How to Fix Connection Timed Out on Proton VPN: Troubleshooting Steps

Getting a “connection timed out” error on your Proton VPN can be really frustrating. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ll show you how to fix your Proton VPN connection with easy steps. If you keep losing your connection or can’t get a secure one, we have solutions for you.

We’ll start by explaining why you might be getting a connection timed out error. Then, we’ll give you steps to fix it. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll know how to solve this VPN problem. You’ll be able to enjoy a smooth, secure internet with Proton VPN.

Understanding Connection Timed Out Errors

Using Proton VPN, you might sometimes see the “connection timed out” error. This can be frustrating, as it stops you from accessing the internet or certain websites. To fix this, it’s key to know what causes these errors and their effects.

What Causes Connection Timed Out Errors?

The “connection timed out” error on Proton VPN comes from several things, such as:

• Network connectivity problems: Issues with your internet service provider (ISP) or network setup can cause timeouts.
• Device configuration issues: Old or conflicting software, drivers, or settings on your device can lead to connection timeouts.
• Server-side troubles: Sometimes, Proton VPN’s servers have technical problems, causing timeouts.

Potential Impacts on Proton VPN Connections

When you get a “connection timed out” error on Proton VPN, it can have big effects. Some of these effects include:

1. Interrupted internet access: You might not be able to browse the web, stream content, or use online services because of the timeout.
2. Inability to access specific websites or services: Some websites or online platforms might be blocked while your Proton VPN connection is down.
3. Reduced online security and privacy: A broken Proton VPN connection can also mean less online security and privacy.

Knowing what causes “connection timed out” errors on Proton VPN is the first step to fixing them. By figuring out the main issues, you can look for solutions to get your Proton VPN working again.

Checking Your Internet Connection

Before you start fixing connection timed out issues with Proton VPN, make sure your internet is stable and reliable. A weak internet connection often leads to these problems. So, let’s check if your network is okay.

First, we’ll look at your internet speed. Open a web browser and go to a speed testing site, like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Do a test to see your download and upload speeds. Make sure they’re close to Proton VPN’s needs, which are about 1-2 Mbps for downloading and 0.5-1 Mbps for uploading. If your speeds are much lower, it might be the reason for your connection timed out issues.

• Open a web browser and visit a speed testing website like Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
• Run a test to measure your download and upload speeds.
• Compare the results to the minimum requirements for Proton VPN, which are typically around 1-2 Mbps for download and 0.5-1 Mbps for upload.

Next, try pinging a well-known website like Google.com to see if there are any network problems. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type “ping google.com”. High ping times or a lot of packet losses mean there might be a network issue that needs fixing.

1. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Type “ping google.com” and observe the ping times and packet loss.
3. High ping times or significant packet loss may indicate a network issue.

By checking your internet speed and testing for network latency, you can quickly find any network problems causing the connection timed out errors with Proton VPN. After these checks, you’ll know how to fix the issue and move forward.

Restarting Your Devices

If you’re seeing a “connection timed out” error with Proton VPN, try restarting your devices. This can fix temporary software or network issues. Just restart your computer and router to solve the problem.

Restarting Your Computer

To restart your computer, follow these steps:

1. Save any open files and close all running applications.
2. Click on the Start menu or Windows icon and select the “Power” option.
3. Choose “Restart” from the menu to start the restart.
4. After your computer restarts, try connecting to Proton VPN again. See if the error is gone.

Restarting Your Router

Restarting your router can also fix network problems causing the “connection timed out” error. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find the power button or cord on your router.
2. Press the power button or unplug the cord and wait 30 seconds.
3. Plug the cord back in or turn the router on and wait for it to reboot.
4. After the router restarts, try connecting to Proton VPN again. Check if the issue is fixed.

Restarting your computer and router can solve many temporary issues with your Proton VPN connection. This easy step can often fix the “connection timed out” error without needing more complex fixes.

