Many people are turning VPNs — virtual private networks – for greater online privacy and security, only to find that internet speeds suddenly slow down. So what exactly does a VPN do and why might it cause this slowdown?

A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted path between your device and the internet, keeping your data private from hackers, advertisers, and anyone else trying to monitor your activity. This encryption process also allows you to browse as if you were in a different location, which can help you access content that may be restricted in your location.

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Just ask Terry from Reno, who recently contacted this frustration:

“My VPN is making my phone so slow that I can’t open apps! Help!”

You’re not alone, Terry. VPNs are great tools for: protect data and unlocking restricted content, but that extra layer of protection and location masking can sometimes slow things down. Good news? There are several ways to keep your VPN running smoothly without compromising security. Let’s dive in.

A woman using VPN on her laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Make sure it’s really a VPN

Before we blame the VPN, let’s make sure it’s actually the culprit. Here’s a quick test:

1. Disconnect from your VPN: Close your VPN app completely or turn off the VPN connection in your device settings.

2. Run a speed test on Speedtest.net and note the results: Click the “Go” button and wait for the test to complete. Write down your download and upload speeds as well as ping.

3. Connect to your VPN: Open your VPN app and connect to your preferred server. Wait until the connection is fully established.

4. Run the speed test again: Refresh the Speedtest.net page to make sure it detects your new location, and then run the test again. Note the new results.

If your VPN connected speed is less than about 60% of your normal speed Houston, we have a VPN problem. If the difference is minimal you may need to optimize your base internet connection First.

A woman using VPN on her mobile phone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Fix VPN speed issues

When experiencing slow speeds when using a VPN, it is very important to approach the problem systematically. Assuming that the VPN is indeed the bottleneck on your connection, there are a few steps you can take to potentially increase your speeds and improve your overall experience.

1. Change VPN servers

The physical distance between you and the VPN server location plays an important role in connection speeds. Choosing a server closer to your geographic location can often result in a noticeable improvement. If you need to connect to a specific country for content access or other reasons, try different cities within that country. Many VPN providers offer multiple server options in popular locations. Additionally, some VPNs display server loading information, which can be incredibly useful. Connecting to a less crowded server generally provides faster speeds because you’re sharing fewer resources with other users.

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Various server locations are available in VPN. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2. Change VPN settings

Adjusting your VPN settings can lead to performance improvements. If your VPN service allows customization, consider reducing the encryption level from 256-bit to 128-bit AES. While 256-bit encryption is incredibly secure, it can sometimes affect speed. 128-bit AES encryption is still considered very secure for most purposes and can provide a speed boost. Another setting to look for is the WireGuard protocol. If your VPN provider offers this new protocol, enabling it can significantly increase your connection speed, as it is designed to be both faster and more efficient than older protocols. For those using the OpenVPN protocol, switching from TCP to UDP can often result in faster speeds. But approach these changes with caution, especially if you’re not entirely sure of their consequences. Avoid disabling critical security features in your quest for speed.

3. Change VPN protocols

Different protocols offer different levels of speed and security. In general, protocols such as PPTP, L2TP and IKEv2 are known for their speed but may not provide the highest level of security. OpenVPN is often the default choice because it strikes a good balance between speed and security. If you decide to stick with OpenVPN, which is recommended for most users, try switching from TCP to UDP. This simple change could potentially provide a noticeable speed increase without compromising security.

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4. Update your VPN app

It is crucial to keep your VPN app updated to ensure optimal performance and security. VPN providers frequently release updates that not only improve the overall functionality of their software but also fix any bugs or vulnerabilities that may have been discovered. An outdated VPN app can cause compatibility issues with your operating system, reducing performance and reducing connection speeds. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly check for updates in the settings of your VPN application or visit the provider’s official website to download the latest version. Additionally, many VPN services offer an auto-update feature that you should enable to ensure you’re always using the most up-to-date version of the software without having to remember to do it manually.

5. Close background apps and optimize your device

To increase your VPN speed, it is important to minimize the load on your device by closing unnecessary applications running in the background. Many applications consume bandwidth and processing power, which can significantly impact the performance of your VPN. For example, streaming services, file-sharing programs, and even automatically updating software can slow down your connection. Before connecting to your VPN, take a moment to close these apps and consider temporarily disabling any automatic syncing features. It’s also a good practice to restart your device before initiating a VPN connection, as this clears temporary files and frees up memory, providing a smoother experience.

6. Consider a faster VPN service

If you’ve tried various troubleshooting methods and your current VPN service is still not providing satisfactory speeds, it may be time to explore other options. The market is filled with numerous VPN providers that emphasize speed and reliability, so doing thorough research is essential. Look for services with a large network of servers strategically located around the world, as this can significantly increase connection speeds. Many top VPN providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test their performance without any financial risk. When evaluating potential new services, consider not only their speed but also their security features, privacy policies, and customer support options. By making an informed choice, you can find a VPN that effectively meets both your speed needs and security needs.

While these strategies can help you optimize your VPN speed, remember that it’s important to have realistic expectations. Your basic internet speed provided by your internet service provider (ISP) will always be the ultimate limiting factor. No VPN can make your connection faster than the maximum speed provided by your ISP. But by applying these techniques, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your VPN connection and minimizing unnecessary slowdowns.

A woman using VPN on her tablet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Find the perfect VPN

Whether you’re new to VPNs or need a faster, more secure option, you’ll want to choose reliable VPN providers known for their solid encryption and no-logging policies to ensure your privacy. Whether for sensitive tasks or everyday use, reputable VPN services will increase both your security and speed. For the best VPN software, check out my expert review of the best VPNs for private web browsing on your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices

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Kurt’s important takeaways

VPNs are incredible privacy tools, but they shouldn’t interfere with your internet experience. With a little tweaking, you should be able to find a sweet spot between speed and security. And Terry, I hope these tips help your phone apps run smoothly again. Remember, a good VPN may slow things down a bit, but it shouldn’t render your device unusable. If nothing helps here, definitely contact your VPN’s support team or consider trying a different service.

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