OpenVPN Connected But Not Working? – Easy Fix Guide

When OpenVPN connected but not working the problem could be coming from your device or the software.

Since there are quite a few things that could prevent the VPN connection you would need to thoroughly inspect every factor involved in the connection.

The solution to a connected but not working OpenVPN includes a checkup on your internet and restart of your device. Users on a desktop should disable the Firewall and re-install the OpenVPN as far as mobile users should cleanly install the app.

Let’s now proceed with chronological solutions to help you solve the problem!

How To Fix When OpenVPN Connected But No Internet?

When your OpenVPN is connected to a server, but there is no internet, there are multiple solutions you can attempt.

We’ve designed the easiest and best-working fix guide for network problems with OpenVPN.

Here’s what to do when OpenVPN is connected, but there is no internet:

Solution #1 Reconnect Your Device To The Internet

One of the first major indicators of this problem is that your device is not connected to the internet.

Even when your OpenVPN says “Connected”, your device could’ve gotten disconnected a while ago and the connection status hasn’t been updated yet.

In that regard, your first move should be to ensure that your device is having internet:

• On mobile, go to Settings > WiFi > “Type password” > “Connect”.
• On computers/laptops, press “WiFi” on the taskbar and choose your household’s network. Insert the password credentials and hit “Connect”.

Once your device is reconnected with the internet, OpenVPN should start working and the connection status has to be reloaded soon.

Tip: On desktop devices, set the WiFi connection to “Automatic” to prevent disconnects.

Solution #2 Change The Connection Server

The OpenVPN client is connected but no internet problem, may have something to do with the server you’re connecting with.

Let’s say you want your VPN to connect to a server in Europe for instance.

When that server is offline, your VPN will say “Connected” without the internet.

How To Change OpenVPN Connection Server?

To change the connection server, go to the “Home” tab of OpenVPN and select a server different than the one you’re currently connected with.

Ensure that the next server your choose is not linked with the problematic one (check if location settings are linked).

Once you’ve selected a server you wish to connect with, tap on “Connect” and let OpenVPN do its job.

If the connection status displays “Connected” and the internet has returned, then the problem is solved.

Tip: Test as many servers as possible to determine if this problem is due to an issue with the OpenVPN software or the server.

Solution #3 Switch The Source/Service

If you tend to use OpenVPN to access global networks, such as Netflix, Paramount, Disney Plus, or other streaming platforms, it won’t work.

These platforms have established security measures against VPNs and they will easily detect your VPN software and deny your access.

What Source To Test OpenVPN On?

To test if this problem really has to do something with your internet or is just due to denied access at a certain service/source, attempt the VPN out on a different website.

It’s suggested to access platforms and websites that have fewer security measures against VPNs. Head to less populated websites and test things out.

Note: Test OpenVPN at least with 3 or more websites and sources and check the problem.

Solution #4 Disable Firewall Temporarily

Many users suggest that temporarily disabling their computer’s firewall solved the OpenVPN connected but not working problem.

We suggest for you to do the same and determine how your VPN will behave after disabling the network protection.

Here’s how to disable the Firewall service on your desktop device:

1. Press the Windows button on the bottom left of your screen.
2. Write “Control Panel” and press “Enter”.
3. Click on “Windows Firewall”.
4. Locate the ON/OFF indicator button.
5. Press the indicator button once, until the slider is towards the “OFF” side.
6. Test your OpenVPN software to determine if the problem has been fixed.

Your anti-virus software could also be preventing the connection but stopping ALL security for online surfing is not recommended. Proceed on your own risk!

Alert: Keep the firewall disabled until the end of this guide or until you’ve found a solution.

Solution #5 Download A Manual VPN Update

OpenVPN software consists of two types of updates – automatic and manual.

Automatic updates are applied to the OpenVPN software without you having to do anything, while manual versions require you to download them from the website.

In this solution, we’ll verify that your OpenVPN is running the latest software by installing the latest available update.

Let’s begin with updating OpenVPN on mobile devices:

To Update OpenVPN On Mobile:

Simply go to the App Store/Google Play > “Installed Apps” > “OpenVPN” > “Update”.

To Update OpenVPN On Desktop:

1. Go to the official page of OpenVPN.
2. Tap on “Versions” and locate the newest version released.
3. Press on “Download”.
4. Wait for 10 seconds for the downloading to begin.
5. Once installed, run the prompt and install the OpenVPN’s update.

Note: On the desktop, installing the latest version of OpenVPN will automatically complete.

Solution #6 Change VPN’s Tunneling Protocol

The tunneling protocol is a VPN service that makes your connection with the selected server anonymous.

When you’re too concerned about security measures, you don’t want to get into the technical details behind the tunneling protocol.

Here we’ll only change the protocol but not disable the security. Here’s how:

How To Select A Tunneling Protocol?

OpenVPN has a lot of tunneling protocols and some of them are L2TP/IPSec, IKeV2/IPSe,c, and more.

To select from different protocols, go to Settings > Tunneling Protocols and all of the available options will be displayed to you.

We suggest testing the connection with at least 3 or more tunneling protocols to determine if that would solve the problem.

Tip: Once you’re done testing, revert the tunneling protocol to OpenVPN’s default one.

Solution #7 Reinstall The OpenVPN

Cleanly installing the OpenVPN will almost always solve any connection and internet issues that come along.

Instead of re-adjusting any settings, you can simply reinstall the software and all factory values of these options will be re-applied.

Here’s how to reinstall OpenVPN universally, on all of your devices:

1. Go to the Settings of your device.
2. Head to the Apps that contain the OpenVPN.
3. Locate the software and choose “Uninstall”.
4. Head to the official download source of OpenVPN (app store for mobiles, OpenVPN.com for desktop)
5. Download OpenVPN from the source.
6. Wait for the VPN to be applied to your device.
7. Log back into your account.
8. Test the connection with a server to check if the problem was resolved.

Now when the software is cleanly installed, you should attempt the connection to several different servers to conclude whether the problem is still there.

In case the issue persists, you should contact OpenVPN customer service for more help.

Alert: When reinstalling OpenVPN, make sure that you’re getting the latest version.

Quick Recap:

To fix when Open VPN says “Connected” but it’s not actually working you should restart your device and reconnect to another server. In addition, you should test after disabling your Firewall and applying a pending OpenVPN firmware upgrade.

Read Next: Do I Need a VPN for Firestick?

Bottom Line:

Now when you know why OpenVPN connected but not working, using our solutions should definitely help understand the problem.

Make sure that you read our instructions carefully and pay attention to any notes and tips.

If you’re having further issues with other OpenVPN issues, check out our technical blog to discover even more solutions.