⚠️ DNS Connectivity Issues

Connected to VPN but no internet access? This comprehensive guide will help you resolve DNS-related connectivity problems. DNS issues are among the most common VPN problems, often caused by network restrictions, software conflicts, or incorrect settings.

Common Symptoms

🔍 Identifying DNS Issues

🔗

VPN Connected

Shows connected status but no internet

❌

No Websites Load

Browsers can't reach any sites

⏱️

DNS Timeouts

"DNS server not responding" errors

📱

Apps Don't Work

All internet apps fail to connect

🌐

IP Works

Can ping IPs but not domains

🔄

Works Without VPN

Internet works when VPN disconnected

Quick Diagnostic Test

🧪 Test Your DNS Connection

Windows Command Prompt / PowerShell:

# Test DNS resolution
nslookup google.com

# Test direct IP connectivity
ping 8.8.8.8

# Check DNS servers
ipconfig /all | findstr "DNS"

macOS / Linux Terminal:

# Test DNS resolution
dig google.com

# Test direct IP connectivity
ping 8.8.8.8

# Check DNS servers
cat /etc/resolv.conf

If IP ping works but domain lookup fails, you have a DNS issue.

Fix 1: Disable Security Features (If Not Using Torrents)

Disable Interface Default Route / Active Firewall

These features prevent IP leaks for torrent users but can cause DNS issues on some networks. If you don't use torrents, try disabling them:

🪟 Windows

🍎 macOS

Windows - Disable Interface Default Route

Click the settings cog (top-right corner)
Navigate to Network tab
Uncheck "Disable Interface Default Route"
Click Save
Reconnect to VPN

💡 When to Use This

Only disable if you DON'T use torrent clients. This setting protects against IP leaks during torrenting.

macOS - Disable Active Firewall

Click the settings cog (top-right corner)
Navigate to Network tab
Uncheck "Active Firewall"
Reconnect to VPN

💡 When to Use This

Only disable if you DON'T use torrent clients. This firewall prevents IP leaks.

Fix 2: Disable Seamless Reconnect

Turn Off Seamless Reconnect

Seamless Reconnect maintains VPN connection during network changes but can cause DNS conflicts on some systems:

Open TorGuard settings
Navigate to Network tab
Uncheck "Seamless Reconnect"
Click Save
Reconnect to VPN

⚠️ Important Note

If this fixes your issue, contact support. Seamless Reconnect is important for kill switch functionality, so we need to investigate why it's causing problems.

Fix 3: Change DNS Provider

Select Alternative DNS Servers

Some ISPs and networks block external DNS. Try different DNS providers:

Desktop Client:

Go to Settings → Network tab
Under "DNS when VPN is connected"
Select a different DNS provider
Click Save and reconnect

Android App:

Tap Settings cog
Scroll down and tap "Static DNS"
Tap "DNS when VPN is connected"
Choose another DNS provider

Recommended DNS Providers

🛡️ TorGuard DNS

Best for: Privacy & no logs

Default option, try others if blocked

☁️ Cloudflare

IPs: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1

Fast & widely accessible

🔍 Google DNS

IPs: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4

Reliable but less private

🛡️ Quad9

IPs: 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112

Security focused with malware blocking

🌐 OpenDNS

IPs: 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220

Customizable filtering options

🔧 Custom DNS

Use your own DNS servers

For specific requirements

Fix 4: Switch Protocol to TCP

Change from UDP to TCP Protocol

Many networks and ISPs block or throttle UDP traffic. TCP is more reliable but slightly slower:

⚡ UDP (Default)

Faster speeds
Lower latency
Often blocked by firewalls
Less reliable on restrictive networks

🔒 TCP (For DNS Issues)

More reliable
Bypasses most firewalls
Slightly slower
Better for restrictive networks

Desktop Client - Switch to TCP:

Android App - Switch to TCP:

Known Software Conflicts

⚠️ Software That Causes DNS Issues

These programs are known to interfere with VPN DNS:

Kaspersky

Antivirus DNS filtering

HP LAN Switching

Disable service on HP PCs

Avast/AVG

Web Shield conflicts

Windows Defender

Network protection mode

Pi-hole/AdGuard

Local DNS blockers

Corporate Software

Enterprise DNS policies

Kaspersky Fix:

See the Kaspersky temporary fix thread for detailed instructions.

