ChatGPT not working with VPN: Fix it in 5 EASY steps

ChatGPT is an AI tool designed to answer questions, but access is restricted in some parts of the world. You need a VPN to disguise your location, but what if it breaks? Find out what to do if ChatGPT isn’t working with your VPN.

Based on our research, the VPN servers you have available to you could be blacklisted by the tool. With our list of troubleshooting tips, you can use the AI software without a problem. It only takes a couple of minutes to solve the problem.

Which VPNs work with ChatGPT?

Why you can trust GadgetMouse: Our content is written by a team of humans and we refuse to use AI. Plus, we own (and use) every VPN that we write about. For more details, see our editorial policy.

Why is my VPN not working with ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a service that is usually only available for people in certain countries – for example, the UK and the US. If you’re trying to use AI from a restricted territory, your connection could be blocked. But a reliable VPN can help you access ChatGPT from anywhere in the world.

Your VPN is failing to load ChatGPT and that’s probably because it’s not hiding your location.

How does ChatGPT detect my VPN?

If your current VPN isn’t hiding your real location, ChatGPT could interfere with the server you’re using. Bad VPNs take a long time to replace their broken servers, which means you have no way of accessing AI tools.

The best VPNs for ChatGPT do a really good job of replacing a blacklisted (broken) server. That means that, even if the AI bot has disabled your VPN server, a replacement will be up very quickly.

In summary, if ChatGPT isn’t working with your VPN:

• Your VPN servers might have been blacklisted by the AI tool
• Cookies stored in your browser are telling the chatbot about your real location
• A VPN is leaking your IP address, which causes the AI tool to block traffic

Fixing ChatGPT

1. Check that your VPN is up-to-date

For moments where the AI tool isn’t working with your VPN, make sure you’re running the latest version as issues will have been patched. You need to take a trip to your VPN settings.

From your PC, open the VPN and then the Settings or Options menu. Some VPNs that we’ve used feature a message telling you about updates. See an example here:

Selecting Update will take you to your VPN provider’s website, where you can learn more about what’s new in the latest build.

If you’re using an Android, open the Google Play store, tap your user profile in the top-right corner of the screen and then Manage apps and device. Finally, choose Update or Update all. Reload the ChatGPT website.

On iPhone or iPad, open the Apple App Store and tap your user profile in the top-right corner of the screen. Download available updates and then reload the ChatGPT website.

2. Use a different server for ChatGPT

VPN servers can sometimes become unavailable or slower than usual. If you’re using a dodgy one, the AI tool will freeze up if you’re in an unsupported territory.

Try turning off the server you’re using. ExpressVPN users can select the three dots icon to see a list of alternative servers in the same country. You can also favourite the server (use the Star icon) that works best for you.

3. Contact VPN support

Our recommended VPN providers employ support teams. For times when ChatGPT throws up some technical issues, reach out to an expert for guidance.

4. Reset your VPN

Whether you’re on a PC, smartphone or tablet, restart your device and open your VPN again. If that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall your VPN. Load up your VPN and the AI tool and see if performance has improved.

5. Check your internet connection

Disconnect from your wi-fi and reconnect, before running your VPN again. You can go a step further and restart your internet router.

More ChatGPT fixes:

Have you cleared cache and cookies from your browser? On Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. On Safari, go to Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data.

Make sure you aren’t the victim of a DNS leak. Ineffective VPNs fail to conceal your actual IP address and location while accessing ChatGPT. To verify this, disable your VPN and navigate to the IP Address Lookup tool. Record your usual IP address, then activate your VPN, rerun the test, and observe whether those details change. If there is no obvious difference, your VPN isn’t operating correctly.

Have you typed your VPN username and password correctly? If you can’t remember your details, choose the ‘Forgot’ option on your VPN provider’s website.

Are the VPN servers active? Note that your provider might be experiencing an outage. Check the support website for details.

Is your firewall blocking your VPN or ChatGPT?

If you’re experiencing issues on desktop, make sure your VPN is mentioned in the ‘Allow’ list. On Windows, head to open Windows Security > Allow an app through the firewall. On Mac, try System Settings > Network > Firewall.

