Troubleshooting · Privacy · Tools
VPN FAQ (2026): Straight answers to the questions people actually ask
We don’t just answer questions; we eliminate doubt. Use the smart search, expand the answers you need, and jump into our tools when it’s time to verify what your VPN is really doing.
Quick answer
Most VPN questions boil down to three realities: a VPN protects your connection (great), it does not make you anonymous (important), and “connected” doesn’t always mean “secure” (verify with leak tests).
If something feels off after you connect, run a leak check — it catches the quiet failures people miss.
| Symptom | Likely layer | First action (fast) |
|---|---|---|
| Error 809 / 806, “VPN connection failed”, TLS failed | Handshake / blocking | Try TCP 443 or obfuscation; test another network (mobile hotspot). |
| Error 691 / “authentication failed” | Authentication | Re-enter credentials, check account status, reset password, confirm 2FA device. |
| Connects, but pages won’t load | Routing / DNS / IPv6 | Disable split tunnelling; switch DNS; temporarily disable IPv6. |
| Streaming app says “proxy/VPN detected” | App-level blocking | Change server; clear app cache; use provider’s streaming servers. |
| Protocol | Best for | Trade-offs | My default pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard (or NordLynx) | Speed, mobile, modern networks | Some restrictive networks block UDP; may need TCP/obfuscation fallback | Yes for 80% of users |
| OpenVPN (TCP 443) | Getting through tough networks / DPI | Usually slower than WireGuard | Yes, when blocked |
| IKEv2 | Fast reconnect on mobile | More often blocked by strict firewalls | Sometimes |
| Log type | Example | Risk level | Safer alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic/content logs | Visited sites, DNS queries, payload | High | Choose providers that state they don’t log traffic/content. |
| Connection metadata | Connection time, server used | Medium | Look for minimal/aggregated telemetry, RAM-only infra, audits. |
| Payment/account data | Email, billing details | Low–Medium | Use dedicated email, privacy-friendly payments where possible. |
VPN FAQ — expandable answers
Tap a question to expand it. Each answer includes a small “Reality Check” indicator — a quick signal for how absolute the answer is (no marketing, just the technical reality).
It encrypts your traffic and routes it through a VPN server. Websites see the server’s IP, not yours. This improves privacy and protects your connection on untrusted networks. For fundamentals, you can also review our overview What Is a VPN?
In most countries, yes. A VPN is a legitimate privacy tool. Always comply with local laws and service policies. For a deeper look at regional rules, check Is VPN Legal?
No. It hides your IP and encrypts traffic but cannot remove identifiers such as logins, cookies, or device fingerprints. Combine a VPN with good browser hygiene and modern privacy settings.
Reality check: a VPN reduces tracking by hiding your IP, but it doesn’t make you “anonymous”. Websites can still identify you via logins, cookies, and fingerprinting.
There can be a small overhead because traffic travels through the VPN server and is encrypted. Using nearby servers and modern protocols (WireGuard or optimized variants) keeps performance strong. If you want to measure the impact, follow our VPN Speed Test guide.
Auto is fine for most users. WireGuard (and vendor variants) are fast and stable; OpenVPN is widely supported; IKEv2 is reliable on mobile. For a detailed comparison, see Types of VPN Protocols.
Sometimes — it depends on the platform’s policies and detection methods. Choose providers that maintain working servers for streaming-friendly use cases and always follow the service’s terms of use.
Tip: if a platform blocks you, switch server and clear the app cache. Some providers offer dedicated streaming servers.
Use only where legal. Pick providers that allow P2P, enable the kill switch, and keep apps updated. Our guide VPN for Torrenting explains how to configure this more safely.
A feature that cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing your real IP from leaking to the websites or services you are using.
Install it on devices that use public Wi-Fi or handle sensitive tasks such as banking or work logins. Many subscriptions cover multiple devices at once, including phones, laptops, and tablets.
A router VPN protects everything on your home network at once, including devices that do not support VPN apps (like some smart TVs). However, it may reduce speed on low-power routers. Device apps usually offer better performance and features. If you want to try a router setup, see VPN on Router.
Free services often limit data, show ads, or log more information. Reputable paid providers fund infrastructure, independent audits, and support. Our comparison Free VPN vs Paid VPN and Best VPN 2025 can help you choose.
This is usually a DNS or routing issue. Switch protocol or server, verify DNS settings in the app, and ensure leak protection is enabled. For step-by-step diagnostics, see VPN Error Codes and VPN Troubleshooting.
For speed, choose nearby servers. For content availability, select the country where it is legitimately accessible and always follow platform terms. Some apps suggest the “best” or “recommended” locations automatically.
Prefer independently audited no-logs policies and RAM-only servers to minimize data persistence. Combine this with strong encryption (see VPN Encryption) for a robust privacy stack.
Yes — they can recognize accounts, cookies, or fingerprinting patterns. Use privacy-minded browsers, limit extensions, and regularly review your security settings. Our article VPN Security Basics covers good hygiene practices.
A DNS leak happens when your device sends DNS queries outside the VPN tunnel. That means your ISP (or a hotspot operator) can still see which domains you request, even if the page content is encrypted.
- When it matters: public Wi‑Fi, restrictive workplaces, and when you’re testing a new VPN setup.
- Fast fixes: disable “Private DNS” misconfigurations on Android, avoid split tunnelling for the browser, and use your VPN’s built‑in DNS.
If the VPN shows “connected” but you still see ISP DNS, you’re usually dealing with split tunnelling, IPv6 routing, or a device-level DNS override.
If you want an answer in seconds, use our interactive decoder. It maps each code to the failing layer (handshake, authentication, adapter, routing) and suggests a “first fix”.
If the same handshake errors repeat across multiple servers and networks, it may be DPI/ISP blocking rather than a “bug”. Try TCP 443 or an obfuscated mode.
Most reputable VPNs use either AES‑256 (common with OpenVPN/IKEv2) or ChaCha20‑Poly1305 (common with WireGuard). Both are considered strong when implemented correctly.
- What matters more than the cipher: safe key exchange, modern protocols, and a clean implementation.
- Practical takeaway: choose a provider with modern protocols (WireGuard/OpenVPN), strong defaults, and independent audits where possible.
Want the visuals? I built an encryption explainer with diagrams and examples.
Not directly. A VPN protects the connection (it hides your IP and encrypts traffic in transit), but it doesn’t stop an AI tool from “learning” what you type into it while you’re logged in.
- What a VPN helps with: preventing network-level snooping (ISP/hotspots) and reducing location-based profiling.
- What it doesn’t help with: data you voluntarily submit to a service, and tracking inside your browser account/session.
We’re working on a more complete, privacy-first browsing approach (Stealth Browser) — no promises, just engineering. For now, combine a VPN with careful account hygiene and strict browser privacy settings.
SmartAdvisor ecosystem: verify, don’t guess
- Leak Test Tool — DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC checks in one place.
- VPN Error Decoder — fast fixes for 809/806/691 and handshake failures.
- Encryption Visual Guide — what “AES‑256” actually means in practice.
Denys Shchur’s verdict
We don't just answer questions; we eliminate doubt. Every “Yes” or “No” on this page is backed by years of technical analysis. This FAQ is the gateway to the SmartAdvisor ecosystem — use it to guide your next test, fix, or upgrade.
About the author
Denys Shchur — independent researcher focused on privacy, VPNs, and practical security.