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// troubleshooting guide · private internet access

Connected to PIA but No Internet

Status
Workaround available
platforms:
Windows, macOS, Linux
updated:
November 15, 2026
reports:
4
Method
how we research
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RUNBOOK · private-internet-access/connected-no-internet5 FIXES

// quick answer

When PIA says Connected but nothing loads, the cause is usually DNS, the kill switch, a broken virtual adapter or the current server. Change server, switch protocol, reset DNS to PIA DNS and flush your DNS cache.

Most likely fix: Confirm it's the VPN

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

  1. FIX 1Confirm it's the VPN

    1. 01Disconnect PIA and load a site
    2. 02If it loads, continue below
    Did this fix it?

  2. FIX 2Change server and protocol

    1. 01Connect to another nearby server
    2. 02Settings > Protocols: switch WireGuard/OpenVPN
    Did this fix it?

  3. FIX 3Use PIA DNS and flush cache

    1. 01Settings > Network > DNS: PIA DNS
    2. 02Flush DNS (ipconfig /flushdns on Windows)
    3. 03Reconnect
    Did this fix it?

  4. FIX 4Check the kill switch

    1. 01Settings > Privacy
    2. 02If internet is dead with PIA disconnected, Advanced Kill Switch may be on; reconnect instead of disabling it
    Did this fix it?

  5. FIX 5Reinstall the network adapter

    1. 01Windows Device Manager > Network adapters
    2. 02Uninstall the PIA/TAP/WireGuard adapter and restart, or reinstall PIA
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

The app shows Connected but web pages time out; internet works again when PIA disconnects (or stays dead with the kill switch on).

Why it happens

  • C-01Custom DNS conflicting with the tunnel
  • C-02Server or route problem
  • C-03Kill switch blocking traffic after a drop
  • C-04Corrupted virtual network adapter (Windows)
  • C-05Firewall/antivirus filtering VPN traffic

// this guide also covers

  • pia connected but no internet
  • pia no internet access
  • pia blocks internet

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