➡️ Download our free VPN troubleshooting tips poster ⬅️

Best VPNs for ChatGPT

ExpressVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.53 per month
• 6-month subscription: £8.12 per month
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free: £5.42 per month (49% off)

🌎 Number of servers	160
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	5
⏱️ Our speed test results	-8.7% download, -5.5% upload (London)

To generate responses through ChatGPT from any country in the world, use ExpressVPN today. It’s really easy to use, very fast and perfect for unlocking region-restricted content. With ExpressVPN installed, all you need to do is connect to a server and you can easily use ChatGPT from anywhere.

ExpressVPN hides your real IP address, which makes it impossible for websites to see that you’re browsing from outside a specific area. With servers available in over 90 countries, ExpressVPN users enjoy global coverage. ExpressVPN is compatible with loads of devices, including Macs, Android smartphones and tablets and iOS devices.

Pros: Smartphone app lets you connect in seconds, 'favourite' most-used VPN servers for quick access, performed remarkably well in our chat support speed test

Cons: Rival VPNs are cheaper, can't use many devices at once

Try ExpressVPN today

Ivacy

• 1-month subscription: £8.62 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3 per month (65% off)
• 5-year subscription + FREE password manager: 80p per month (90% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,700
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Ivacy is an excellent choice if you want a VPN that works with ChatGPT. It uses encryption technology to keep cybercriminals far away from you, also featuring public wi-fi security to protect your device from viruses.

With Ivacy, you can generate AI responses without your ISP knowing. That’s thanks to Ivacy’s strict no-logs policy, which stops your personal information from being sold to other companies.

Ivacy is one of the most popular VPNs that works with ChatGPT. If you try it today, you get instant access to over 3,000 VPN servers worldwide. A subscription is valid for up to 10 devices at once, making it ideal for families.

Pros: Connection is steady when using multiple devices, notifications mention if Ivacy is disabled, server locations split by country and city

Cons: We think the ExpressVPN mobile app is faster, below-average results in our chat support speed test

Try Ivacy today

NordVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.49 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3.99 per month (40% off)
• 2-year subscription: £2.79 per month (58% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,200+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	6
⏱️ Our speed test results	-14% download, -7% upload (London)

NordVPN is another exceptional VPN that lets you use AI tools. It has servers worldwide, protected by military-grade encryption. Plus, NordVPN’s technology keeps you safe on public wi-fi without damaging your network speeds.

The servers are highly secure and you can connect without handing over your personal information – NordVPN doesn’t spy on you. You can also try the CyberSec tool, which blocks dangerous websites and lowers the chance of your device being infected with malware.

With NordVPN, you can use ChatGPT anywhere in minutes. Just connect to a suitable VPN server and go from there. Note that NordVPN offers a 24/7 live chat service to assist you.

Pros: Built-in internet kill switch works well, profile page on app includes 'Security score' with privacy tips, takes less than a minute to reach a live chat agent (based on our tests)

Cons: Other VPNs tested are cheaper, some streaming services require multiple resets to work

Try NordVPN today

PureVPN

• 1-month subscription: $10.95 per month (12% off)
• 1-year subscription: $3.74 per month (70% off)
• 2-year subscription + 4 extra months: $1.96 per month (84% off)

🌎 Number of servers	6,500+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

PureVPN is one of our top recommendations for ChatGPT. With optimised servers designed to reduce load times, it’s easy to use and provides a great experience.

One of the best features of PureVPN is the encryption of data, which ensures complete anonymity while running the software. Additionally, there’s a 24-hour support team available to answer any questions you might have. Even if you’re not currently based in a supported country, PureVPN makes it easy to bypass geo-locked apps.

With over 6,500 servers in more than 75 countries worldwide, PureVPN provides ample opportunities for unlocking ChatGPT. If you’re not completely satisfied after trying it out, the brand offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Pros: Surprisingly affordable considering features, lots of UK and US-based servers, generous with simultaneous devices

Cons: Takes a couple of minutes to reach live chat agents (based on our tests), performs better on iOS compared to Android (in our experience)

Try PureVPN today

How to use a VPN with ChatGPT

1. Pick one of our suggested VPNs – we’ll use ExpressVPN for this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account, sign in.
3. From your device, download and open the ExpressVPN app and select a server in a country that supports ChatGPT – the UK, for example.
4. Once you’re connected, head to the ChatGPT website.
5. Log in to your account and enjoy.

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