Is your VPN not working in Saudi Arabia? Stick around! Although VPNs aren’t illegal, they are highly restricted in KSA. With a few tweaks, you can make them work.
I’ve used many VPNs and have faced and fixed almost every common problem. I highly recommend best VPNs in Saudi Arabia such as ExpressVPN because it consistently overcomes these restrictions. This guide shares tips for fixing VPN issues, especially in Saudi Arabia. First, let’s look at the best VPNs that work in Saudi Arabia.
The best VPNs I’ve tested and recommend are:
Need a quick recommendation for the best VPNs? Here’s a brief overview of the top VPN providers to fix the issue of your VPN not working:
Why Is My VPN Not Working in Saudi Arabia?
Having trouble with your VPN not working in Saudi Arabia? Let’s fix it! Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
- 🚫 Government Blocks: Saudi Arabia blocks VPNs, causing connection issues.
- 🔄 Outdated Software: Update your VPN app to fix bugs and avoid new blocks.
- ⚙️ Incorrect Setup: Ensure your VPN is set up correctly on your device.
Does Saudi Arabia Block VPNs?
Yes, Saudi Arabia blocks some VPNs. The country might do this to enforce censorship. Although there’s no official VPN ban, many providers don’t work there. This could be because the government wants to restrict access to certain content.
For example, they block sites critical of the government, gambling platforms, VoIP services like WhatsApp, and pornographic content.
VPN Not Working in Saudi Arabia? Here’s How to Fix It
I’ve tested and found methods to fix this problem. Here are the steps that work. If the first one doesn’t work, try the next one.
1. Try a Different Server
The server you’re using might be locked out or experiencing issues. It could also be crowded with users. Switching to a different server can help.
Steps to switch servers:
- Launch your VPN app.
- Click the ellipsis to open the server list.
- Choose a server in any region or country that supports the service you want.
- Check if the VPN is working. Blocked apps like WhatsApp should now work.
2. Clear Your Browser Cookies
Cookies save your browser activities and login information. They might reveal your actual location and block access to services not supported in Saudi Arabia. Clearing cookies can help.
To clear cookies on Chrome:
- Open Chrome and click on the three dots icon.
- Hover over More tools” and select Clear browsing data.”
- Select Cached images and files” and Cookies and other site data.”
- Choose All time” for the time range, then click on Clear data.”
These steps work for all browsers, not just Chrome.
3. Update Your VPN Client
Older VPN versions might have bugs that reduce performance. Updating your VPN can improve its functionality.
To update your VPN:
- Launch your VPN app and check for an update prompt or button.
- Click it and wait for the new version to download.
- Restart the VPN.
- Check if you can now access the website or app.
Some VPNs might require visiting their official website for updates.
4. Switch to a Better Protocol for Security
To change VPN protocols:
- Open your VPN settings within the app.
- Look for “Protocol” and select an alternative option like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- Use protocols known for robust security and circumventing censorship.
5. Enable VPN Obfuscation
To enable VPN obfuscation:
- Open your VPN app and go to the settings or security options.
- Look for an option related to obfuscation or stealth mode and enable it.
- Connect to the VPN and test the connection.
VPN obfuscation makes VPN traffic appear as regular internet traffic, making it harder for authorities to detect and block.
6. Use Split Tunneling
To enable split tunneling:
- Open your VPN app and find the split tunneling option in the settings menu.
- Enable split tunneling and specify which apps or websites should use the VPN.
- Save the settings and connect to the VPN.
Split tunneling allows some apps to use the VPN while others don’t, adding an extra layer of privacy and security.
7. Change Your VPN Provider
If none of the above methods work, consider changing your VPN provider. I recommend ExpressVPN, which uses 256-bit military-grade encryption and has servers in 105 countries worldwide.
To switch to ExpressVPN:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the ExpressVPN app.
- Access the server list by clicking the downward arrow beside the flash icon.
- Go online and check your IP or try to access a blocked site. If your IP address matches your VPN, it’s working.
ExpressVPN and a few other VPNs work well in Saudi Arabia. Explore the list to find the best one for you.
Bonus Tip: If premium VPN costs worry you, a free VPN is an option. However, free VPNs often have limitations in speed, security, and performance. After careful testing, I found the best free VPN for Saudi Arabia, which covers basic security and privacy needs.
Is VPN Legal in Saudi Arabia?
VPNs in Saudi Arabia are not completely illegal, but their use is tricky. It depends on how you use them. While VPNs are technically allowed, using them to access blocked content can get you in big trouble. For example, if you use a VPN to watch banned services or websites, you could face serious legal problems.
Accessing blocked content with a VPN can lead to hefty fines. The penalties for using a VPN to overcome internet restrictions can be as high as 1 million Saudi Riyals. So, while VPNs themselves are not banned, using them to get around the rules can be very risky.
VPN not working Guide for Other Countries For American Users
In case you’re facing VPN not working in other countries, here are guides for a few other countries For American Users:
FAQ: VPN not working in Saudi Arabia
How to use a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
Select a VPN with a strong track record of overcoming censorship, such as ExpressVPN. Look for features like military-grade encryption, a large server network, and a no-logs policy to maintain security and privacy.
Is ExpressVPN blocked in Saudi Arabia?
ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, allowing you to unblock content worldwide. However, for a Saudi Arabia IP, Surfshark might be a better choice due to its specific features.
Why is my VPN not working with Netflix?
Your VPN might not work with Netflix if the servers are blocked by Netflix’s proxy detection systems. Clearing browser cookies, using dedicated streaming servers, updating your VPN client, or switching to a VPN known for streaming, such as ExpressVPN, can resolve this issue.
Conclusion
Dealing with a VPN not working in Saudi Arabia can be very frustrating. The government blocks certain websites and apps, making them hard to access. They also track VPN activities and ban servers that don’t follow their rules. But don’t worry! You can solve these problems with a top-performing VPN like ExpressVPN.
It offers strong protection with AES-256-bit encryption, a threat manager, and many other security features. You can easily connect to its servers in Saudi Arabia and enjoy unlimited access to global content. Plus, you can try their 30-day money-back policy or explore its features with a 7-day free trial.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! I’m here to help.
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