Question 1

Why won't my VPN connect?

Accepted Answer

VPN connection failures can stem from provider server outages, authentication system problems, or app bugs — as well as local network or firewall issues. If many users are reporting problems with the same provider here, it's a provider-side outage.

Question 2

Which VPN services does DownStatus monitor?

Accepted Answer

DownStatus tracks major VPN providers including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and others. Live status for each is shown above.

Question 3

How do I tell if it's the VPN or my own internet?

Accepted Answer

Disconnect the VPN and try browsing normally. If the internet works without the VPN but not with it, the issue is the VPN provider. Trying a different VPN server location also helps — if one server fails but another works, it's a localized server issue rather than a full outage.

Question 4

What should I do during a VPN outage?

Accepted Answer

Switch to a different server or region within the app, which resolves many issues. If the whole provider is down, check their official status page for an ETA. Be cautious about disabling the VPN for sensitive activity — make sure your kill switch is on so traffic isn't exposed.

VPN Services

Frequently asked questions