Opera VPN is a popular VPN solution that allows users to browse the internet securely and privately. However, like any software, it may encounter problems that prevent it from functioning correctly. If you are experiencing problems with Opera VPN, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to troubleshoot and fix your connection issues.
Whether you’re facing connection failures, slow speeds, or limited server availability, we’ve got you covered. Follow our straightforward and easy-to-understand troubleshooting steps, and you’ll be back to secure and private internet browsing in no time.
Let’s jump right in and get your Opera VPN working again!
Common Issues with Opera VPN
If you’re experiencing issues with Opera VPN, you’re not alone. Here are some common problems that users encounter:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Connection failure | You may have trouble connecting to the VPN server, resulting in an error or a message saying “VPN is temporarily unavailable”. |
| Slow speeds | You may notice that your internet speed significantly decreases when using Opera VPN. |
| Limited server availability | You may not be able to connect to a server in a specific geographic location due to limited server availability. |
If you’re facing any of the above issues, don’t worry. We’ve got some troubleshooting tips to get you back up and running with Opera VPN.
Check Your Internet Connection
Before troubleshooting your Opera VPN connection, it’s important to check your internet connectivity. A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial to ensure proper VPN performance.
If you’re experiencing internet issues, follow these steps to troubleshoot:
- Restart your router or modem by unplugging it and waiting at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
- Check that all cables and connections are secure and properly plugged in.
- Move closer to your router if you’re experiencing weak Wi-Fi signals.
- Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy services that may be interfering with your internet connection.
- Run a speed test to check your internet speeds. If you’re experiencing slow speeds, contact your internet service provider.
How to Check Your Internet Speed
To check your internet speed, you can use a free online speed test tool such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com. These tools will provide you with your download and upload speeds, as well as your Ping rate.
If your internet speeds are consistently slow, consider upgrading your internet plan or switching to a different provider.
Ensure Opera Browser and VPN are Updated
To ensure optimal performance, it’s crucial to keep both Opera Browser and VPN up to date. Updates often include important security patches and bug fixes that can improve overall functionality, including VPN connection stability.
To check for available updates:
- Open Opera Browser on your device.
- Click the Opera Menu in the top-left corner of the browser window.
- Select About Opera from the drop-down menu.
- If there is an update available, a message will appear, prompting you to install it. Click Update Now to begin the installation process.
If you are using the Opera VPN extension, you can check for updates within the extension settings:
- Click the Opera Menu in the top-left corner of the browser window.
- Select Extensions from the drop-down menu.
- Find Opera VPN in the list of installed extensions and click Details.
- If there is an update available, a message will appear, prompting you to install it.
Once you have updated both Opera Browser and VPN, try connecting to Opera VPN again to see if the issue has been resolved.
Clear Cache and Cookies
When using Opera VPN, accumulated cache and cookies can sometimes interfere with its functionality. Clearing these files can help resolve connection issues. Below are steps to clear cache and cookies in Opera browser:
- Open Opera browser and click on the “Menu” button located on the top left-hand side of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu and click on “Advanced” from the left-hand side menu.
- Click on “Privacy & security” and under the “Clear browsing data” section, select the time range for which you want to clear data.
- Select the “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data” checkboxes and click on “Clear data”.
Please note that clearing cache and cookies will also remove any saved login credentials and site preferences, which will need to be re-entered on subsequent visits.
Disable Antivirus and Firewall
If you have antivirus software or a firewall enabled on your device, it may interfere with Opera VPN’s functionality. In this case, you can temporarily disable these security measures to troubleshoot the issue. However, make sure to re-enable them once you’re done to maintain your device’s protection.
To disable antivirus software, locate the antivirus icon in your system tray or task manager, right-click it, and select “Disable” or “Turn off.” To disable the firewall, go to your device’s settings, locate the firewall section, and turn it off temporarily.
Once you’ve disabled the security measures, try connecting to Opera VPN again to see if the issue is resolved. If it works, it indicates that the antivirus or firewall was blocking the connection. You can whitelist Opera VPN in your security software to ensure it doesn’t interfere again in the future.
Try Different VPN Server Locations
If you’re experiencing connection issues with Opera VPN, it might be worth trying a different server location. Server congestion or restrictions may affect connection reliability, so experiment with different options to see if that resolves the issue.
To change your server location:
- Click on the VPN button in the address bar.
- Select “Virtual location” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose a different server location and click on it to connect.
Once connected to a different server location, check if Opera VPN is working. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Restart Your Device
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and are still experiencing issues with Opera VPN, you may want to try restarting your device. Restarting your computer or mobile device can help clear any temporary software glitches that may be affecting Opera VPN’s functionality.
To restart your computer, click on the Start menu and select Restart. If you are using a mobile device, press and hold the power button until the option to restart appears on the screen.
After the device has restarted, try connecting to Opera VPN once again. If the issue persists, you may want to consider reaching out to Opera’s customer support for further assistance.
