If you’ve connected to a VPN and start to feel like your internet connection seems unreliable or slower than usual, you’re not alone!
You are among many people who experience this, especially when trying to find the right combination of privacy and performance. Luckily, there are some simple solutions to enhance your internet connectivity and to perform at your highest level.
Why Your VPN Might Slow Things Down
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) sends your internet traffic through secure servers. This helps keep your online activities private, but it can also slow things down a bit, since there’s essentially a middle man.
Here are some common reasons for the slowdown:
- Server distance: If the server is far away, your data takes longer to get there.
- Crowded servers: When there are too many users on the same server, it can get busy.
- Encryption overhead: While it’s important for privacy, strong encryption can slow down your connection.
- Device limitations: Older or slower devices might have a hard time handling encrypted traffic.
How to Fix a Slow VPN Connection
Now, let’s check out some of the most straightforward ways to fix this.
- Choose a Server That’s Close to You
Try picking a server that is physically close to your actual location. A closer server will require data to travel a smaller distance, which often means you can expect better speeds.
If your VPN app has a “fastest server” option, use it. It generally tries to choose the fastest server for you based on its real-time performance.
- Use a Wired Connection if Possible
Wireless is easier, but it can be unpredictable. A wired connection with an Ethernet cable generally can provide better speed and a more reliable connection, which is highly beneficial when performing large downloads, video calls, or streaming. This is especially noticeable if you’re remote working.
- Change Your VPN Protocol
VPNs use different protocols that control how data transfer is managed. Some protocols are faster, some focus more on security, and some are in between.
If your VPN application has the ability, try different protocols and experiment with using WireGuard or IKEv2, especially as both are designed for speed.
In your VPN settings, you will usually find this option. Changing your VPN protocol only takes a minute, but it can dramatically improve your experience.
- Limit What’s Running in The Background
Another potential reason your internet may be slow is that there may be applications or services running in the background that are taking away valuable bandwidth.
Background software updates, background syncing applications, and even streaming services can impact your connection, especially while using a VPN.
If you close these applications or services, you can free up valuable bandwidth.
A couple minimal-effort things you can try if you’re experiencing slowness while using a VPN:
- Close any tabs you are not using
- Pause large downloads
- Turn off auto-updates while working
- Shut down applications you don’t need running
This will help your device focus on what you are actually working on at the present moment.
- Try Another Device
Sometimes the problem isn’t with the VPN or the network, but with your device. Older smartphones and laptops might struggle with encrypted traffic. If you can, check the VPN on a newer device to see if the speeds get better.
And for mobile users, using a VPN on iOS can sometimes lead to speed improvements if you keep the app updated and tweak the settings based on your network.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is usually slower than other types of Wi-Fi, and when you’re using a VPN, it can make it even slower.
It’s fine for casual browsing, but steer clear of it for video calls, gaming, streaming or transferring files. If you need a stronger connection while you’re out, consider using your phone as a hotspot.
Not All Slowdowns Are VPN-Related
Sometimes, the issue is not with your VPN at all. Your internet service provider could be throttling your speeds, or your home network could have issues.
Slow performance can even be caused by malware or impostor apps in certain cases. In fact, some hackers are using imposter VPN apps to spread malware, which might be sneakingly slowing down your entire system.
It’s a good idea to test your speeds both with and without the VPN active. If they’re still bad when not using the VPN, you may need to contact your provider or virus-scan your machine.
Know When to Turn It Off
There are times when you simply don’t want your VPN turned on. For instance, if you’re just reading some public blog entries or watching a video that doesn’t require personal information, turning it off for a bit can improve your connection.
With the right settings, device, and habits, you can enjoy both privacy and performance. A VPN doesn’t have to slow you down – use these tips to stay secure without sacrificing speed.
