Step-by-step checks for VPN connected but no internet, one site failing, slow speed, TLS/SSL errors, captive portals, and mobile network issues.
This section is structured as practical diagnostics: symptom, likely cause, how to check, how to fix, and what to do if it still fails.
| Symptom | Likely cause | How to check | How to fix | If it did not help |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN connected but no internet | DNS, route, kill switch, captive portal | Compare a domain and a direct IP | Reconnect, change DNS/server | Test another network and send results |
| One site does not open | CDN, site policy, DPI, MTU | Try direct access and another VPN server | Change location, clear DNS/browser state | Record URL, server, and timestamp |
| TLS/SSL error only with VPN | HTTPS inspection, wrong clock, network filter | Check date, browser, and another network | Disable HTTPS scanning and Secure DNS for one test | Send the exact browser error |
| VPN is worse on mobile data | Weak signal, CGNAT, carrier shaping | Compare LTE/5G and Wi-Fi with one test | Change server, network mode, and test location | Record carrier and signal level |
Use this checklist when the VPN says connected but websites do not load. Check DNS, routes, kill switch, MTU, captive portals, and app-specific rules.
Diagnose a single website failing through VPN. Check DNS, browser state, CDN routing, site policy, DPI, MTU, and alternate VPN servers.
Troubleshoot VPN performance on mobile networks. Compare Wi-Fi and LTE/5G, signal level, carrier NAT, DNS, routing, and battery policy.
Understand why VPN speed can be lower and diagnose server distance, routing, Wi-Fi quality, MTU, DNS, device freedom, and test mistakes.
Diagnose TLS and SSL errors that appear only with VPN. Check device time, browser state, HTTPS inspection, DPI, DNS, and alternate networks.
Learn why captive portals can block VPN traffic on public Wi-Fi and how to sign in, test DNS, reconnect, and avoid kill switch confusion.
Diagnose ERR_CONNECTION_RESET when using a VPN. Separate browser issues, DNS, MTU, ISP filtering, DPI, and app-specific routing.
Fix internet access after a VPN disconnect when kill switch keeps traffic blocked. Check VPN state, protected apps, routes, and public Wi-Fi portals.
Troubleshoot SRSP on Windows when GhostMesh says connected but traffic does not flow. Check system proxy, PAC, Wintun, firewall rules, DNS, IPv6 egress, and installer assets.
