As a Proton VPN user, I’ve faced the “connection timed out” error. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to access sensitive content or browse securely. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to fix this issue. These steps will help you get back to enjoying Proton VPN’s secure and private internet connection.
In this article, I’ll show you how to solve the “connection timed out” problem on Proton VPN. We’ll look at trying different servers, adjusting the VPN protocol, checking your paid plan status, and resetting the app. These are all ways to make sure you can access the internet securely and without any trouble.
Try a Different Server
If you’re getting a “connection timed out” error with Proton VPN, start by trying a different server. Sometimes, Proton VPN takes servers offline for maintenance. This means you can’t connect to that server at the time.
Troubleshooting Proton VPN Server Availability
To fix the error, just connect to another Proton VPN server. Proton VPN has many servers worldwide, so finding an alternative is easy. If you must use a specific server, it might be back online soon. But, you can use a different server in the meantime.
Selecting an Alternative Proton VPN Server
To pick an alternative server, open the Proton VPN app and look at the available servers. Choose ones marked as “available” or with a green status. Pick a server near you or one that’s not as busy for a better connection. If problems persist, try a server in a different country or region.
Switching to a different Proton VPN server often fixes connection timed out errors. This ensures you get uninterrupted VPN access. Always check server availability and switch if needed for a stable VPN connection.
Change the VPN Protocol
If you’re having trouble with Proton VPN and keep getting a “connection timed out” error, the VPN protocol might be the issue. Proton VPN has several protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, Stealth, and IKEv2. Switching between these might fix the problem.
The Stealth protocol is great if your connection is being blocked. It makes your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS, helping you get past restrictions. The Smart Protocol, on the other hand, picks the best protocol for you based on your network.
| VPN Protocol | Description | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | A secure and widely-used VPN protocol with strong encryption. | General use, especially for platforms with native OpenVPN support. |
| WireGuard | A newer, faster, and more lightweight VPN protocol. | Devices with limited resources or when speed is a priority. |
| Stealth | Disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic to bypass restrictions. | When your connection is being actively blocked or censored. |
| IKEv2 | A secure and reliable protocol with fast reconnection capabilities. | Mobile devices that may experience frequent network changes. |
Try different VPN protocols to see what works best for you. The Stealth protocol or the Smart Protocol feature could help fix “connection timed out” issues with Proton VPN.
Check Your Paid Plan Status
As a Proton VPN user, it’s key to keep an eye on your paid plan’s status. Your access and features depend on the plan you choose – free or paid.
If your paid Proton VPN subscription ends, you’ll drop down to the free plan. You can still use Proton VPN, but you’ll only get free servers. You’ll also lose the advanced features of a paid plan.
To get back to Proton VPN’s premium servers and features, you must resubscribe to a paid plan. This will bring your account back to its full status. You’ll enjoy Proton VPN’s wide server network and strong security again.
It’s important to check your plan’s expiration and renew your Proton VPN subscription on time. This keeps you from losing access to the VPN’s full features. Don’t let your paid plan end up on the free plan’s limitations.
how to fix connection timed out on proton vpn
If you’re having trouble with your Proton VPN, there are steps to fix it. Sometimes, your system’s firewall or antivirus might block the VPN connection.
Adjusting Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Your firewall or antivirus might block the Proton VPN. Try turning off your firewall to see if you can connect. If it works, turn the firewall back on. Then, make an exception for the Proton VPN app.
Also, check if your antivirus sees the VPN as a threat. Some antivirus programs might think the Proton VPN app is suspicious. You’ll need to whitelist the app to let it connect to the VPN servers.
Allowing Proton VPN App Permissions
- Check if your operating system or device settings are limiting the Proton VPN app’s permissions.
- Make sure the app can use your network, internet, and other needed permissions for a secure VPN connection.
- You can usually manage these permissions in your device’s settings or within the Proton VPN app.
Fixing firewall, antivirus, and app permission issues should help you solve the connection timed out problem. This way, you can enjoy a smooth Proton VPN experience.
Verify System Time and Date
It’s important to make sure your system’s time and date are right for a stable Proton VPN connection. If they’re not correct, you might get a “connection timed out” error. This happens when the SSL certificate verification fails.
Imagine your device thinks it’s April 1, 2020, but the SSL certificate is from 2022. This means you can’t connect to Proton VPN. To fix this, check and adjust your system time and date on Windows, macOS, Linux, or Chromebook.
Checking and Adjusting System Time and Date
- On your Windows device, open the Start menu, search for “Date & Time” and click on the settings. Ensure the time and date are accurate.
- On macOS, go to the Apple menu, select “System Preferences,” and then click on “Date & Time.” Verify the settings and make any necessary adjustments.
- For Linux users, the process may vary depending on your distribution, but you can typically find the date and time settings in the system settings or control panel.
- Chromebook users can access the date and time settings by clicking on the time in the bottom right corner of the screen, then selecting “Settings” and verifying the time and date.
