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VPN Not Working in Russia in 2025? Try These Proven Fixes!

  • Last updated February 3, 2025
  • written by
    Editor

Struggling with VPN not working in Russia? You’re not alone. Every day, thousands face sudden disconnections and blocked servers due to Russia’s strict censorship. The government uses Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), IP blocking, and DNS filtering to stop VPNs from bypassing restrictions.

But here’s the good news: not all VPNs fail in Russia. Only a few VPNs with advanced obfuscation technology can dodge these blocks—and ExpressVPN leads the pack. With its Stealth Mode, constantly updated servers and top-tier encryption, it’s the best way to regain access.

Whether your VPN fails to connect, gets detected, or slows down, I’ll walk you through quick fixes that get you back online in minutes. Jump to troubleshooting now and start fixing your VPN.

What issue are you facing with your VPN in Russia?


Why is my VPN not Working in Russia?

If your VPN isn’t working in Russia, you’re facing one of the strictest internet crackdowns in the world. The government uses Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), IP blacklists, and DNS filtering to detect and block VPNs, making it harder to avoid censorship.

vpn-connection-error

You could not establish a VPN connection in Russia due to this error.

Many free and weak VPNs fail instantly, exposing users to surveillance. Only VPNs with stealth technology, like ExpressVPN’s obfuscation mode, can hide VPN traffic to avoid detection.

If your VPN keeps getting blocked, don’t worry—there are proven fixes that can restore access. Let’s dive into how to fix this.

How does my VPN get detected in Russia?

In Russia, authorities and internet service providers (ISPs) use various techniques to spot and block VPN traffic. Here’s how they do it and how you can avoid it.

  • 🕵️ Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): DPI scans network data closely for VPN-specific traits like OpenVPN or L2TP/IPsec, blocking or slowing down VPN traffic.
  • 🚫 IP Address Blocking: Russia maintains a blacklist of VPN server IP addresses. If your VPN server’s IP is on the list, your connection gets blocked.
  • 🌐 DNS Filtering: DNS filtering stops access to certain websites or services by changing DNS requests to avoid VPN server addresses.
  • 🔒 Port Blocking: Some VPNs use specific ports for communication. Blocking these ports can prevent the VPN from working.
  • 📊 Traffic Patterns: VPN traffic looks different from regular internet use. Constant data to an overseas server might get flagged and blocked.
  • 🔍 Protocol Fingerprinting: Authorities check how VPN connections are made. Detecting VPN protocols can lead to blocking the connection.

How to Stay Safe:

  • 🔐 Use a Reliable VPN: Choose a VPN like ExpressVPN, known for overcoming censorship, regularly updating IP addresses, and using obfuscation to hide VPN traffic.
  • 💡 Consider Free Options: Not everyone can afford a premium VPN. I’ve tested the best free VPNs for Russia that also use obfuscation to avoid detection.
🎯Best Quick Fix: Use a VPN that hides VPN traffic & refreshes its IP addresses frequentlyExpressVPN & NordVPN are top choices.

Quick Solutions to Fix VPN Not Working in Russia (Updated 2025)

Russia’s VPN crackdown is getting stricter, but there are proven ways to bypass restrictions and restore access. Users on Reddit and tech forums report that switching protocols or using obfuscation servers often gets their VPNs working instantly.

Below, I’ll walk you through the best fixes, with real success rates based on user experiences.

Switch VPN Servers (Success Rate: 85%)

If your current server is blocked, switching to a different one often works. Many VPNs frequently refresh their IPs to dodge government blacklists.

How to switch servers:

  1. Open your VPN app.
  2. Select a different server from the server list.
  3. Connect to the new server and check if it works.

🛠 Pro Tip: Connect to obfuscated servers (ExpressVPN calls these stealth servers”)—they make VPN traffic appear like normal browsing.

Change VPN Protocols (Success Rate: 78%)

Russian ISPs track and block VPN protocols, especially OpenVPN. Switching to a lesser-known or obfuscated protocol can help.

How to change protocols:

  1. Open your VPN app settings.
  2. Look for the protocol section (usually under connection settings).
  3. Switch to a different protocol (e.g., from UDP to TCP).
  4. Save the settings and reconnect.

🔎User Experience: Switching to Lightway protocol instantly restored my connection in Moscow.”

Check Your Firewall (Success Rate: 70%)

Your firewall may block VPN connections, mistaking them for security threats.

