A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that helps protect online privacy by encrypting internet traffic and routing it through a remote server. However, sometimes a VPN can prevent access to the Internet even if it seems connected. This can occur due to several reasons, such as an overly strict "kill switch" feature, which blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, DNS configuration issues, an unreachable server, or a protocol that is blocked by a network or service provider. When Internet access is lost while using a VPN, users are advised to first test their connection without the VPN to determine if the issue is with the service itself. If the Internet works fine without the VPN, the problem likely lies with the VPN. Trying a different server or protocol within the same service can often resolve the issue. If the problem continues on Wi-Fi but not on a mobile network, the issue may be with the Wi-Fi network itself. For specific websites or apps, the problem could be that the service is blocking connections from the IP addresses used by the VPN, which is common with streaming platforms that enforce geographic restrictions. Some applications may also have their own network rules or "split tunneling" settings that allow certain traffic to bypass the VPN. If the issue is related to software such as a firewall or antivirus, temporarily disabling these programs can help determine if they are interfering with the connection. If the problem still persists, updating or reinstalling the VPN application, or resetting network settings, may be necessary. On Windows, this can be done through the Network Reset option, while on mobile devices, resetting network settings is available in the settings menu. On macOS, manually adjusting DNS settings might be required. If DNS settings are the cause, switching back to automatic DNS settings could help. If the problem stems from the kill switch, disabling it temporarily can help identify if that’s the cause. On Android devices, if the issue is due to permanent VPN mode, checking the settings to ensure it isn’t blocking connections outside the VPN is important. If the network administrator has blocked certain protocols or ports, changing the protocol or using a stealth mode might be necessary. If the application itself is the problem, verifying that it is allowed to go through the VPN and that no exceptions are excluding it can be useful. If the application uses its own DNS settings or blocks connections from a VPN IP address, adjusting those settings or excluding the app from the tunnel may help. If all else fails, contacting the VPN provider for support or manually adjusting network settings on the device may be required.