Is Spectrum Blocking VPN? – (Easy Solutions!)

Is your Spectrum blocking VPN? We’ll give you 8 solutions to fix the problem!

It can be frustrating when your VPN connection is blocked or throttled by your internet service provider (ISP). The error indicates that your VPN cannot bypass restrictions put in place by your ISP. 

“If you’re encountering blocking or throttling from Spectrum, it may be an attempt to restrict certain content. Consider switching to a different VPN provider or exploring alternative methods to bypass these ISP restrictions.”

Alright, let’s get into the details of the solutions!

8 Ways to Fix Spectrum Blocking VPN

Try one or more solutions to fix your throttling or blocking problem and enjoy a smooth VPN experience with Spectrum. 

#1: Refresh Your Router’s Connection (Power Cycle)

Power cycling your router helps clear temporary issues or glitches affecting your VPN connection. It is the simplest solution to refresh your router’s connection by turning it off and on.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Disconnect your device from the router. 
2. Turn off your router by unplugging it from the power source.
3. Wait for about 30 seconds.
4. Plug your router back into the power outlet, then turn it on.
5. Wait for another 30 seconds until it’s fully booted up.
6. Reconnect your device to the router. 

Try using your VPN again to see if the solution works. Suppose it doesn’t move on to the next. 

#2: Update Your Router’s Firmware

Outdated firmware on your router can also cause the Charter Spectrum blocking VPN out connection issue.

Firmware controls your router’s functions and settings. If it isn’t up to date, it may not support certain VPN protocols and features and may interfere with the connection.

Follow these steps to update your router’s firmware:

1. Find out your router’s model number and firmware version.
2. Go to your router manufacturer’s website.
3. Search for your router’s model number.
4. Download the latest firmware version.
5. Save the firmware file to your computer.
6. Connect your computer to your router’s LAN port.
7. Log in to your router’s admin interface.
8. Go to the Firmware Update section.
9. Select the firmware file you downloaded and click Update.
10. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Note: The firmware file will be a .bin file. Once you select it and click Update, your router will update its firmware.   

#3: Disable Your Device’s Firewall

Your device’s firewall may protect it from malicious network traffic, but it can sometimes block legitimate traffic like your VPN connection. In this case, you need to turn off your device’s firewall. 

Windows

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type Firewall.
3. Click on Windows Defender Firewall.
4. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off.
5. Select Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall for private and public network settings.
6. Click OK and try using your VPN again. 

Mac

1. Open the Apple Menu.
2. Click on System Preferences.
3. Click on Security & Privacy.
4. Click on the lock icon.
5. Enter your password to make changes. 
6. Click on Turn Off Firewall.
7. Try using your VPN again. 

Note: Disabling the firewall can leave your device vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other cyber threats. 

#4: Change Your VPN Protocol

VPNs have different ways of connecting and securing, and each type has pros and cons.

If you encounter Spectrum blocking your VPN connection, it may be because the network is singling out particular protocols.

To fix this, you need to change your VPN protocol.

1. Open your VPN app.
2. Tap on the Settings or Preferences tab.
3. Select Protocol Setting.
4. Choose the protocol you want to use.
5. Tap on Save. 

Note: Use OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols because they have strong encryption and can protect your internet traffic from prying eyes. Plus, they are both open-source and widely supported. 

#5: Switch Your VPN Server Location

The server’s location affects how fast your internet connection is, how long it takes to respond, and if it’s available.

If your current VPN server location is the culprit, try switching to another one.

1. Open your VPN app.
2. Tap on Servers or Locations.
3. Select the server or location you want to connect to.
4. Tap on Connect.

Pro Tip: If you are having trouble connecting to a specific server, try connecting to another one. To find a particular server, search for it by name or location.  

#6: Use a Third-Party DNS

If you have Spectrum VPN issues, try switching to a different DNS service. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses.

We recommend you change your DNS settings to use a different service like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

They provide faster, more secure, and more reliable DNS resolution than your ISP’s servers and help bypass certain censorship or geo-restrictions. 

To use a third-party DNS, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type Network.
2. Click on Network Status.
3. Click on Change Adapter Options. 
4. Right-click on the network connection and select Properties.
5. Double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) menu.
6. Choose the Use the following DNS server addresses radio.
7. Type the DNS server address of your choice.
8. Click OK and try using your VPN again. 

Some DNS servers are Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Make sure you type these addresses as primary and secondary, respectively.

Note: Third-party DNS can sometimes cause compatibility problems with certain websites or applications, so be prepared to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

#7: Set Up a VPN on Your Router

If Spectrum is still blocking your VPN, consider setting up a VPN on your router instead of setting it up on your device.

This can protect all the devices connected to your router and avoid interference from Spectrum or your device’s settings. 

Note: Setting up a VPN on your router can be complicated and risky, so ensure you have a compatible router supporting VPN protocols or firmware. 

Here are the steps to set up a VPN on your router:

Downloading the VPN Configuration Files

1. Go to the VPN service’s website.
2. Find the section that contains the VPN configuration for your router.
3. Select the configuration file for your router’s make and model.
4. Click the link to download the file.
5. Save the file to your computer.

Info: The configuration file for your router will be named something like router_model_name.ovpn

Installing VPN on your router

1. Log in to your router’s admin interface.
2. Go to VPN Settings.
3. Select the VPN service you want to use.
4. Enter the username and password for your VPN account. 
5. Click the Browse button to find the configuration file you downloaded.
6. Select the configuration file and click Open.
7. Save the settings and restart your router.

If this doesn’t work, move on to the last solution. 

#8: Use a Premium VPN Service like AtlasVPN

The last and best solution to your problem is a premium VPN service like AtlasVPN.

AtlasVPN is one of the most reliable and secure VPN services. It offers fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and strong encryption. 

AtlasVPN has unique features that distinguish it from other VPNs, such as SafeBrowse, Data Breach Monitor, and SmartDNS. It is very easy to use and install. 

1. Sign up for an AtlasVPN account.
2. Choose a subscription plan that suits your needs.
3. Download the AtlasVPN app on your device.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
5. Open the AtlasVPN app. 
6. Log in with your email address and password.
7. Select a server location from the list, or let AtlasVPN choose one.
8. Connect to the server and enjoy VPN protection. 

Pro Tip: Enable Split Tunneling to choose which apps or websites you want to use the VPN for and which ones you want to access directly. 

Quick Recap

When Spectrum blocks VPN, it indicates an issue with your connection or VPN service.

To fix this, you want to change your VPN configuration or use a premium service like AtlasVPN, as they have better compatibility with internet providers.

If you have other troubleshooting concerns with Spectrum, visit our blog!  

Read Next: Why Is My Spectrum WiFi Not Showing Up? (Instant Fix!)