Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about VPNs, security, and privacy
General VPN Questions
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, protecting your online privacy and security. It masks your IP address and encrypts your data, making it unreadable to third parties.
Why do I need a VPN?
A VPN is essential for:
- Protecting your privacy online
- Securing data on public Wi-Fi
- Bypassing geo-restrictions
- Avoiding bandwidth throttling
- Accessing region-locked content
How does a VPN work?
A VPN works by:
- Encrypting your internet traffic
- Routing it through secure servers
- Masking your real IP address
- Providing a new, anonymous IP location
Security & Privacy
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries, but some have restrictions. Always check local laws before using a VPN, especially when traveling. Some countries like China, Russia, and Iran have specific regulations about VPN usage.
What should I look for in a VPN's privacy policy?
- No-logs policy
- Transparent data collection practices
- Clear information about server locations
- Regular security audits
- Jurisdiction and data retention policies
What encryption should a good VPN use?
Look for:
- AES-256 encryption (military-grade)
- OpenVPN or WireGuard® protocols
- Perfect forward secrecy
- DNS leak protection
Technical Questions
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
A VPN may slightly reduce your speed due to encryption and distance to servers. However, quality VPNs minimize this impact through:
- Optimized server networks
- Modern protocols like WireGuard®
- Strategic server locations
- Split tunneling options
What's the difference between VPN protocols?
WireGuard®: Newest, fastest, and most efficient
OpenVPN: Highly secure and widely supported
IKEv2: Great for mobile devices and network switching
L2TP/IPSec: Older but still secure protocol
What is a kill switch?
A kill switch is a security feature that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks. It's essential for:
- Torrenting
- Sensitive data transmission
- Privacy-critical activities
- Public Wi-Fi usage
Usage & Features
How many devices can I connect?
Device limits vary by provider:
- Most providers allow 5-10 simultaneous connections
- Some offer unlimited devices
- Router installations can protect all home devices
- Business plans often have higher device limits
What is split tunneling?
Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection and which use your regular internet connection. Benefits include:
- Better speed for local apps
- Access to both local and foreign content
- Reduced server load
- Customized routing per app
Can I use a VPN for streaming?
Yes, VPNs are popular for streaming because they:
- Access geo-restricted content
- Bypass regional blocks
- Avoid ISP throttling
- Provide better streaming privacy
Troubleshooting
What if my VPN won't connect?
Try these steps:
- Check your internet connection
- Try a different server
- Switch protocols
- Update the VPN app
- Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus
Why is my VPN connection slow?
Common solutions include:
- Connect to a closer server
- Try a different protocol
- Use split tunneling
- Check your base internet speed
- Try different times of day
What if streaming services detect my VPN?
Try these solutions:
- Switch to a different server
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Use a dedicated streaming server
- Contact VPN support for optimized servers
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is here to help with any questions about VPN services, security, or privacy.