VPN works on mobile data but not Wi-Fi

Your VPN works on your phone's mobile data, but stops connecting or loading websites as soon as you join Wi-Fi. That usually means the VPN app works, but something about the Wi-Fi network, its router, or a setting is interfering with the connection.

First find out whether the VPN cannot connect, or whether it connects but traffic does not work. The VPN Leak Test can also check whether your real IP address leaks through IPv6 or WebRTC when the VPN is connected.

Check the VPN on Wi-Fi

1. Join the Wi-Fi network and connect your VPN. Note whether the app says it is connected, stays on connecting, or reports an error. If it says connected, open the VPN Leak Test in your browser and check for an IP leak.
2. Disconnect the VPN while staying on the same Wi-Fi. Try loading a familiar website. This confirms whether the Wi-Fi itself has internet access before you troubleshoot the VPN.
3. Reconnect the VPN and try a different server or location in the VPN app. If the app offers a choice of connection protocol, note which one is selected, but do not change several settings at once.
4. Try the same VPN on another Wi-Fi network, such as a trusted home or guest network. If it works there, the original router or network is the likely cause. Avoid testing with sensitive accounts on a public network.
5. Return to mobile data and check the same VPN server and settings. If it still works there, record the Wi-Fi name, the VPN app's exact error, and whether the app showed a connected state.

What the result means

The VPN cannot connect on Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi network may be blocking the VPN's connection method, or the VPN app may be stuck trying a server or protocol that this network cannot reach. This is common on managed workplace, school, hotel, and public networks. A sign-in page that has not been accepted can also prevent the VPN from connecting.

The VPN says connected, but websites do not load

The tunnel may be connected while the route to websites or the VPN's DNS service is failing. DNS is the service that turns a website name into an internet address. A kill switch, which blocks traffic when the VPN is not fully active, can also make the connection appear completely offline.

The VPN Leak Test reports an IP leak

The browser may be able to reveal your real IP address through IPv6 or WebRTC while the VPN is on. Check the VPN app's leak protection and IPv6 settings, then test again. A result without an IPv6 or WebRTC leak is useful, but it does not prove that every app on your device uses the VPN.

It works on another Wi-Fi network

Your device and VPN account are probably working. The first Wi-Fi network may restrict VPN traffic through its router, firewall, parental controls, or network policy. If it is a work or school network, ask its administrator before changing settings or trying to bypass a restriction.

How to fix it

1. Finish the Wi-Fi sign-in. Disconnect the VPN, open a browser, and check whether the network displays a sign-in or terms page. Complete it, confirm ordinary websites load, then reconnect the VPN.
2. Reconnect and try another VPN server. Turn the VPN off and on in its app, then choose a nearby server. If the app offers protocol choices, try another supported option. Some networks block one connection method but allow another. Change only one option at a time so you can tell what helped.
3. Check the VPN's traffic settings. In the VPN app, review split tunneling, DNS, and kill switch settings. Split tunneling can exclude selected apps from the VPN. A strict kill switch can block all traffic when the tunnel drops. Menu names vary by provider, so use its help instructions rather than guessing at a setting.
4. Check the device's Wi-Fi and VPN status. On Windows 11, open Settings › Network & internet › Wi-Fi and confirm you are on the intended network. On macOS, open System Settings › Network › Wi-Fi. On Android, check Settings › Network & internet › VPN. On iPhone, check Settings › VPN, or Settings › General › VPN & Device Management on versions that show it there.
5. Check whether security software is blocking the VPN. A firewall or antivirus network filter can prevent the VPN app from making a connection. On Windows 11, review Settings › Privacy & security › Windows Security › Firewall & network protection. On macOS, review System Settings › Network › Firewall. Do not turn the firewall off as a permanent fix. If you are unsure, ask the person who manages the device.
6. Restart the router and device. Restarting can clear a temporary network or router problem. If only one router blocks the VPN after a restart, check its VPN, firewall, parental-control, or security settings. Do not factory-reset it unless you have the setup details and permission to restore its configuration.

What the leak test can and cannot tell you

The VPN Leak Test checks the browser's exposure through IPv6 and WebRTC while your VPN is active. It does not establish a VPN connection, identify why a router blocks one, or guarantee that programs outside the browser are protected. If your VPN will not connect at all on Wi-Fi, focus on the network and VPN app first. Run the leak check only after the app reports a connection.

If the Wi-Fi belongs to an employer, school, hotel, or other organization, ask its network administrator whether VPN connections are allowed before changing router or device security settings.