7 Ways to FIX Protonvpn Waiting for a Usable Network [Solved]

ProtonVPN is a widely recognized name in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), renowned for its robust security features and comprehensive privacy policy.

Whether browsing from the US, the UK, or Canada, using a VPN like ProtonVPN helps keep your online activities secure and private.

However, some users have reported encountering an issue where ProtonVPN stalls, displaying a message that reads ‘Waiting for a usable network.’

This can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of something important and need a reliable, secure connection.

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How to Fix ProtonVPN Error “Waiting for a Usable Network” Issue

Here are the seven (7) methods you can use;

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Method 1: Changing VPN Protocol

ProtonVPN supports multiple VPN protocols, like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Sometimes, your network might not be compatible with your chosen protocol, causing connectivity issues.

Here’s how to change your VPN protocol:

• Open the ProtonVPN app and go to the ‘Settings’ or ‘Preferences’ menu.
• Look for a section labeled ‘Protocol,’ ‘VPN Protocol,’ or something similar.
• Try changing the protocol. For instance, if you’re currently using OpenVPN, try switching to IKEv2, or vice versa.
• Save the changes and try connecting to ProtonVPN again.

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Method 2: Flushing DNS Cache

Sometimes, DNS cache conflicts can interfere with the proper functioning of ProtonVPN. Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve such conflicts.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Open the Command Prompt on your computer. You can do this by pressing the Windows key, typing “Command Prompt,” and selecting the app from the search results.
• In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
• Wait for the process to complete, and once it’s done, restart your computer.

Flushing the DNS cache can clear any outdated or conflicting entries and may help resolve the ‘waiting for a usable network’ issue. Give it a try and see if it makes a difference.

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Method 3: Disabling IPv6

In some cases, IPv6 compatibility issues may cause connection problems with ProtonVPN. Disabling IPv6 can often help resolve this. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open the Control Panel on your computer.
• Click on ‘Network and Internet’ > ‘Network and Sharing Center’ > ‘Change adapter settings.’
• Right-click on your active network connection and select ‘Properties.’
• Look for ‘Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)’ in the Networking tab and uncheck the box next to it.
• Click ‘OK’ to save your changes and close all open windows.
• Restart your computer and try connecting to ProtonVPN again.

Disabling IPv6 might eliminate potential conflicts between IPv4 and IPv6, thus resolving the ‘waiting for a usable network’ problem.

However, remember to re-enable it once the issue is resolved to access IPv6-specific sites and services.

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Method 4: Connecting to a Different Server

Sometimes, the issue may be specific to a particular server. By connecting to a different server, you can troubleshoot whether the problem lies with the server itself.

Here’s what you can do:

• Open the ProtonVPN app and navigate to the server selection menu.
• Choose a different server location from the available options.
• Connect to the new server and check if the issue persists.

If the ‘waiting for a usable network’ problem disappears after connecting to a different server, it indicates that the previous server may have been experiencing temporary issues.

Remember that server availability and performance can vary, so experimenting with different servers might improve your connection experience.

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Method 5: Disabling Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Your firewall or antivirus software could mistakenly identify your VPN as a potential threat and block it, causing the ‘waiting for a usable network’ error.

In such cases, you might want to temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software to check if it resolves the issue. Here’s how:

• Find your antivirus or firewall software on your taskbar (usually at the bottom right of your screen). Right-click on the icon.
• In the context menu that pops up, look for an option that says something along the lines of ‘Disable protection’ or ‘Turn off firewall.’
• After disabling, try connecting to ProtonVPN.

Remember, this is just a temporary solution to identify the issue. If ProtonVPN works without any issues after disabling your firewall or antivirus, add ProtonVPN as an exception in your security software before enabling it again.

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Method 6: Updating ProtonVPN to the Latest Version

An outdated ProtonVPN app may be the culprit behind the ‘waiting for a usable network’ message.

Regular updates often include bug fixes, security enhancements, and improved compatibility, making it crucial to keep your app updated. Here’s how:

• Open the ProtonVPN app and navigate to the ‘About’ section. You can typically find this in the ‘Help’ or ‘Settings’ menu.
• In the ‘About’ section, check your current version number.
• Visit the official ProtonVPN website and compare your version number with the latest version available.
• If a newer version is available, download and install it. Once installed, restart your device and try connecting to ProtonVPN again.

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Method 7: Checking Your Internet Connection

Often, the simplest solutions can be the most effective. So, start by checking your internet connection.

Here’s how:

• To check your internet connection and determine if your network is working correctly, you can follow these steps:
• Restart your modem and router: Sometimes, network issues can be resolved by simply restarting your modem and router. Turn them off, wait for a few seconds, and then turn them back on.
• Check the physical connections: Ensure that all cables connecting your modem, router, and computer are securely plugged in. Sometimes, a loose cable can cause connection problems.
• Test connectivity on other devices: Connect another device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to the same network and see if it can access the internet. If multiple devices are unable to connect, it suggests a network issue.

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FAQs

To help you further, here are some frequently asked questions related to the ‘ProtonVPN waiting for a usable network’ issue.

Q1: Why is ProtonVPN not connecting?

A1: ProtonVPN may not connect due to several reasons including network issues, outdated app version, firewall interference, protocol incompatibility, or problems with the VPN server. Try the methods outlined above to resolve the issue.

Q2: How do I fix ‘waiting for a usable network’?

A2: Check your internet connection and ensure you have the latest ProtonVPN app version. If the issue persists, try temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus, changing your VPN protocol, connecting to a different server, flushing your DNS cache, or disabling IPv6.

Q3: Can I use ProtonVPN on multiple devices?

A3: ProtonVPN allows you to use it on multiple devices depending on your subscription plan. For more details on this, refer to our article on how many devices can connect to ProtonVPN.

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Conclusion

Facing connectivity issues with ProtonVPN can be frustrating, but the ‘waiting for a usable network’ problem is usually fixable with some straightforward troubleshooting.

We’ve outlined seven effective methods for you to try, from checking your internet connection to disabling IPv6.

Remember, the issue could be caused by various factors and may require different solutions for different users. Therefore, be patient and try each method until you find the one that works for you.

Most importantly, don’t let these hiccups deter you from using a VPN. They’re an essential tool for maintaining your online privacy and security; with a little patience, you can overcome any issues.

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