Urban VPN is a popular free VPN service used by millions of users globally. It provides IP address masking, encrypted browsing, and geo-restriction bypass, among other benefits. However, like any software, Urban VPN can at times run into issues — it may fail to connect, stop working altogether, or exhibit performance issues. If you’re facing these glitches, this comprehensive guide will walk you through tested troubleshooting steps to get Urban VPN working again.
1. Identify the Nature of the Problem
The first and most important step is to pinpoint what exactly is not working. Ask yourself:
- Is the VPN not connecting at all?
- Is your internet slowing down when connected?
- Is it affecting specific websites such as Netflix or Hulu?
- Are you receiving any error messages?
Documenting the problem clearly will help you choose the most effective fix from the steps listed below.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
VPNs function by rerouting your internet through an encrypted tunnel. If your internet connection is unstable or slow, Urban VPN may fail to establish a secure link. Follow these steps:
- Disconnect the VPN and try accessing the internet normally to test your connection.
- Restart your router or modem.
- If you’re using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection or moving closer to the router.
If your internet is working fine without the VPN but fails when Urban VPN is active, proceed to the next steps.
3. Ensure Urban VPN Is Up to Date
Urban VPN developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility. Running an outdated version can cause multiple issues. To verify and update:
- For browser extensions (Chrome/Firefox), go to your browser’s extensions or add-ons page and check for updates.
- For Windows or Mac applications, visit the official Urban VPN website and compare your installed version with the latest available one.
- Uninstall and reinstall the extension or app if necessary.
4. Try Switching to a Different Server or Location
Urban VPN offers a range of server locations around the globe. If one server is down or overloaded, switching to another can help restore functionality:
- Open Urban VPN and select a different country from the list of available locations.
- Try less commonly used servers that may have lower loads.
This can also help if you’re trying to access geo-restricted content and a certain server is being detected and blocked.
5. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
Corrupted cache or stored cookies can interfere with VPN functionality, especially when trying to load websites that remember your previous sessions or locations. To clear them:
- In Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data
- In Firefox: Navigate to Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Choose “All time” as the time range and make sure both cache and cookies are selected.
Restart your browser afterward and check if Urban VPN is working as expected.
6. Disable Conflicting Extensions or Apps
VPN services can clash with certain browser extensions like ad blockers, anti-virus plug-ins, or other proxy and VPN tools. To troubleshoot this:
- Temporarily disable all browser extensions except Urban VPN, then re-enable them one by one.
- If using a standalone application, check your system’s background apps for firewall, anti-virus, or privacy software that might interfere.
In many cases, security software may block VPN services assuming them to be suspicious. Adding Urban VPN to the software’s exceptions or whitelist can resolve the conflict.
7. Review System Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Firewalls and antivirus programs often block VPN traffic by default. Here’s how to address this:
- Open your firewall settings and ensure Urban VPN is allowed through both Public and Private networks.
- In antivirus software, add Urban VPN as an exception or exclude its installation folder from scans.
Remember to restart the VPN and your device after making these adjustments for them to take effect.
8. Use Urban VPN on a Different Network or Device
If Urban VPN is not working on your current device or network, try switching to a different one:
- Test it on mobile data instead of Wi-Fi or vice versa.
- Install Urban VPN on another laptop or phone and check if it’s functional there.
This step will help determine whether the issue lies with your device configuration or with the network itself.
9. Check for Regional Restrictions or ISP Blocks
Some countries or ISPs (Internet Service Providers) block VPN usage or throttle the connection. If you suspect this, you can:
- Try accessing Urban VPN through a different network outside your region, such as using a mobile hotspot.
- Contact your ISP to inquire whether VPN ports or services are being limited.
Using alternative ports or protocols — although not typically supported by Urban VPN — may sometimes bypass such restrictions with other advanced VPN solutions.
10. Reinstall Urban VPN Completely
If all else fails, a clean reinstallation can often fix deeper, underlying issues:
- Uninstall the Urban VPN extension or app.
- Delete any leftover cache, settings files, or registry entries (advanced users only).
- Reboot your system.
- Download the latest version from https://www.urban-vpn.com and reinstall.
This serves as a reset and often resolves persistent bugs.
11. Consider Alternative VPN Services
Despite your best efforts, there may be times when Urban VPN doesn’t meet your specific needs — perhaps it’s not compatible with streaming, has low speeds, or lacks customer support. In such scenarios, consider switching to a reputable paid VPN like:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- CyberGhost
- Surfshark
Paid VPNs typically offer stronger encryption, more stable servers, and dedicated customer assistance which can be crucial for consistent usage.
Conclusion
Urban VPN is a convenient tool, but like any free software, it has limitations and may experience periodic malfunctions. By following the comprehensive steps provided in this guide — ranging from connectivity checks and browser settings to reinstallations and firewall configurations — most issues can be systematically resolved.
Always remember to practice safe browsing habits when using a VPN and keep your software up to date for optimal security and performance. If Urban VPN continues to be unreliable, it may be time to invest in a more robust and dedicated VPN solution.