Why Is PIA So Slow?

How to fix it

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

1. FIX 1Test your baseline speed

   Copy steps
   1. 01Disconnect PIA and run a speed test
   2. 02If it's already slow, the problem is your ISP
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Use a nearby server

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   1. 01Pick 'Choose Automatically' or the closest region
   2. 02Avoid transcontinental servers unless needed
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Compare protocols

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   1. 01Settings > Protocols
   2. 02Try WireGuard, then OpenVPN UDP
   3. 03Keep whichever is faster on your network
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Lower OpenVPN encryption

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   1. 01Settings > Protocols > OpenVPN > Data Encryption
   2. 02Choose AES-128
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. FIX 5Disable Multi-Hop and custom DNS

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   1. 01Settings > Multi-Hop: turn off if not needed
   2. 02Settings > Network: switch back to PIA DNS
   Did this fix it? Yes No

6. FIX 6Fix the Windows network driver

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   1. 01Settings > Protocols > OpenVPN
   2. 02Try the WinTUN virtual network driver, or reinstall the TAP adapter
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Speed tests are far below your normal speed, buffering video, high ping in games.

Why it happens

• C-01Server far away or overloaded
• C-02Protocol not ideal for your network
• C-03AES-256 encryption overhead on OpenVPN
• C-04Multi-Hop or custom DNS enabled
• C-05Faulty TAP adapter on Windows (OpenVPN)
• C-06Your ISP is slow even without the VPN

// this guide also covers

• why is pia so slow
• pia slow speeds
• pia vpn slow
• pia speed fix

The same problem in other apps

All slow, laggy or resource-hungry guides →

• Why Is NordVPN So Slow? (NordVPN)
• Why Is Surfshark So Slow? (Surfshark)
• Why Is ExpressVPN So Slow? (ExpressVPN)
• Why Is Mullvad So Slow? (Mullvad VPN)
• Why Is Proton VPN So Slow? (Proton VPN)

Other Private Internet Access errors

• PIA Not Connecting
• PIA Not Working With Netflix
• Connected to PIA but No Internet
• PIA Keeps Disconnecting
• PIA Authentication Failed Error
• PIA Websites Blocked and Google CAPTCHAs
• PIA Not Working With BBC iPlayer or Disney+
• PIA Port Forwarding Not Working