TunnelBear not working for you? The technical issues that usually cause TunnelBear to stop working are pretty easy to fix.
If you have tried these tips and your VPN still won’t connect, a good and inexpensive alternative is PureVPN which has a wide range of features.
But if you still want to fix it, let’s focus on the VPN fixing tips for TunnelBear.
Unable to Connect to TunnelBear
Most TunnelBear not connecting issues can be solved with one of the steps mentioned below:
1. Switching servers
If you have TunnelBear error connecting to server, it’s possible that the server location you have chosen is down at the moment.
This can happen if the server needs maintenance or has developed some technical problems. Your connectivity issues can often be fixed by turning TunnelBear off and then on again.
If that doesn’t work, try changing to a different server location and try using the internet again.
Assuming that the problem is caused by a specific server, this trick should be enough to deal with your TunnelBear not working.
2. Check internet connection
If you have TunnelBear stuck on connecting, are you sure you’re connected to an active internet connection? It isn’t unheard of for VPN users to think their VPN is being problematic when the problem is actually with the internet.
To make sure your internet is working fine, disconnect TunnelBear entirely and try connecting to the web normally. If you’re able to open web pages and other online services, then your internet is working fine.
If not, then this proves that your internet is at fault. You should call your ISP and get the problem fixed. This should be sufficient to resolve the connectivity when you find TunnelBear not connecting.
3. TCP Override
If after applying the other tips you still have TunnelBear VPN not connecting, the TCP override feature can be a life-saver. If this feature is turned off, activating it can lead to better stability and overall performance. Here’s how you access TCP Override feature:
- Click on the cogwheel button on the left-hand menu to enter settings
- Under the general tab toggle on TCP Override
4. Turn on GhostBear
In some countries, there are strict regulations against VPN services. If you’re having trouble accessing certain restricted websites with TunnelBear from your region or TunnelBear does not work at all, you should activate the GhostBear feature and try connecting again.
Here’s how to access GhostBear feature:
- Click settings > security
- Toggle on the GhostBear feature
This should help dealing with censorship in your country. Keep in mind that you should only use GhostBear when you’re facing censorship issues. The provider recommends keeping this feature off during normal circumstances.
5. Clear browser cache, cookies, tracking
TunnelBear chrome extension not working? This could be due to a browser cache problem. Browsers can store location information in cache and cookies that can cause connectivity issues with TunnelBear. Therefore, one of the tips you should definitely try is to clear your browser’s cache and activities.
In addition, most modern browsers allow users to disable location tracking. This will further increase your chances of successfully connecting to TunnelBear’s various server locations and access blocked websites.
6. Software conflicts
If you find TunnelBear not working on Windows 10 after trying the above steps, you might be facing a software conflicts with other security software and VPNs that might be installed in your system.
To verify that your security software aren’t interfering with your TunnelBear connection, disable all your antimalware and firewalls. Then, try connecting to TunnelBear again. If you can successfully establish the VPN connection now, it means that the problem is indeed arising from your antivirus software.
You can resolve this issue by adding tunnelbear.exe in the list of exceptions managed by your security software. This will force the program to ignore TunnelBear while it continues offering you protection.
How do I know if TunnelBear is working after applying this step? Simply turn your VPN on along with your security software and see if they are both functioning as they should be without any conflicts, then you’ve successfully fixed the problem!
TunnelBear Issues and Fixes for Specific Situations
Here are some services, devices, and platforms that TunnelBear is often reported to exhibit problems with and their quick fixes:
TunnelBear not working Android
There are few things you can do if you’re troubled with TunnelBear not opening on Android.
- Turn on GhostBear feature.
- Disable third party battery/memory saving applications.
- Avoid using rooted firmware in your Android phone.
Some apps can cause VPNs to malfunction which can be quite annoying when TunnelBear has stopped working as a result.
In most cases, you will be able to run TunnelBear again after following the above-mentioned steps. You can also check out other free Android-specific VPNs for better online privacy.
TunnelBear not working on Netflix
Unfortunately, TunnelBear has been blacklisted by Netflix as it is no longer able to unblock the streaming platform. Many users have reported failed attempts to use Netflix with TunnelBear:
It wont let me watch. I use the free version of TunnelBear VPN. Please help from NetflixViaVPN
Therefore, you’d be much better off going with a Netflix optimized VPN service to access all the content you’re missing out on.
TunnelBear Alternatives
Tried all the methods above but still can’t make TunnelBear work again? Maybe it’s time to give a new VPN a try. For instance, here’s how TunnelBear compares to PureVPN, a highly affordable VPN with value-added features:
| Features | PureVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.91/mo | $4.17/mo |
| Servers | 2,000+ in 140 countries | Servers in 23 Countries |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat & email | 24/7 live chat & email |
| Logging Policy | Zero Logs | Zero Logs |
| Jurisdiction | Hong Kong | Canada |
| Netflix unblocking | Strong | Poor |
| Compatibility | All devices | Windows, Android, Mac, & iOS |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.7/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Website | PUREVPN | TUNNELBEAR |
Conclusion
TunnelBear is a well-respected VPN brand. But even the best tools can break sometimes. When they do, simply follow the steps mentioned above. You’ll be able fix TunnelBear not working issues in most cases. If you’re dissatisfied with TunnelBear, then you can always choose PureVPN.
For more information about TunnelBear, see this review.
