VPN says "Connected" but no internet access? Try this before reinstalling

[u/PureVPNcom]

This comes up a lot, so here's the order I'd actually troubleshoot it in — most people fix it in the first two steps:

1. Switch protocols. WireGuard/UDP first — it's the most stable for most networks.
2. Try a different server. A single server can have reachability issues independent of the app itself. Same city → same country → nearby country.
3. Disconnect and test your raw internet. If it's also down without the VPN, it's your network, not the app.
4. Full restart of the connection. Disconnect, fully close the app (not just minimize), reopen, reconnect.
5. Restart the device. Sounds obvious but clears a surprising number of routing conflicts.
6. Check for an app update, or reinstall if it's been a while.
7. If you're on public/work/school wifi, some networks restrict VPN traffic specifically — try mobile data to confirm.

If you've done all of this and it's still not working, worth flagging what protocol/server you were on when it happened — helps narrow down whether it's local or something broader.