Prove the underlying internet connection
Disconnect the VPN and load two unrelated websites or services. If the base connection is broken, fix Wi-Fi or mobile data first. A VPN cannot reliably establish a tunnel over a connection that is already failing.
Reconnect with one known configuration
Close and reopen the VPN app, choose one nearby server, and connect. Avoid changing protocol, DNS, server, battery settings, and firewall rules simultaneously. One change at a time preserves useful evidence.
Separate all-app failure from one-app failure
If websites work but one application does not, the problem may be that app, its region policy, cached state, or split-tunnel settings. If nothing works, check VPN status, DNS behavior, and whether the network blocks the selected protocol.
Collect useful support information
Record device model, Android version, app version, network type, server location, approximate time, and the exact error message. Do not send passwords, private keys, or recovery codes. Good diagnostic context is more useful than a screenshot that only says “not working.”
Sources & further reading
This guide is general educational material. Platform behavior, provider policies, and network conditions can change. Check current documentation before relying on a specific configuration.
Report an error or suggest a clarification ↗