Updating Proton VPN

It’s important to keep your Proton VPN software updated to fix issues like the “connection timed out” error. Updating the app regularly helps with compatibility, fixes bugs, and brings you the latest security and performance improvements.

To update Proton VPN, just follow these steps:

1. Open the Proton VPN app on your device.
2. Look for the “Settings” or “About” section within the app.
3. Check if there is a section that displays the current version of Proton VPN you’re using.
4. If a newer version is available, the app should prompt you to update or provide a link to download the latest version.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the Proton VPN update.

After updating, try connecting to the VPN again. The “connection timed out” error might be fixed with the latest Proton VPN version.

If problems persist, try clearing the Proton VPN cache and cookies or switch to a different VPN server. Check out other parts of this guide for more troubleshooting tips.

How to Fix Connection Timed Out on Proton VPN

Clearing Proton VPN’s Cache and Cookies

If you’re still facing “connection timed out” issues with Proton VPN, try clearing the app’s cache and cookies. This action can fix temporary data conflicts or glitches.

To clear Proton VPN’s cache and cookies, just follow these steps:

1. Close the Proton VPN app completely.
2. Go to your device’s settings and find the Proton VPN app.
3. Select the “Storage” or “Cache” option and clear the cache.
4. Then, find the “Cookies” or “Data” option and clear the cookies too.
5. After clearing the cache and cookies, reopen the Proton VPN app and try connecting again.

This easy fix can often solve “connection timed out” errors with Proton VPN. Clearing the app’s cache and cookies resets the connection. It removes temporary data that might be causing problems.

Switching VPN Servers

If you’re seeing a “connection timed out” error with Proton VPN, try switching servers. This can help figure out if the problem is with a certain server or location. It’s a key step in solving the issue.

To change Proton VPN servers, just follow these easy steps:

1. Open the Proton VPN app on your device.
2. Click on the “VPN server” dropdown menu, usually at the top of the app.
3. Look through the list of servers and pick a different one from where you were before.
4. Hit the “Connect” button to start a new VPN connection.

Switching servers can help you see if the “connection timed out” error is server-specific or more general. If it keeps happening with different servers, it might be a deeper issue. You’ll need to do more troubleshooting then.

Proton VPN has many servers worldwide, so keep trying different ones until you find a good one. Switching servers and troubleshooting can fix the “connection timed out” error. This ensures a smooth Proton VPN experience.

Disabling Firewalls and Antivirus Software

If you’re getting “connection timed out” errors with Proton VPN, your firewall or antivirus might be the problem. Turning off these security tools can help fix the issue. It shows if they’re causing the problem.

Temporarily Disabling Windows Firewall

To turn off the Windows Firewall, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and search for “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security”.
2. In the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security window, click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” on the left-hand side.
3. In the next window, select the “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” option for both the “Private network settings” and “Public network settings”.
4. Click “OK” to save the changes and close the window.

After turning off the Windows Firewall, try using Proton VPN again. See if the “connection timed out” error is gone. If it’s still there, try turning off your antivirus software too.

Remember to turn the Windows Firewall back on after you’ve fixed the VPN issue. This keeps your computer safe.

You might also need to turn off any antivirus or security software from other companies. How to do this depends on the software you have. Check the software’s help or support for instructions.

Checking for Network Conflicts

If you’re still getting “connection timed out” errors after trying other fixes, there might be issues with other VPNs or network settings. Let’s look into how to find and fix any problems with competing VPN apps or network settings that could be affecting your Proton VPN.

Disabling Other VPN Services

First, check if you have other VPN apps on your device. Having more than one VPN can cause network problems. Turn off or remove any other VPNs to make sure Proton VPN is the only one running. This should help stop any interference and let Proton VPN work better.

Also, check your network settings for any old VPN connections or proxy settings that might be causing trouble. Make sure Proton VPN is set as the main and only active VPN on your device.