VPN slowing your internet? 6 fixes that work

A VPN sends your traffic via another server so a small slowdown is normal. A big one usually has a simple cause.

Check the basics first

Turn the VPN off and run a speed test. If it is slow without the VPN the problem is your Wi-Fi or broadband, not the VPN.

Move closer to the router or plug in a cable. Wi-Fi through walls loses a lot of speed.

The further away the server, the longer every request takes. If you are in the UK a UK location will nearly always be fastest.

On Free ROOT picks the fastest location for you automatically.

WireGuard is the fastest option and the default. If you switched to REALITY for a strict network, switch back when you are home.

Restart the app and your router once in a while too. It clears out a lot of odd slowdowns.

How much does a VPN slow things down?

On a nearby server with WireGuard most people barely notice. Distance and weak Wi-Fi cause most big slowdowns.

Can a VPN make my internet faster?

Sometimes, if your provider slows certain traffic. Usually it adds a little delay rather than removing it.

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