It can be for several reasons:

• The IP address was not specified for the VPN client to receive
• There are Firewall rules and VPN routing is not allowed in Forward
• There is no NAT rule created for the VPN segment

Losing your internet connection when connecting to a VPN can be frustrating, but there are usually specific reasons behind this behavior.

We explain some of the most common causes and how you could try to solve them:

1. Network Route Conflict

When you connect to a VPN, your Internet traffic is redirected through the VPN server. If your VPN settings redirect all traffic through the VPN (a common setting to ensure that all traffic is encrypted), but there is a conflict with network routes (for example, if the VPN routes and your local network conflict), you may lose access to the Internet.

Solution: Check your VPN settings to make sure it allows local traffic, or try using the “split tunneling” option, if available, to select which traffic goes through the VPN.

2. DNS Configuration Issues

If your device is configured to use specific DNS servers and they are not accessible through the VPN, you could lose the ability to resolve domain names, effectively leaving you without access to the Internet.

Solution: Change DNS settings to servers that are accessible both inside and outside the VPN, such as those from Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or those provided by your VPN service.

3. Firewall or Antivirus blocking

Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software may detect the VPN connection as suspicious and block it, which may result in loss of Internet connection.

Solution: Make sure your firewall or antivirus allows the VPN connection. It may be necessary to add an exception for VPN software in your firewall or antivirus settings.

4. Problems with the VPN Server

If the VPN server you are trying to connect to is overloaded or experiencing technical issues, your Internet connection may be affected.

Solution: Try connecting to a different VPN server or contact your VPN provider's support to report the problem.

5. Incorrect VPN Configuration

Incorrect configuration on the VPN client or on the server side (if you are using a custom VPN) can also cause Internet connection problems.

Solution: Review your VPN settings to make sure everything is set up correctly. Consult your VPN provider's documentation or contact their technical support for help.

6. Limitation or Blocking by the ISP

In some cases, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be throttling or blocking VPN traffic, which can result in connection issues.

Solution: Try changing the VPN protocol (for example, from UDP to TCP or vice versa) or use a different port, as some ISPs only block certain protocols or ports.

If after reviewing these points the problem persists, it would be advisable to contact the technical support of your VPN service to obtain a specific solution to your case.