11 Ways to FIX ProtonVPN Stuck on Initializing Connection

ProtonVPN is a highly-regarded VPN service that offers privacy and online security to its users. However, like any technology, it’s not without its quirks.

One issue some users face is the ProtonVPN getting stuck on initializing connection.

It can be frustrating, especially when you need to access blocked content or protect your data immediately.

How To Fix ProtonVPN “Stuck On Initializing Connection” Error Message?

Here are the eleven (11) ways you can use to troubleshoot the problem;

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Method 1. Enable Alternative Routing

This function might be the answer to your “initializing connection” problem.

Here’s why it might work:

The Power of Alternative Routing

This feature in ProtonVPN can bypass network blocks and disruptions by finding alternate paths for your data.

It’s especially useful if you’re in a location with restrictive internet policies or if your ISP interferes with VPN connections.

Step-by-step Guide to Enabling Alternative Routing:

• Open your ProtonVPN client.

• Click on the settings or preferences option (usually represented by a gear icon).

• Navigate to the “Advanced” tab.

• Look for the “Alternative Routing” option and toggle it on.

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Method 2. Check Server Load

Overcrowded servers can sometimes cause the ProtonVPN to get stuck on initializing connection.

Here’s why server load matters:

Understanding Server Load

Just like a busy restaurant might have slower service, a VPN server with too many users might struggle to maintain speedy connections.

When the server is overloaded, your VPN connection might take longer to initialize or fail entirely.

Here’s how to check server load:

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Server Load:

• Open your ProtonVPN application.

• Look at the server list. Each server will show a load percentage, indicating how busy it is.

• If your selected server has a high load (generally above 70-80%), try switching to a less busy server.

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Method 3. Change VPN Protocol

Different protocols have different methods of establishing a secure connection, and switching protocols might help you get connected.

ProtonVPN supports OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), WireGuard (TCP), Smart, and Stealth mode protocols.

Here’s why changing your VPN protocol can make a difference:

Understanding VPN Protocols

VPNs use protocols to determine how your data is transmitted over the network. Some protocols are faster but less secure, while others prioritize security over speed.

If one protocol isn’t working well, another might offer better performance.

Here’s how to change your VPN protocol in ProtonVPN:

Step-by-step Guide to Changing VPN Protocol:

• Open your ProtonVPN client.

• Navigate to “Settings” and then “Connections“.

• Choose a different protocol from the list.

• Save your changes and try to connect to the VPN again.

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Method 4. Change Your VPN Server

The Importance of Server Selection

ProtonVPN has numerous servers across different countries. Sometimes, specific servers might be overloaded with users, causing slow connections or even preventing connections from initializing.

Changing your VPN server can help bypass this issue.

Let’s dive into the steps:

Step-by-step Guide to Changing Your VPN Server:

• Open your ProtonVPN client.

• Disconnect from the current server if you are connected.

• Browse the list of available country servers and select a different one from your current server.

• Try establishing a connection again.

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Method 5. Clear DNS Cache

DNS cache holds the IP addresses of web servers that contain recently viewed web pages. An old IP address in your cache can cause issues with establishing a secure VPN connection.

Here’s why clearing your DNS cache can help:

Understanding DNS Cache

Your device stores the addresses of websites you’ve visited in a DNS cache to speed up future visits to those sites. However, if this cache becomes outdated or corrupt, it can interfere with your VPN connection.

Here’s how to clear your DNS cache:

Step-by-step Guide to Clearing DNS Cache:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator using a Windows device. On Mac, open the Terminal application.

• For Windows, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. For Mac, type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.

• You’ll be asked for your password on Mac. Enter it and press Enter.

• Once the command is executed, your DNS cache will be cleared.

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Method 6. Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

As crucial as these security measures are, firewalls and antivirus can sometimes interfere with VPN connections.

Firewalls and Antiviruses

These are designed to monitor and control the network traffic on your device.

While they are crucial for your online security, they may sometimes incorrectly identify VPN traffic as a threat and block it, leading to the “initializing connection” issue.

