Is IPVanish not connecting for you? There are some VPN troubleshooting tips that anyone can try to successfully fix it.
If you’ve already tried resolving the issue but couldn’t make any progress, an alternative like PureVPN could be well-worth an investment, considering that its better pricing and excellent range of features.
For now, let’s take out our tools and resolve a few IPVanish issues:
Unable to Connect to IPVanish
Here are a few solutions ways to deal with IPVanish not working issues:
1. Trying different server locations
To start with, you should try connecting to a different server location if a particular selection is giving you connectivity issues.
Servers can go offline due to technical problems or for maintenance. Therefore, it’s possible that the problem is only a temporary one with your preferred server.
Thankfully, IPVanish has a decent range of servers, having over 1,300 of these in 75+ major locations of the world.
Try connecting to a nearby server if you’re unable to connect to your preferred one. If successful, you can use these servers for a while until your favorite server comes back online (it shouldn’t take more than a few days).
2. Check internet connection
It often happens that the problem is with your internet connection, rather than the VPN. To eliminate your internet connection as the possible source of the problem, disconnect IPVanish entirely from your computer/devices and then try accessing the web again.
If you can use the internet and load websites properly, it means your internet is fine and move onto the next steps for troubleshooting IPVanish.
However, if you still cannot access the internet, then the problem is at your ISP’s end. In this case, you should call your ISP and get the issue resolved. Once you’re able to connect to the internet normally, IPVanish should also start working fine.
3. Change VPN protocol
IPVanish offers 5 VPN tunneling protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP, and SSTP. Some of these protocols may not work in some regions and for ISPs, as local regulations may be blocking these.
So if the above steps didn’t work and IPVanish not connecting on Windows 10, try changing the protocol by following these steps:
1. Disconnect IPVanish.
2. Click on Settings on the left-hand menu, then click on Connections tab.
3. Click on the Active Protocol drop-down menu and choose one from the available options.
4. Connect to your VPN each time after selecting a different protocol until you find the one that works.
Note that PPTP and L2TP are no longer considered very secure and should only be used if absolutely necessary.
The steps for changing protocols on IPVanish are similar for its desktop as well as mobile apps, though not all protocols are available across all app versions.
4. Change DNS settings
If you are able to connect to an IPVanish server but can’t use the internet while it is turned on, your DNS settings could be at fault.
To solve this issue, set your DNS to automatic by following the steps below:
1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet connections.
2. Click on Network and Sharing center
3. In the list of available connections, right-click on your primary internet connection and select Properties.
4. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) then select Properties
5. Click on the “Obtain server address automatically” option.
After performing these steps, try connecting to IPVanish again.
5. Manage exceptions
If you have security software like firewalls and antimalware installed, they can interfere with your IPVanish connection.
To check if your connectivity issues are being caused by conflict with these software, disable your firewall/anti-malware and try using IPVanish.
If you are able to use the VPN now, this indicates that your VPN is indeed being blocked by these software. To keep these programs running without interfering with IPVanish, you will have to add IPVanish.exe in the list of exceptions in relevant security software.
6. Update IPVanish app
Running an outdated version of IPVanish can create a lot of technical problems with connectivity. The following user, for instance, almost gave up trying to fix the VPN but a simple app update solved the problem in a go:
Therefore, if you’ve been ignoring an app update, you should reconsider and get the latest version of IPVanish. Sometimes, this is all that’s needed to fix malfunctioning VPNs.
IPVanish Issues and Fixes for Specific Situations
Here are some services, devices, and platforms that IPVansih is often reported to exhibit problems with and their quick fixes:
IPVanish not connecting on Firestick
IPVanish has a dedicated app that is supported by 2nd generation Firestick devices. However, some users, like the one below, have experienced problem using IPVanish on Amazon Fire TV after performing a software update:
Here’s how you can you clear cache on Fire TV device to fix IPVanish:
- Press the Home button > Settings
- Choose Applications from the Settings screen
- From the Applications menu, select Manage Installed Applications
- Find the IPVanish app in the list
- Now select Force stop, then click the clear data and clear cache options.
- Go back to the Settings screen and click on the My Fire TV option.
- Press Restart to restart your Fire TV device.
- Once rebooted, try using IPVanish and connect to a server again.
You should be able to use IPVanish on Amazon Firestick now. Other Firestick VPNs can also come in handy if you’re looking for more options.
IPVanish not connecting on Android
You can resolve IPVanish connectivity issues on Android by removing cache and data from the app.
Here’s how to you can fix IPVanish for Android:
- Open the Settings in your Android Phone > Apps.
- Find the IPVanish app in the list and tap on it.
- Now Press on Clear data and clear Cache.
This should resolve the issue. If you’re looking for other options, see this article on Android VPNs.
IPVanish not working with Netflix
Unfortunately, IPVanish is no longer compatible with Netflix and there’s no way around this issue. Most of the IP addresses that IPVanish uses are now blacklisted by Netflix, which is getting increasingly paranoid about denying access to VPNs.
So, if you’re looking for a VPN for Netflix, IPVanish is not a suitable option.
IPVanish Alternatives
No luck fixing the VPN after trying the above methods? You might want to consider a different VPN service. For instance, here’s how IPVanish compares to PureVPN, a highly affordable VPN with top-notch features:
| Features | PureVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.91/mo | $4.12/mo |
| Servers | 2,000+ in 140 countries | 1,300+ in 75+ locations |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat & email | 24/7 live chat & email |
| Logging Policy | Zero logs | No traffic logs |
| Jurisdiction | Hong Kong | USA |
| Netflix unblocking | Strong | Weak |
| Compatibility | All devices | All devices |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Website | PUREVPN | IPVANISH |
Conclusion
IPVanish can usually be fixed if you tinker around with a few settings, specifically in the ways mentioned above. If you are dissatisfied with IPVanish and have given up on it, you can try going for PureVPN which offers excellent value for money.
For more information about IPVanish, check out this detailed evaluation of the service.
