Do you have VPN questions (Virtual Private Networks) that you’re trying to find the answer to? Despite the growing prevalence of the Internet, it cannot be denied that many people are still trying to keep pace with an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Hence, it’s not surprising that most people haven’t even heard of VPNs and the issues that they are meant to address. In any case, we put together this VPN FAQ to help people easily find the answers to burning questions about the matter.
If there’s something in particular that you’ve always wanted to know about VPNs, then you might want to browse through our list of VPN questions and VPN FAQ below. You might just find the answer.
Let’s get right to it!
Our Top VPN Questions
How does Google know my location even when using a VPN?
This is one of the most popular VPN FAQs and it’s understandable as a VPN is supposed to hide your location.
Even with a VPN active, Google has a variety of resources that it can use to pinpoint one’s location depending on the device that you’re using. For example, if you’re on a smartphone, then Google can use the GPS module on your device to determine your location. It’s also possible to “triangulate” a user’s location using mobile phone base stations, particularly when on a cellular network.
As you might imagine, a VPN won’t stop Google from determining your location using the resources mentioned above since the exchange of data isn’t confined to the Internet. This is something that most people tend to overlook which is why it’s one of the most commonly asked VPN questions.
If you want to be completely anonymous online, you need to think about how your device might still transmit information aside from the Internet connection.
How secure is a VPN?
It depends on the VPN. If a VPN has a host of security features (such as DNS leak protection, a kill switch and more), secure data encryption protocols and no history of DNS leaks, then it’s secure. Usually, the most secure VPNs are those that you pay for. Although there are some free VPNs out there that are secure, there are also those that use inferior data encryption protocols and security measures. Make sure that you read up on a VPN and research its security history before using it.
How to bypass a VPN block?
Some apps and websites block access to users who are using a VPN and this is why many people ask this VPN question. Fortunately, there are ways to get around this.
One option is called “port switching,” which is a feature that some premium VPN services offer. This lets users specify which port to use for their VPN connection. For instance, you can use port 443 to render your VPN undetectable since it’s a port typically used by HTTPS traffic.
Another option is to contact customer service. The top VPNs tend to have live chat and the rep should help you sort out the issue in next to no time. You can also always browse your provider’s VPN FAQ for help as you’re most likely not the first customer to experience this issue.
How to disable a VPN?
VPN services typically offer an app that makes it easy to enable or disable a VPN connection. In the case of NordVPN, for example, it can be as simple as pushing a button.
Most VPN providers will have a comprehensive VPN FAQ section that will show you exactly how to disable that particular VPN. The best providers are extremely user-friendly and intuitive.
How to make VPN faster?
This is a great VPN question! A VPN connection tends to become slower when connected to a server that’s furthest from your actual location.
Try to connect to a VPN server that’s closest to you. That said, the most significant thing that you can do with regards to VPN speeds is to choose a fast VPN service to begin with. Top-rated VPN services use highly-optimized servers to create the best possible experience for their users.
How to configure a VPN on an iPhone?
The easiest way would be to download and install the VPN app of your chosen VPN provider from the app store. Most reputable VPNs are also compatible with iPhones and will make the process very easy.
How to set up a VPN on an iPad?
On your iPad, go to the App Store, then search for your desired VPN service (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Assguard, etc). Download and install the VPN app on your device, and you should be good to go.
How to speed up a VPN connection?
In most cases, there might be a problem with the VPN server that you’re on. Try switching to another server, preferably closer to your actual location. This should yield the best possible speeds. You can always contact customer service or look through the FAQ on VPNs in their help center.
How to turn on a VPN on a Mac?
The easiest way is to browse the website of your preferred VPN service provider. Most VPN service providers offer VPN software specifically for Mac users. Select the correct software and download it.
How to use a VPN to change location?
This is a common VPN FAQ and one that’s easily answered. On your VPN app, simply select a VPN server that is located in a different region. Once connected, websites and apps will read your traffic as if it’s coming from that particular region.
What can I do with a VPN?
Many people who are new to tech will ask this VPN question. You can stream and unlock geo-blocked content, hide personal information, comment and publish articles anonymously, torrent safely, defeat censorships, stop Internet throttling, and more.
What dedicated hardware device aggregates hundreds or thousands of VPN connections?
Such a device is known as a VPN concentrator. This is a type of router that’s specifically used to manage VPN infrastructures.
What does a VPN hide?
VPNs enable users to conceal key information about their devices and online activities. This includes their IP address, Internet location, and browser history.
What is a double VPN?
A double VPN is when you connect to two VPN servers at the same time. This provides double the encryption/protection but also doubles the latency inherent in a VPN connection.
What is a P2P VPN?
P2P VPN refers to a type of VPN network optimized specifically to support peer-to-peer file sharing (torrenting). In other words, if you’re wanting to torrent, you need to find a VPN provider that supports peer-to-peer file sharing.
What is the first thing to check when troubleshooting VPN problems?
This is one of the first VPN questions that new users ask. The very first thing to check when troubleshooting VPN problems is, without a doubt, network connectivity. Are you able to connect to the Internet with the VPN turned off? If not, then the problem surely lies with your Internet connection and not the VPN.
What is a VPN passthrough?
VPN Passthrough refers to a method of linking two secured networks over the Internet. If enabled, this enables VPN traffic initiated from one VPN client to pass through another and allows VPN connections on the second network to succeed. This is basically how a VPN router works.
Which process is used to protect transmitted data in a VPN?
The process is called “tunneling” — an encrypted link between your computer or mobile device to an outside network (the VPN server).
Which VPN protocol leverages web-based applications?
SSL VPN — This protocol enables users with remote access to web/server applications and connectivity to internal networks. Read more about VPN protocols here.
Why is my VPN connection so slow?
Slow VPN connections can be due to several factors. Perhaps the most common is the VPN server being overloaded with users, or you’re connected to a VPN server that is unoptimized or too far from your real location. In any case, this increases latency, which can adversely affect connection speeds.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Our top VPN FAQ and VPN questions answered short and sweet!