Disable VPN Extensions and Proxy Settings
If you’re using a VPN extension or have proxy settings enabled in your Opera browser, these may conflict with Opera VPN and prevent it from functioning correctly. Disabling these settings can help you troubleshoot the issue.
To disable VPN extensions, click on the Menu button on the top left corner of your browser window and select Extensions. From there, find the VPN extension and toggle it off.
To reset proxy settings, click on the Menu button and select Settings. Scroll down to the System section and click on Open proxy settings. In the Connections tab, select Never dial a connection and click on LAN settings. Uncheck all boxes and click OK to save changes. Restart your browser and try connecting to Opera VPN again.
Note: Disabling VPN extensions and resetting proxy settings may affect other aspects of your browsing experience, so only do this as a troubleshooting step.
Contact Opera Support
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve your Opera VPN connection issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to Opera’s customer support for further assistance. Their team is available 24/7 to help you fix the problem.
Note: Before contacting support, make sure to provide them with as much information as possible regarding your issue, such as error messages, device type, and troubleshooting steps you have already taken.
You can reach Opera support through their official website or social media channels. To submit a support ticket or chat with a representative, follow these steps:
- Go to opera.com
- Click on the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the page
- Select the appropriate category and subcategory for your issue
- Provide a detailed description of the problem
- Attach any relevant screenshots or files
- Submit the ticket and wait for a response
If you prefer to reach out through social media, Opera has active accounts on Twitter and Facebook, where you can send a direct message or post your issue on their page.
Alternative VPN Solutions
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and Opera VPN still doesn’t work, don’t fret! There are plenty of alternative VPN services available that you can try.
One popular option is NordVPN, which boasts an extensive server network, robust security features, and user-friendly apps. Another excellent choice is ExpressVPN, with lightning-fast speeds and support for a wide range of devices.
If you’re looking for a free VPN service, consider using Windscribe or ProtonVPN. While both have limitations, they offer decent security and privacy features.
Ultimately, finding the right VPN solution depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s worth trying out a few services to see which one works best for you.
Stay Safe Online Without Opera VPN
If you’re unable to resolve your Opera VPN issues, there are still steps you can take to protect your online privacy and security. Here are a few general tips:
- Use encrypted websites: Look for sites that use HTTPS encryption for secure browsing and communication.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks can be targeted by hackers, so try to use a private network whenever possible.
- Employ other security tools: Use antivirus software, firewalls, and other tools to bolster your online security.
Remember that while Opera VPN can be a reliable and effective solution, it’s not the only way to stay safe online.
Conclusion
Opera VPN is a reliable and secure tool for protecting online privacy and accessing restricted content. However, connection issues may occur due to various reasons, such as server congestion, internet problems, or conflicting settings.
If you encounter any Opera VPN problems, don’t worry. Follow the troubleshooting steps discussed in this article, including checking your internet connection, updating your Opera browser, clearing cache and cookies, disabling antivirus and firewall, trying different server locations, restarting your device, disabling VPN extensions and proxy settings, and contacting Opera support if needed.
If the issue persists, you may want to consider alternative VPN providers that offer similar or more advanced features than Opera VPN, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost VPN.
However, even if you don’t use Opera VPN or any other VPN service, you can still protect your online privacy and security by adopting good practices, such as using encrypted websites, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, and using additional security tools like antivirus software and password managers.
Stay Secure and Private Online!
FAQ
Q: What should I do if Opera VPN is not working?
A: Troubleshoot and fix your connection by following the steps outlined in this article.
Q: What are common issues with Opera VPN?
A: Common issues include connection failure, slow speeds, and limited server availability.
Q: How can I check my internet connection?
A: Ensure a stable internet connection before using Opera VPN by following the troubleshooting steps provided.
Q: How do I update Opera browser and VPN?
A: Keep both Opera browser and VPN up to date by checking for updates and installing them if available.
Q: How do I clear cache and cookies in Opera browser?
A: Clear accumulated cache and cookies in Opera browser to improve Opera VPN’s functionality by following the step-by-step instructions provided.
Q: Should I disable antivirus and firewall programs when using Opera VPN?
A: Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall programs that may block the VPN connection to troubleshoot the issue.
Q: How can I change VPN server locations in Opera?
A: Experiment with different server locations within Opera VPN by following the guide on how to change server locations.
Q: How do I restart my device?
A: Resolve minor software glitches by restarting your device. Instructions on how to restart different devices are provided.
Q: Should I disable VPN extensions and proxy settings?
A: Disable conflicting VPN extensions and reset proxy settings in Opera browser for troubleshooting purposes.
Q: How can I contact Opera support?
A: If all troubleshooting steps fail, reach out to Opera’s customer support for further assistance. Contact details and official support channels are available.
Q: Are there alternative VPN solutions?
A: Consider alternative VPN services if Opera VPN consistently fails to work. Brief recommendations and benefits of popular providers are discussed.
Q: How can I stay safe online without Opera VPN?
A: Protect internet privacy and security even without Opera VPN by following general advice such as using encrypted websites and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks.