Troubleshooting MikroTik RouterOS VPN Issues

So, you decided to give Virtual Private Network (VPN) a try. Maybe it's because your government is spying on your online activities or because you want to access restricted content in another country. Whatever your reason may be, you've just entered a world of frustration and confusion. Don't worry, we've all been there.

Let's be real. VPNs are not bulletproof solutions. There are times when even the most reliable VPN connection will fail, leaving you with a slow or non-existent internet connection, or worse, no connection at all. Don't let this discourage you though. We're here to help you troubleshoot the common problems that come with using VPNs.

Problem #1: Slow Internet Speeds

You're probably used to super-fast internet speeds, but once you connect to a VPN, you might feel like you've gone back to the dial-up age. Don't panic, slow speeds are a common problem with VPNs, but there are things you can do to speed things up.

Choose a VPN server closest to your location – The further away the server is, the slower your connection will be.
Check your internet speed – Use an online speed test to determine what your usual internet speed is. Then try the test again with and without VPN, this will give you an idea of how much your VPN is slowing you down.
Change the connection protocol – Most VPNs offer several connection protocols. Try switching to different protocols to see if it makes a difference.
Upgrade your subscription – If you're using a free VPN service, consider upgrading to a paid plan. These paid plans usually offer faster internet speeds and have more reliable servers.

Problem #2: No Internet Connection

What's the point of VPN if you don't have an internet connection, right? If you're not able to connect to the internet after connecting to a VPN, don't fret. There's a solution to this problem.

Restart the VPN – Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN.
Restart your router and device – Sometimes all you need is a good ol' reboot to fix the problem.
Disable Firewall – The Firewall might be blocking the VPN connection. Try disabling it temporarily and see if it makes a difference
Check your subscription – If you're using a free VPN service, the chances are that the service is overloaded. Try switching to a different VPN server or consider upgrading to a paid plan.

Problem #3: VPN is not working on certain devices

So, your VPN is working perfectly on your laptop but not on your phone or tablet. This can be frustrating, but don't worry, there's a way around it.

Check if your VPN is compatible with the device – Not all VPN services support all devices. Make sure you've checked the compatibility before subscribing.
Check your settings – Some devices might have settings that block VPNs. Make sure you've enabled VPN in the settings.
Reinstall the VPN app – Sometimes the VPN app can become corrupted. Reinstalling it might fix the issue.
Contact customer support – If all else fails, contact customer support. Most VPN services have a 24/7 customer support service.

Problem #4: VPN is blocked

Some websites and services are smart enough to detect when you're using a VPN and might block you from accessing their content. This can be frustrating, but there are ways around it.

Switch VPN servers – Sometimes switching to a different VPN server can do the trick.
Change the connection protocol – Some websites might detect certain connection protocols. Switching to a different protocol might bypass the block.
Use a different VPN service – If the website still blocks your VPN, consider trying a different VPN service altogether.
Contact customer support – If you're still having trouble, contact customer support. They might have a solution.

Problem #5: IP Leak

Most VPNs promise to keep your IP address and online activity private, but sometimes they fail to deliver on that promise. An IP leak, where your real IP address is revealed despite using a VPN, can be a serious security concern. Here are a few things you can do to prevent IP leaks.

Read also

Check for IP leaks – There are several websites that can scan for IP leaks. Make sure you're not leaking your real IP address.
Change VPN protocols – Some protocols can be vulnerable to IP leaks. Switching to a more secure protocol can prevent this from happening.
Disable WebRTC – WebRTC is a protocol used by browsers to enable real-time communication within the browser. It can also leak your real IP address. Disabling WebRTC can prevent IP leaks.
Update your VPN app – VPN apps sometimes have vulnerabilities that can result in IP leaks. Make sure you're using the latest version of your VPN app.

There you have it folks, the most common VPN problems and their solutions. Remember, VPNs are not perfect, but with a little bit of troubleshooting, you can overcome most of the problems. Happy browsing!