It's frustrating when you're ready to dive into Teyvat, but Genshin Impact won't connect. If you're using a VPN, it might be the culprit. Knowing how to tell if your VPN is blocking Genshin Impact can save you a lot of headache and get you back to exploring in no time.

In short, you can check if your VPN is blocking Genshin Impact by temporarily disabling it. If the game launches and connects smoothly without the VPN, then your VPN is likely interfering with the connection.

Signs Your VPN Might Be Causing Trouble

When your VPN is blocking Genshin Impact, you'll usually notice some clear signs:

• "Connection Timed Out" or "Network Error" messages: These are common error messages that pop up when the game can't establish a stable connection to its servers.
• Infinite Loading Screens: The game might get stuck on a loading screen, especially before reaching the login page or after character selection.
• High Ping and Lag: Even if you connect, you might experience extreme lag, high ping, or frequent disconnections, making the game unplayable.
• Failure to Launch or Update: Sometimes, the game won't even launch, or the launcher will fail to download updates.

I remember one evening, I was so excited to try out a new character build in Genshin Impact, but I kept getting that "Connection Timed Out" error. I'd usually just restart my router, but nothing worked. Then I remembered I had my VPN running from earlier to watch a show. The moment I turned it off, the game loaded right up. It was a simple fix, but super annoying when you're eager to play!

How to Confirm Your VPN is the Issue

The best way to confirm if your VPN is blocking Genshin Impact is to follow these steps:

1. Disconnect Your VPN: The most straightforward method is to simply turn off your VPN entirely.

2. Launch Genshin Impact: Try to open and play the game as you normally would.

3. Observe Results:

• If the game works perfectly, your VPN was indeed the problem.
• If the issue persists, the problem lies elsewhere, and you can try other troubleshooting steps like checking your internet connection or Genshin Impact's server status.

Another quick check is to see if your internet speed drastically changes when the VPN is on or off. I once did a speed test with my VPN connected to a distant server, and my ping shot up, and download speeds plummeted. After switching to a closer server or turning the VPN off, everything went back to normal. A slower connection from your VPN can definitely mess with online games.

What Causes VPNs to Block Genshin Impact?

Several reasons can lead to your VPN interfering with Genshin Impact:

• Server Location: Genshin Impact connects you to regional servers. If your VPN places you in a different country, the game might struggle to connect or even make you create a new account.
• IP Blacklisting: Genshin Impact (or its anti-cheat systems) might flag and block certain VPN server IP addresses, especially if many users are trying to bypass restrictions through them.
• Connection Instability: Not all VPN servers are optimized for gaming. Slow or unstable VPN connections can lead to high latency, lag, and dropped connections.
• Firewall Conflicts: Sometimes, your VPN's settings or even your device's firewall can conflict with the game's connection.

Solutions to Get Genshin Impact Working with a VPN

If your VPN is causing issues, here's what you can try:

• Switch VPN Servers: Try connecting to a different server location, ideally one closer to your physical location or the game's server.
• Try a Different Protocol: Your VPN might offer different connection protocols (like OpenVPN, WireGuard). Experiment with these to see if one offers better stability.
• Update VPN and Game: Make sure both your VPN client and Genshin Impact are updated to their latest versions.
• Add Exceptions to Firewall/Antivirus: Ensure Genshin Impact's executable files are allowed through your firewall and antivirus software.
• Use a Gaming-Optimized VPN: Some VPNs are better suited for gaming, offering faster speeds and more stable connections.
• Temporarily Disable VPN for Launch: In some cases, you might be able to launch the game without the VPN, then activate the VPN once you're in.

For Genshin Impact players looking to make their in-game experience even better with Genesis Crystals or other purchases, remember you can use Playstorm to redeem Apple/Google Play gift cards. These can then be used directly in the game to get the items you want!