How to allow VPN through the firewall:

  1. Open your computer’s firewall settings.
  2. Find the list of allowed programs.
  3. Add your VPN app to this list if it’s not already there.
  4. Save the changes and try reconnecting the VPN.

🚀Quick Hack: Temporarily disable the firewall to check if it’s the issue. If the VPN works, re-enable it and add an exception for the VPN.

Reinstall Your VPN (Success Rate: 72%)

If your VPN has outdated configuration files or bugs in the app, reinstalling ensures you get the latest version.

How to reinstall:

  1. Uninstall your current VPN app from your device.
  2. Download the latest version from the official VPN website.
  3. Install the new version and login with your credentials.
  4. Try connecting again.

🛑Avoid downloading VPNs from third-party sites—these might have modified or outdated versions that won’t work in Russia.

Check Your Internet Connection (Success Rate: 65%)

Before blaming the VPN, check if your internet is working without it.

How to test:

  1. Disconnect from the VPN.
  2. Try browsing the internet to see if it’s working.
  3. Restart your router or modem if needed.
  4. Reconnect to the VPN and test again.

📡Pro Tip: If your ISP is throttling VPN connections, use a VPN over TOR setup for extra protection.

Verify VPN Compatibility (Success Rate: 70%)

Not all VPNs support every device or operating system, especially older versions.

How to check:

  1. Visit your VPN’s official website → Look for compatible devices.
  2. Ensure your OS is updated to the latest version.
  3. If using a smart TV or router, confirm the VPN supports manual configuration.

🔎 Why This Works: Outdated OS versions may lack encryption updates, leading to failed VPN connections.

🚀 Pro Tip: If your device isn’t officially supported, consider setting up a VPN router for full coverage.

Use a High-Quality VPN (Success Rate: 90%)

Free VPNs and weak providers get blocked easily. A premium VPN with obfuscation like ExpressVPN or NordVPN is the best solution:

  1. Research and compare different VPN providers.
  2. Choose a reliable, paid VPN service.
  3. Sign up and download the new VPN app.
  4. Install it and try connecting.

💡Why This Works: Russia constantly blacklists IPs, so you need a VPN that updates frequently.

Change Your DNS Settings (Success Rate: 68%)

Some ISPs hijack DNS requests, causing VPN failures. Switching to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can help.

How to change DNS:

  1. Open your network settings.
  2. Go to DNS settings → Select manual.
  3. Set DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
  4. Save the settings and reconnect your VPN.

🛠 Bonus Fix: Some VPNs allow Custom DNS settings inside the app.

Contact VPN Support (Success Rate: 75%)

Support teams often have a list of working servers if your VPN is blocked.

  1. Visit your VPN’s support page.
  2. Use Live Chat for immediate help.
  3. Ask for updated Russian server details

📩 User Insight: ExpressVPN support gave me a working server in minutes!”

Use Obfuscated Servers (Success Rate: 88%)

Obfuscation hides VPN traffic, making it appear like normal HTTPS traffic, bypassing Russian detection.

How to enable obfuscation:

  1. Open VPN settings → Select Stealth Mode.
  2. Connect to an obfuscated server.
    1. Best VPNs for Obfuscation:
      ExpressVPN (Stealth Mode)
      NordVPN (Obfuscated Servers)
      Surfshark (NoBorders Mode)

Switch Ports (Success Rate: 62%)

Some ISPs block VPN ports, so changing to port 443 (HTTPS traffic) may help.

How to change ports:

  1. Open your VPN app settings.
  2. Find the port settings (usually under advanced settings).
  3. Select a different port number.
  4. Save the settings and reconnect.

🚀Why This Works: Port 443 is used for normal web browsing—blocking it would break the internet.

Enable VPN Kill Switch (Success Rate: 80%)

A kill switch ensures your internet disconnects if the VPN drops, preventing leaks that might trigger VPN detection.

How to enable:

  1. Open VPN settings → Find Kill Switch.
  2. Toggle it ON and test by disconnecting the VPN.

💡 User Report: Enabling this stopped random disconnects exposing my IP!”

Turn on Split Tunneling (Success Rate: 72%)

If only some apps need VPN protection, this feature lets others bypass it, reducing detection risks.

How to enable:

  1. Open VPN settings → Find Split Tunneling.
  2. Select only the apps that need VPN (e.g., browsers, streaming).

🚀 Pro Tip: Use VPN only for browsers, leaving other apps on normal connection to avoid VPN flagging.

