Just as with any service, if you’ve got a VPN you want it to work. Having issues with your VPN can prevent you from accessing the internet at all, which can be really frustrating. Here are some potential reasons your Avast VPN may not be working and how to fix them.
No Internet
A common reason that could cause Avast SecureLine VPN to stop working is your internet connection dropping out. To resolve this type of issue, ensure your device has either a wired or wireless (Wi-Fi or mobile data) network connection. If you are connected to a home network, ensure that your router is connected to the internet by trying to connect to a website without using the VPN or from another device.
If you’re on a public Wi-Fi hotspot, you may be required to sign up through a “captive portal” before being able to use the internet. These captive portals sometimes can’t redirect you to the portal if you’re trying to connect to a website using HTTPS. if this is happening try to connect to a website that you know uses unencrypted HTTP instead, such as httpforever.com.
The VPN server is down
Occasionally, individual VPN servers or even data centres may go offline, for any number of reasons. If you can’t connect to a specific Avast VPN server, try connecting to a different server, first in a similar location and then in a completely different location.
Interference from other apps
Sometimes software on your device can conflict with or can restrict the operation of other software. If you’re not able to connect ensure that you’re not currently using any other VPN service, and that you don’t have two instances of Avast SecureLine VPN open, as this could cause unexpected issues. Another thing to check is that your firewall isn’t blocking Avast VPNs network access.
Expired licence
Avast SecureLine VPN can only be licenced for a limited time before your licence expires, up to three years for a paid licence or seven days for a free trial. If your licence has expired, you’ll need to get a new one to keep using the service. Once you’ve purchased a licence, you can apply it by importing the licence file in your confirmation email, or by signing into your Avast account in the SecureLine app.
Too many connections
Avast restricts the maximum number of devices you can use your VPN licence on to either one or five devices, depending on which licence you purchased. Your licence will not work on a second or sixth device respectively and will show the “Maximum connections reached” error message. If you’re seeing this error message, try disconnecting from the service or deactivating the licence on any devices you’re not actively using. If you believe your activation code is being used without your permission, contact Avast customer support.
Peter Jensen says
Another reason is there is a firewall, either on the computer or router that is blocking port 553 UDP. Opening the port solved my problem.