Make sure your system’s time and date are set right to avoid the “connection timed out” error. This ensures a reliable Proton VPN connectivity. It also helps with the SSL certificate authentication process.
| Operating System | Steps to Verify System Time and Date |
|---|---|
| Windows | Open the Start menu, search for “Date & Time” and click on the settings. |
| macOS | Go to the Apple menu, select “System Preferences,” and then click on “Date & Time.” |
| Linux | The process may vary depending on your distribution, but you can typically find the date and time settings in the system settings or control panel. |
| Chromebook | Click on the time in the bottom right corner of the screen, then select “Settings” and verify the time and date. |
Check Internet Connection
Having a stable internet connection is key for a smooth Proton VPN experience. If you’re seeing the “connection timed out” error, check your internet first. This can help find the problem and lead you to fix it.
Troubleshooting WiFi and Mobile Connectivity
Try moving closer to your router if you’re on WiFi. Or, switch to a wired Ethernet connection for better stability. This is important for Proton VPN to work right. For mobile users, make sure your cellular data signal is strong. A weak internet connection can cause the “connection timed out” error.
To fix your WiFi or mobile data issues, follow these steps:
- Check your network stability with a speed test or by watching your connection quality.
- If you’re on WiFi, move your device closer to the router or try a different access point.
- For mobile data, make sure your signal is strong. Change to a different network or location if it’s weak.
- Restart your router or device to reset the connection and see if it helps.
Fixing any internet connection or network stability problems can solve the “connection timed out” error. This way, you can enjoy a smooth Proton VPN experience.
Reset the Proton VPN App
If you’re still having trouble with your Proton VPN, try resetting the app. This can fix any setup issues causing the connection to time out. Let’s see how to reset the Proton VPN app on different platforms.
Resetting the Proton VPN App on macOS
On macOS, here’s how to reset the Proton VPN app:
- Open the Proton VPN app and click on the menu bar icon.
- Select “Help” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose “Clear Application Data” to reset the app’s settings.
This action will clear the app’s settings and bring it back to default. It might fix the connection timed out problem.
Resetting the Proton VPN App on Windows
For Windows users, resetting the Proton VPN app is a bit different:
- Open the Proton VPN app and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Settings menu, scroll down and click on the “Reset” button.
- Confirm that you want to reset the app by clicking “Yes” in the confirmation dialog.
After resetting, try connecting to the Proton VPN again. See if the connection timed out issue is fixed.
Remember, resetting the app will erase all your saved settings. You’ll need to reconnect to your preferred servers and adjust any custom settings. But, this step can be very helpful in fixing ongoing connection problems.
Manually Configure OpenVPN or WireGuard
If you’re having trouble connecting to Proton VPN with the app, don’t worry. You can still get a secure VPN connection by manually setting up OpenVPN or WireGuard. This method is great if the Proton VPN app isn’t working for you.
For OpenVPN, you can use tools like Tunnelblick to create your connection. OpenVPN TCP is strong against censorship, making it a good choice in some cases.
You can also download Proton VPN’s WireGuard files to set up a manual connection. WireGuard is newer and often faster and more efficient than older VPN types.
Steps to Manually Configure OpenVPN or WireGuard
- Download the needed files from the Proton VPN site or use a tool like Tunnelblick for OpenVPN.
- Put the files into your VPN client or app.
- Pick a server location and start the VPN connection.
- Make sure the VPN is working and you can use the internet safely.
Setting up your VPN manually gives you more control and might fix app problems. It’s great for advanced users or those needing a custom VPN setup.
| VPN Protocol | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN |
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| WireGuard |
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Contact Proton VPN Support
If you’ve tried fixing the “connection timed out” issue with Proton VPN and it’s still not working, it’s time to contact support. They can give you personalized help to find out what’s wrong and fix it.
The Proton VPN support team is here to help users like you with any problems. They know a lot about fixing Proton VPN issues and will help you step by step until you’re back online.
Here are ways to get in touch with Proton VPN support:
- Go to the Proton VPN support website and fill out a support ticket. Make sure to give all the details you can, like error messages, devices used, and any fixes you’ve tried.
- Email the Proton VPN support team at support@protonvpn.com. Explain the issue and any info that might help them fix it.
- Talk to the Proton VPN Twitter support team for quick help. They’re often quick to respond and can offer tips or point you in the right direction.
The Proton VPN support team is ready to give you fast and effective help. They want to make sure you can use their VPN safely and without problems. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with the “connection timed out” issue or any other Proton VPN problems.
Conclusion
In this article, I’ve shown you how to fix the “connection timed out” error with Proton VPN. We’ve covered checking server availability, adjusting your VPN protocol, and looking at your device’s settings. You now have the knowledge and tools to get back to secure, uninterrupted internet access.
By using the steps in this guide, you can quickly find and fix any connection problems. This ensures your browsing stays private, protected, and free from annoying interruptions. These strategies help both new and experienced Proton VPN users overcome connection issues. They let you enjoy the benefits of a reliable, secure virtual private network.
Keeping a strong and stable Proton VPN connection is key. It protects your online activities, keeps your sensitive data safe, and lets you access content without limits. With the troubleshooting tips from this article, you’re on your way to a smooth Proton VPN experience. You can browse the internet with confidence and peace of mind.
