The Most Common VPN Errors List and Definitions

Most Common VPN Error Codes & Meanings

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become an integral part of our digital lives, providing secure and private internet access. Knowing how to address the most common VPN errors and their underlying meanings is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring a seamless VPN experience.

This article delves into the top VPN error codes, explaining their causes and offering practical solutions to help you resolve these common VPN errors. Whether you’re a seasoned VPN user or new to the technology, understanding these error codes can save you time, minimize disruptions, and empower you to maintain a secure and reliable VPN connection.

Familiarizing yourself with the most common VPN errors and their resolutions will go a long way in optimizing your VPN usage.

Key Takeaways

List of Common VPN Error Codes and Their Meanings

Here are some of the most common VPN error codes and messages users may encounter, explained:

Error 720 – Authentication Failed Error

VPN Error 720 relates to authentication failures when connecting to the VPN server. It indicates that the VPN client provided invalid credentials, such as an incorrect username, password, or authentication certificate, for verification by the VPN server.

To fix VPN error 720, double-check the username and password credentials provided to the VPN client. If necessary, try resetting your account password. Confirm you are using the correct authentication certificate.

Error 800 – Authentication Failed

Error 800 indicates unsuccessful authentication to the VPN server, similar to error 720. The VPN client could not verify your credentials when attempting to connect to the VPN server.

Verify you are using the correct VPN username and password. If your credentials are correct, try resetting your VPN password or contact your network admin for assistance.

Error 809 – Authentication Failed

This error code indicates the VPN server rejected the authentication credentials supplied by the VPN client software. It cannot verify your identity using the username, password, or certificate provided.

Carefully re-enter your VPN credentials to ensure accuracy. Check for caps lock or keyboard issues when entering the password. If the problem persists, contact your VPN administrator or reset your account password.

Error 812 – Authentication Failed

The 812 authentication error occurs when connecting to certain VPN servers that use SecureID tokens for verification. It indicates the token code supplied to the VPN client was invalid.

Check the SecureID token generator to confirm you are using the right verification code. Ensure your token generator is synchronized to display the correct code. Contact your network admin for help troubleshooting the SecureID authentication.

Error 619 – Server Could Not Be Found

The 619 error indicates the VPN client cannot locate or connect to the remote VPN server. This could occur if you entered an incorrect server IP address or hostname when configuring the VPN connection.

Verify the VPN server IP address/URL configured in the VPN client is accurate. Check with your network admin to confirm the correct VPN server details. Also, try flushing your DNS cache or rebooting your device.

Error 628 – Server Could Not Be Reached

Error 628 implies the VPN client is unable to establish a TCP connection with the specified VPN server IP/URL. This could be due to incorrect VPN server details, network connectivity issues, server outages, or firewall interference.

Confirm you are using the right VPN server IP address or hostname. Check your internet connection and router settings. The VPN server could be temporarily down for maintenance. Ensure your firewall allows traffic on the port used by the VPN protocol.

Error 691 – Server Is Busy/Unreachable

This error indicates that the VPN server is currently busy or unreachable when trying to connect. The server may have reached maximum capacity, faced connectivity issues, or been down for maintenance.

Retry connecting to the VPN after some time in case of a temporary server problem. Inform your network admin in case of an outage. The VPN provider may need to expand capacity if the server is consistently overloaded.

Error 807 – Server Connection Failed

Error 807 implies the VPN client failed to establish a successful connection with the VPN server. This could stem from connectivity problems, incorrect server details, server outages, or firewall interference.

Verify the VPN server IP/URL configured on the VPN client is accurate. Check your internet connection is working properly. Contact the VPN admin if the server is unreachable. Ensure your firewall allows traffic on the VPN protocol port.

Error 874 – Invalid Server Address

The 874 error indicates that the VPN client is attempting to connect to an invalid or unreachable VPN server address. This could be due to a typo when entering the URL or IP address.

Double-check the VPN server hostname/IP configured in your VPN client to ensure it is correct. Confirm the address with your VPN administrator or documentation. This error can also occur if the DNS server IP is incorrect.

Error 1307 – Network Connection Errors

This error suggests connectivity issues that prevent the VPN client from establishing a successful tunnel with the VPN server. The problems could be due to network outages, Wi-Fi disconnects, ISP issues, and other connection drops.

Check that your Internet is working properly and retry connecting. If the problems persist, restart your router/modem. The issue could also be due to low bandwidth if you are using a free VPN service. Consider upgrading to a paid VPN plan.

VPN Connects But No Internet Access

Your VPN client may successfully connect and display as active, but you have no internet connectivity. This could be due to problems with the VPN provider servers, protocol mismatch, firewall/router issues, DNS leaks, and IPv6 connectivity issues.