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Method 7. Check Your ProtonVPN Plan

ProtonVPN offers different subscription tiers, each with its own set of features and limits.

The Importance of Knowing Your Plan

Depending on your subscription level, you may be limited to a certain number of simultaneous connections.

If you’ve reached this limit, you may not be able to establish additional connections, leading to the “initializing connection” status.

Step-by-step Guide to Checking Your ProtonVPN Plan:

• Log into your account on the ProtonVPN website.

• Navigate to the account settings or dashboard.

• Check the details of your plan, including the limit on simultaneous connections.

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Method 8. Reinstall the TAP-Adapter (Windows Users)

Next up is a slightly technical but effective fix: reinstalling the TAP-adapter. This fix is specifically for Windows users.

Here’s why this solution can work:

The Role of the TAP-Adapter

The TAP adapter is a key component that helps your VPN establish a connection. It acts as a bridge between your VPN client and your device’s network settings.

Sometimes, the adapter might have issues that prevent ProtonVPN from initializing a connection.

Here’s how to reinstall the TAP adapter:

Step-by-step Guide to Reinstalling the TAP-Adapter:

• Open your Control Panel.

• Click on “Network and Internet” > “Network and Sharing Center” > “Change Adapter Settings.”

• Look for any adapters named “TAP-ProtonVPN Windows Adapter.” Right-click on it and select “Uninstall.”

• Confirm the uninstallation. Then, reinstall ProtonVPN which will also reinstall the TAP adapter.

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Method 9. Update Your ProtonVPN Client

This step is crucial because, as with any software, VPN clients need updates to ensure maximum performance and security.

The Importance of Updates

Updating your ProtonVPN client ensures you have the latest features, improvements, and security patches. It’s a way of keeping up with the fast-paced technology world.

An outdated client may not be compatible with newer operating systems or network settings, which can lead to connection issues.

Step-by-step Guide to Updating Your ProtonVPN Client:

• Open your ProtonVPN client.

• Go to the menu (usually represented by three lines or dots in the upper left or right corners).

• Click on “Check for Updates.”

• If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

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Method 10. Check Your Internet Connection

While this might seem obvious, it’s often overlooked: Check your internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can indeed cause issues with ProtonVPN.

Here’s the lowdown on why your internet connection matters:

The Importance of a Stable Internet Connection

VPNs, including ProtonVPN, rely on your internet connection to establish a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server.

If your internet connection is unstable or too slow, the VPN might fail to initialize or maintain this secure link.

Check your router and your Internet connection with your ISP provider if necessary.

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Method 11. Restart Your Device and Reinstall ProtonVPN

Restarting your device helps clear out temporary files and free up system resources. This can fix minor software glitches that could be causing the ProtonVPN to get stuck on initializing.

Reinstalling ProtonVPN, on the other hand, ensures you have a clean slate without potentially corrupted files that might interfere with the VPN connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why is Proton VPN taking forever to connect?

ProtonVPN might take a while to connect due to several reasons.

You might have an unstable internet connection, the server you’re trying to connect to might be overloaded, or there might be issues with your device’s network settings or the VPN client itself.

Try the troubleshooting steps outlined in this post to resolve the issue.

Q2. Why is Proton VPN failing to connect?

If ProtonVPN is failing to connect, it could be due to problems with your internet connection, the VPN server, your VPN client, or your device’s network settings.

You might also exceed the number of allowed connections for your subscription plan. Follow our detailed troubleshooting guide to fix the issue.

Q3. What is the ProtonVPN TAP-Adapter?

The TAP-Adapter is a key component that allows your VPN to establish a connection. It acts as a bridge between your VPN client and your device’s network settings.

If you’re having issues with ProtonVPN on a Windows device, reinstalling the TAP-Adapter might help.

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Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting the annoying issue of ProtonVPN stuck on “initializing connection”.

While this situation can be frustrating, these simple fixes often resolve the problem effectively.

Remember, from checking your internet connection to changing your VPN protocol; there’s a lot you can do to get back to browsing securely and privately with ProtonVPN.

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