Connection Issues
Connection Troubleshooting
Having trouble connecting? Follow our step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve VPN connection issues quickly.
Quick Diagnosis
Start with these basic checks to identify the root cause of your connection issue.
Check Internet
Verify your base internet connection is working without VPN. Try loading a website first.
App Status
Ensure you're running the latest version. Check for pending updates in your app store.
Try Different Protocol
Switch between WireGuard, VLESS (Reality), OrbConnect, or the SSH Tunnel to find what works on your network. Or leave it on Auto and let Smart Connect choose for you.
Change Server
Connect to a different server location. Try one closer to your physical location.
Step-by-Step Resolution
Verify Internet Connection
Disconnect from VPN and test your regular internet. Run a speed test and try accessing websites without OrbVPN.
Restart the App
Force close OrbVPN completely, wait 10 seconds, then relaunch. Clear from recent apps first.
Switch Protocols
Try a different protocol: WireGuard for speed, VLESS (Reality) with a mimicry profile for restricted networks, OrbConnect for stealthy HTTPS tunneling, or the SSH Tunnel where only SSH gets through. Enable Auto (Smart Connect) for automatic fallback across all of them.
Change Server Location
Select a server closer to your location or try a different city in the same region.
Clear App Cache
Go to device Settings > Apps > OrbVPN > Clear Cache. This removes temporary data that may cause issues.
Quick Fix
Toggle Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, then off. This resets your network connection and often resolves connectivity issues. You can also tap Hylon, OrbVPN's built-in AI assistant (open the Hylon tab in the app), for instant, context-aware troubleshooting — it runs an on-device model for offline answers and escalates to a live AI when you need deeper help.
In Censored Regions?
If you're in Iran, Russia, or China, use VLESS (Reality) with a region-matched mimicry profile (Shaparak for Iran, VK or Yandex for Russia, WeChat for China), the VLESS Plain TCP or CDN-Fronting transport, or the SSH Tunnel with OSSH obfuscation. Bridge Mode (domestic entry to foreign exit) adds another layer. Auto (Smart Connect) builds this chain for you and even keeps you logged in via a CDN-fronted control plane when censorship is heaviest. If geolocation gets it wrong, set a manual region override in Settings. See the Smart Connect, Mimicry Profiles, Transport Modes, and Region & Failover guides for details.
Protocol Selection Guide
Different protocols work better in different network conditions. Try these based on your situation:
WireGuard
Fastest protocol with best overall stability. Try this first for most situations.
VLESS with Reality
Best for restricted networks (Iran, Russia, China). Use with mimicry profiles to disguise traffic as legitimate services.
OrbConnect
OrbVPN's own HTTPS-tunnel protocol with optional FIPS 140-3 mode. Great for DPI evasion and enterprise compliance.
SSH Tunnel
SOCKS5-over-SSH with optional OSSH obfuscation (ChaCha20 + Argon2id). Slips through firewalls that allow SSH but fingerprint everything else.
Common Error Codes
ERR_001: Auth Failed
Re-login to your account. Check credentials and subscription status.
ERR_002: Server Timeout
Switch to a different server. The current one may be overloaded.
ERR_003: Protocol Error
Try a different protocol. Your network may be blocking the current one.
ERR_004: Network Error
Check your internet connection. Reset network settings if needed.
Device-Specific Solutions
Mobile Devices
Toggle Airplane Mode
Enable Airplane Mode, wait 30 seconds, disable it, then reconnect to your network.
Reset Network Settings
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. You'll need to reconnect to WiFi.
Check Permissions
Ensure OrbVPN has VPN configuration permission and network access enabled.
System Requirements
OrbVPN requires iOS 14.0 or later or Android 8.0 or later, adequate storage space, and a stable network connection. Native desktop and TV apps are also available for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
When to Contact Support
If you've tried all the steps above and still can't connect, reach out to our support team:
Persistent Failures
Connection fails repeatedly after trying all troubleshooting steps.
Account Issues
Subscription or payment-related connection problems.
Still Having Issues?
Our support team is available 24/7 to help you resolve any connection problems. Reach out through the app's Concierge feature.