Try restarting your device and reconnecting to the VPN. Switch to another VPN protocol if available. Confirm your firewall, antivirus, and router are not blocking VPN traffic. Enable ‘Block IPv6’ on the VPN client and disable IPv6 on your network adapters. Use VPN proxy extensions to prevent DNS leaks.

VPN Disconnects After Some Time

If your VPN connection drops after running stable for some time, it usually indicates connectivity problems. The temporary loss of the underlying network connection causes the VPN to disconnect.

If the VPN disconnects randomly, check for Wi-Fi, modem, or ISP issues. Connecting via mobile data instead of Wi-Fi may resolve this. Enable the auto-reconnect feature on the VPN client to restore the tunnel when disconnected. Paid VPN services offer more stable connections.

VPN Connection is Slow

A slow VPN connection could stem from low bandwidth, latency issues, congested VPN servers, protocol overhead, distance to the VPN server, and ISP speed throttling.

For better performance, try switching to another VPN protocol like OpenVPN or IKEv2. Connect to a VPN server that is geographically closer to you. Limit bandwidth-intensive activities when connected to the VPN. Check if your ISP is throttling speeds due to VPN usage, and consider switching ISPs. Upgrade to a paid VPN plan that offers higher speeds.

VPN Apps Unable to Connect

Sometimes, VPN-enabled apps like browsers, email clients, and messaging apps fail to connect or bypass the VPN tunnel even when the VPN is running, which can compromise privacy.

Ensure the ‘VPN Kill Switch’ or ‘Always-on VPN’ features are enabled in the VPN client. This prevents internet access when disconnected. On iOS, enable the ‘Share VPN’ feature to funnel all traffic through the VPN tunnel. On Android, enable ‘Lockdown’ mode, which forces apps to use only the VPN.

How to Fix VPN Errors on Specific Operating Systems

The steps to troubleshoot and resolve VPN errors may vary slightly across operating systems:

Final Thoughts

This article explains common VPN error codes like 720, 800, 809, 812, 619, 628, 691, and 807. These errors relate to authentication failures, inability to reach the VPN server, busy server, and other connection issues. Troubleshooting tips include verifying credentials, checking server details, retrying connections, changing VPN protocols, rebooting devices, and adjusting firewall settings.

The article also covers general VPN troubleshooting, such as no internet access when connected, random disconnections, slow speeds, and VPN apps bypassing the tunnel. Tips on how to fix VPN errors on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android are provided.

The article concludes with a FAQ section on reasons for various VPN errors and how to troubleshoot them.

Frequently Asked Questions About VPN Errors

Why does my VPN say “no internet connection” even when connected?

This could be due to DNS leaks, IPv6 issues, firewall interference, router settings blocking VPNs, or problems with the VPN servers. Try changing DNS servers, disabling IPv6, adding firewall exceptions, adjusting router settings, or contacting your VPN provider.

Why does my VPN keep disconnecting randomly?

Frequent VPN disconnections are typically due to poor network connectivity and low bandwidth. Switching to a different Wi-Fi network, using a wired connection, upgrading your ISP speed, or choosing a paid VPN service can help resolve this.

How do I fix VPN error 807?

Error 807 indicates the VPN client cannot reach the server. Verify the VPN server IP/hostname is correct. Check your internet connection and router settings. Restart your device and reconnect. Contact your VPN admin if the server is down.

Why does my VPN connection fail with error 691?

Error 691 means the VPN server is overloaded, busy, or unreachable. Wait for some time and try reconnecting to the VPN. Inform your network admin if the problem persists, as expanded capacity may be needed.

How do I troubleshoot VPN error 874?

Error 874 occurs when attempting to connect to an invalid VPN server address. Double-check that the server IP/hostname configured in your VPN client is correct. Also, verify that your DNS servers are working properly.

Why is my VPN speed so slow?

Low VPN speeds are typically due to distance from the VPN server, network congestion, protocol overhead, bandwidth restrictions by your ISP, or an underpowered VPN server. Connect to a closer VPN server location, switch protocols, upgrade your ISP plan, or choose a paid VPN with higher speeds.

How do I allow VPN connections through my firewall?

To allow VPN traffic through your firewall, create custom inbound and outbound rules for the VPN client .exe file and the ports used by the VPN protocol, like UDP 500 and 4500 for IKEv2. This permits the encrypted VPN tunnel while still blocking other traffic.

My VPN connects, but I can’t access any websites. How can I fix this?

If your VPN connects but you have no internet access, try changing DNS servers, flushing your DNS cache, disabling IPv6, using VPN proxy extensions, and allowing the VPN connection in your firewall and router settings.