
2. Go to “More tools” > “Clear browsing data.”
3. Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
4. Hit “Clear data.”
5. Give it a shot and see if the site loads better now.

3. Use Incognito or Private Mode

If clearing your cache doesn’t do the trick, try using incognito or private browsing mode. This mode doesn’t use your history or cached files, so it’s like starting with a clean slate. It can help if your regular browsing session is causing issues.

Here’s how to enable it:

• Chrome: Click the three dots and select “New Incognito Window.”
• Safari: Choose “File” and then “New Private Window.”
• Firefox: Click the three lines in the top-right corner and select “New Private Window.”

This trick can sometimes bypass problems caused by old session data that’s interfering with your VPN.

4. Switch VPN Protocols

Did you know that your VPN has different ways to connect to the internet? These methods are called protocols. Some VPN protocols work better in different situations. If the website still won’t load, switching protocols might help.

OpenVPN and IKEv2 are popular, but some VPN apps offer even more options. You’ll usually find these settings in your VPN’s app under the connection options. Switching protocols can improve speed or stability, especially if one method is being blocked by firewalls or your ISP.

5. Disable Threat Protection or Your Firewall

Most good VPNs come with extra security features like Threat Protection or built-in firewalls. While they’re great at blocking harmful content, sometimes these protections can block access to websites you trust. If that’s the case, try temporarily disabling the Threat Protection feature. Or, if you’re on Windows, check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking your VPN.

Here’s a quick way to disable Threat Protection (for NordVPN users, for example):

1. Open the VPN app and go to the Web Protection settings.
2. Disable Threat Protection or exclude the website you’re trying to visit.
3. This will help you figure out if it’s the security features causing the problem.

6. Restart Your Device

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. If none of the above works, try restarting your device. It might sound too easy, but restarting can clear temporary issues and refresh your connection, which often solves the problem. Whether you’re on a phone, tablet, or laptop, giving it a quick reboot is worth a shot.

7. Try Obfuscated Servers or Change Your DNS

If you’re in a country where VPNs are heavily restricted, or if your VPN connection keeps getting blocked, you might want to consider using obfuscated servers. These servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, which can bypass deep packet inspection from your ISP.

Alternatively, tweaking your DNS settings might help. Changing to a public DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can sometimes get around connection problems caused by your current DNS provider.

8. Check Your Internet Connection

This might sound basic, but check your internet connection. A weak or slow connection might be the reason why the website won’t load, even with the VPN on. Try disconnecting from the VPN temporarily and loading the website to see if your internet is the issue.

If you’re on Wi-Fi, consider switching to a wired connection to see if that improves things.

9. Contact VPN Support (When All Else Fails)

If none of these fixes work, it’s time to call in the pros. Contact your VPN’s support team for help. They might be able to diagnose the issue or offer a fix tailored to your specific situation.

Wrapping It Up

A website not loading when your VPN is on is a frustrating issue, but as you can see, it’s usually something that can be fixed pretty easily. Whether it’s switching servers, clearing your browser cache, or adjusting your VPN settings, there are plenty of ways to troubleshoot and get things back on track. So, give these solutions a try, and before you know it, you’ll be browsing without any issues. Happy surfing!