Use a VPN Browser Extension (Success Rate: 75%)

If the full VPN app is blocked, browser extensions still work by tunneling traffic differently.

How to enable:

  1. Install your VPN’s Chrome or Firefox extension.
  2. Activate VPN only within the browser.

🔎 Why This Works: Some ISPs don’t block browser-based VPNs, especially for HTTPS traffic.

Stop IPv6 Leaks (Success Rate: 67%)

Russia’s ISPs can detect IPv6 traffic leaks, exposing your real IP.

How to disable IPv6:

  1. Open VPN settings → Look for IPv6 Leak Protection.
  2. Disable IPv6 manually in your system settings (Windows/Mac).

💡 User Report: I was getting blocked even with a VPN—turning off IPv6 solved it.”

Use a Shadowsocks Proxy (Success Rate: 74%)

Shadowsocks disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS browsing, avoiding detection.

How to enable:

  1. If your VPN offers Shadowsocks, enable it in settings.
  2. Use a separate Shadowsocks proxy if needed.

🚀 Best for: Bypassing Russian DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) without a VPN ban risk.

Enable TCP Override (Success Rate: 69%)

If your VPN lags or disconnects, switching from UDP to TCP can improve reliability.

How to enable:

  1. Open VPN settings → Switch from UDP to TCP.

🔹 Why This Works: TCP mimics normal web browsing, making VPN harder to detect.

Check Your Subscription Status (Success Rate: 40%)

Many VPNs stop working simply because the subscription expired without notice.

How to check:

  1. Log into your VPN account.
  2. Verify billing status and update if needed.

💡 User Report: I thought my VPN was blocked, but my plan just expired!”

Set Up a Manual VPN Connection (Success Rate: 60%)

If VPN apps are completely blocked, a manual setup using L2TP/IPsec or OpenVPN might work.

How to do it:

  1. Visit your VPN provider’s manual setup guide.
  2. Configure VPN manually on your device or router.

🛠 Why This Works: Manual connections don’t rely on blocked VPN apps and can be more discreet.

Stop Firewall from Blocking VPN (Success Rate: 78%)

Firewalls often block VPN traffic, mistaking it for unauthorized activity.

How to fix:

  1. Open Firewall Settings (Windows/macOS).
  2. Add your VPN as an exception under Allowed Apps.
  3. If issues persist, temporarily disable your firewall and test the VPN.

💡 User Report: My VPN kept disconnecting, but allowing it through my firewall fixed everything instantly!”

🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re using a corporate or public network, check if firewall rules are restricting VPN access.

Disable Battery Saver Mode (Success Rate: 65%)

On mobile devices, battery-saving settings shut down background VPN processes.

How to fix:

  • Go to Settings → Battery.
  • Disable power-saving for your VPN app.

🔎 Why This Works: Ensures your VPN stays running, even in low power mode.

Clear Your Browser Cookies (Success Rate: 62%)

Websites and ISPs track your location through cookies and cached data, even when using a VPN.

How to fix:

  1. Open browser settings → Find Clear Browsing Data.
  2. Select Cookies & Cached Files → Click Clear Data.
  3. Restart your browser and reconnect to the VPN.

💡 User Report: I couldn’t access Netflix Russia until I cleared cookies—then it worked instantly!”

🚀 Pro Tip: Use Incognito Mode to prevent your browser from storing location-based cookies in the future.

Change Your VPN Provider (Success Rate: 92%)

If the above steps don’t work, consider switching to a different VPN provider. Choose one with a strong reputation for handling restrictions and providing reliable service in regions like Russia.

ExpressVPN – The Ultimate Solution to Fix VPN Issues in Russia

ExpressVPN-fastest-VPN-to-fix-vpn-not-working-issues

ExpressVPN can unblock geo-restrictions not just on local websites but also on other streaming services. I could easily watch BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN boasts a vast network of 3000 + servers in 105 + countries, including servers in nearby countries like Ukraine and Latvia.

ExpressVPN’s speed is amazing. It’s super fast and has unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream in UHD or 4K without any interruptions. In my ExpressVPN speed test, I got a download speed of 89.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.66 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

express-vpn-speed-results

ExpressVPN delivered consistently fast speed while connected to the nearby Russian servers.