HP LAN Switching Service:

Open Services (services.msc)
Find "HP LAN Switching Service"
Stop and disable the service
Restart VPN connection

Advanced Troubleshooting

🔧 Additional Solutions

1. Flush DNS Cache

Windows:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

macOS:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Linux:

sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved
# or
sudo service nscd restart

2. Reset Network Stack

Windows (Run as Administrator):

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
netsh advfirewall reset

Restart computer after running these commands.

3. Check MTU Settings

Some networks require specific MTU values. Try lowering MTU in TorGuard settings:

Default: 1500
Try: 1400, 1300, or 1200
Lower values work on more networks

4. Disable IPv6

IPv6 can cause DNS leaks and connectivity issues:

Windows: Network adapter properties → Uncheck IPv6
macOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP → Configure IPv6: Off

Troubleshooting Flowchart

📊 Systematic Approach

Step 1: Test Basic Connectivity

Can you ping 8.8.8.8? → If NO: Protocol or firewall issue (Try TCP)

Can you resolve domains? → If NO: DNS issue (Continue to Step 2)

Step 2: Try Quick Fixes

1. Disable Interface Default Route/Active Firewall

2. Change DNS provider

3. Switch to TCP protocol

Step 3: Check Software Conflicts

1. Temporarily disable antivirus

2. Check for known conflicting software

3. Stop unnecessary network services

Step 4: Advanced Solutions

1. Flush DNS cache

2. Reset network stack

3. Adjust MTU settings

4. Disable IPv6

Prevention Tips

✅ Avoid Future DNS Issues

Use TCP on restrictive networks (hotels, airports, corporate)
Keep a list of working DNS servers for your network
Document which settings work in different locations
Update TorGuard regularly for latest fixes
Whitelist TorGuard in security software
Test connection after OS updates

Still Having Issues?

If none of these solutions resolve your DNS connectivity problem:

🎯 Get Expert Help

When contacting support, please provide:

Which fixes you've tried
Your operating system and version
Any security software installed
Network type (home, work, public WiFi)
Connection logs if possible

Contact Support

Fix TorGuard DNS Issues - Connected But No Internet Access

⚠️ DNS Connectivity Issues

Common Symptoms

🔍 Identifying DNS Issues

VPN Connected

No Websites Load

DNS Timeouts

Apps Don't Work

IP Works

Works Without VPN

Quick Diagnostic Test

🧪 Test Your DNS Connection

Windows Command Prompt / PowerShell:

macOS / Linux Terminal:

Fix 1: Disable Security Features (If Not Using Torrents)

Disable Interface Default Route / Active Firewall

Windows - Disable Interface Default Route

💡 When to Use This

macOS - Disable Active Firewall

💡 When to Use This

Fix 2: Disable Seamless Reconnect

Turn Off Seamless Reconnect

⚠️ Important Note

Fix 3: Change DNS Provider

Select Alternative DNS Servers

Desktop Client:

Android App:

Recommended DNS Providers

🛡️ TorGuard DNS

☁️ Cloudflare

🔍 Google DNS

🛡️ Quad9

🌐 OpenDNS

🔧 Custom DNS

Fix 4: Switch Protocol to TCP

Change from UDP to TCP Protocol

⚡ UDP (Default)

🔒 TCP (For DNS Issues)

Desktop Client - Switch to TCP:

Android App - Switch to TCP:

Known Software Conflicts

⚠️ Software That Causes DNS Issues

Kaspersky Fix:

HP LAN Switching Service:

Advanced Troubleshooting

🔧 Additional Solutions

1. Flush DNS Cache

2. Reset Network Stack

3. Check MTU Settings

4. Disable IPv6

Troubleshooting Flowchart

📊 Systematic Approach

Step 1: Test Basic Connectivity

Step 2: Try Quick Fixes

Step 3: Check Software Conflicts

Step 4: Advanced Solutions

Prevention Tips

✅ Avoid Future DNS Issues

Still Having Issues?

🎯 Get Expert Help

Ready to Get Help?