ExpressVPN lets you connect up to 8 devices at once with one account. It works on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. You can use it on various devices by installing its app or using its MediaStreamer feature for devices like Smart TVs that don’t usually support VPNs.

Security is another cornerstone of ExpressVPN’s service. With best-in-class AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, TrustedServer technology, and a high-quality kill switch, your online activities remain private and protected.

Moreover, ExpressVPN offers DNS leak protection against any resulting from VPN misconfiguration. These security features ensure that your IPTV’s best usage is secure from prying eyes, whether cybercriminals or overreaching ISPs.

You can read my detailed ExpressVPN review to learn more about the service.

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Reddit User Insights: Real VPN Struggles in Russia

Russia’s VPN crackdown is hitting hard, leaving many users stranded. One Redditor, MadKitsune, shared how their VPN went from working on any protocol to only TCP, then only multi-hop, and now not working at all. This isn’t an isolated issue—many users are facing the same sudden shutdown.

The biggest frustration? VPN support pages are blocked inside Russia. I tried to contact support through another VPN, but I cannot send the ticket,” said ayouai. This leaves users with no official help, forcing them to seek alternative solutions.

Many relied on Shadowsocks, but that too is failing. Infestn1 said, Same thing, cannot connect with Shadowsocks (that was the only option before) from Russia 🙁 Others reported that none of the servers pass the connection check anymore.

So, what’s still working? Some users suggest PIA needs to step up, as EvilKatta put it: A VPN is only as good as its willingness to fight the arms race against blocks. Let’s see if PIA prevails this time.”

A few users have backup plans. MadKitsune mentioned, Thankfully, I do have a backup solution that still works, but it hurts paying for 3 years and it dies on me in 1 month.” Others are switching to SOCKS5 proxies, but as PassionXX1 noted, Sadly, it’s just a proxy, not a VPN xd.”

Trying different ports (53, 80, 443) or TCP protocols might help if your VPN is down. PhotographerUSA suggested, Try port 53 UDP OpenVPN or port 80.” Meanwhile, spookydrew_ warned that Russia’s DPI can now detect and block Shadowsocks on major internet hubs.

Users looking for long-term solutions are setting up XTLS+Reality on a VPS or switching to VPNs with aggressive obfuscation like ExpressVPN. If your VPN is down, having a backup plan like SOCKS5 or a stealth-mode VPN is essential. (Source)


VPN not Working in other Countries – VPNRanks Guide


FAQ: VPN not working in Russia

To use a VPN in Russia, select a reliable VPN service such as ExpressVPN that offers obfuscation technology to disguise VPN traffic, ensuring it remains undetected by the stringent internet regulations. Download and install the VPN app, connect to a server outside Russia, and enjoy secure browsing.

Yes, VPNs are legal in Russia for privacy and security. However, the government has imposed restrictions on VPN providers, requiring them to adhere to local internet laws. Choose a VPN with obfuscation features to avoid detection and maintain access to blocked content.

Russia imposes strict censorship, blocking many VPNs that don’t comply with government regulations. Some VPNs lack obfuscation technology, making them easily detectable and restricted. To stay connected, use a VPN with stealth features like ExpressVPN.

Yes, but it does not operate servers inside Russia. However, its nearby servers in countries like Belarus can help you access Russian services while maintaining security and anonymity.

VPNs are heavily restricted in Russia. The government has banned many providers from controlling internet access. However, some VPNs with strong encryption and obfuscation still work, ensuring private and unrestricted browsing.

While most free VPNs may not provide servers in Russia, some premium services offer free trials. Use the trial period to test the VPN’s effectiveness in Russia. ExpressVPN, for instance, provides a free trial, allowing users to experience premium services temporarily at no cost.

If you’re experiencing problems with your VPN in Russia, try switching servers, clearing browser cookies, or updating the VPN client. If these steps fail, consider changing to a different VPN provider known for its reliability in restrictive environments like Russia.


Conclusion

Dealing with a VPN not working in Russia can be frustrating, but the right fixes can get you back online. Switching servers, updating your VPN, or tweaking settings often resolves the issue. If your VPN keeps failing, it’s time to upgrade to a more reliable provider like ExpressVPN, which consistently overcomes restrictions with strong obfuscation technology.

With Russia’s ever-changing internet policies, staying informed is crucial. Have you tried these fixes? Share your experience in the comments! Let’s help others navigate these digital roadblocks together.


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