Urban VPN is a popular VPN service for many, as it’s completely free to use. Unfortunately, you may find that Urban VPN will stop working, and it’s likely due to the amount of customers it has.
Since Urban VPN is a free VPN, it has a lot of customers. This can pressure the VPN servers, and free VPNs often struggle to keep up with the demand.
The good news? There are a few fixes you can try to get Urban VPN working again.
In this guide, we’ll help you find out how to fix Urban VPN not working and show you the best VPNs you can use if all else fails.
Urban VPN not working: Fixes
To fix Urban VPN and get back to browsing online anonymously, follow the simple steps below:
Check your internet connection
A good place to start is making sure that you’re still connected to the internet. If so, check that your internet is running correctly.
An easy way to do this is to check your internet speed. You can do thathere.
If you think your internet is running slower than usual, that can be a sign your internet connection is having problems. This can create issues with Urban VPN. Call your internet service provider (ISP) if this is the case.
Disable antivirus
If you have an antivirus installed on your device, try disabling it. Turn on Urban VPN and see if it works.
Depending on the antivirus you use, VPN software can sometimes be mistaken for a virus or malware by antivirus software. When this happens, the antivirus blocks the VPN.
Disabling your antivirus or making Urban VPN an exemption may fix the problems you’re coming across. The best antivirus software will let you do this with ease.
Delete Cookies
Accumulated or corrupted cookies in a browser might interfere with the way websites and online services function, especially when using a VPN.
Try deleting your cookies to see if this fixes Urban VPN not working.
Change to a different server
If Urban VPN no longer works when connecting to a particular server, it’s likely the IP address the VPN has given you has been identified and blocked.
There may be other issues with the server, such as overcrowding or it simply being too slow. With this in mind, changing to a different server will give you a different IP address.
If this one hasn’t been blocked or doesn’t experience any issues, Urban VPN will work again.
Reinstall Urban VPN
If Urban VPN isn’t working, it may have picked up a bug or an error that’s interrupting the software.
A simple and effective way to get rid of bugs is to reinstall the software.
Not only does this ensure you have the latest version of Urban VPN, including any bug-fixing updates, but it also means you’ll have a fresh installation of the software, so any errors or bugs you may have picked up will be erased.
Upgrade to a better VPN
If the above fixes don’t work, either Urban VPN isn’t managing to keep up with the demand of its many customers, or it’s not fast enough to enable you to do what you’re trying to do.
The best thing to do in this situation is to upgrade to a VPN that has the resources to keep up with increasing demand and has an incredibly fast, secure connection.
The VPNs we recommend are NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Why has Urban VPN stopped working?
There are many reasons why Urban VPN may have stopped working on your device. You may see error messages such as “Connection to {Country} was Terminated” or “Urban VPN setup ended prematurely.”
Whatever the case, it’s likely due to the massive number of users Urban VPN has. Since it’s a free VPN, it’s an extremely popular choice for many, but this can be a problem when many users share the same IP address, and strict websites and streaming services catch on.
Remember, since Urban VPN is a free service, it might have limitations compared to paid VPNs in terms of reliability and performance. Free VPNs often experience server overload due to high demand, so try connecting to a different server location.You can check Urban VPN’s website or social media for any reported server issues.
Which VPNs work?
The VPNs that consistently work are the ones that have the resources to ensure they can grow as their customer base grows. These are generally paid VPNs.
ExpressVPN andNordVPNhave many resources, and they can constantly update their VPN to ensure it works consistently. For example,ExpressVPNuses its own VPN protocol, Lightway, that’s been developed in-house to ensureExpressVPNworks consistently for many uses – while NordVPN has NordLynx.
If you want a VPN that won’t let you down or run into errors, your best bet is upgrading toExpressVPN andNordVPN.
Will other free VPNs work?
There’s a chance other free VPNs might work for you, but it’s important to be aware of both the potential benefits and drawbacks before trying them.
Sure, you won’t have to pay any subscription fees, and you’ll get basic features like encryption and location masking,which can be helpful for casual browsing or specific needs. However, its limitations compared to paid VPNs can be a huge downer:
- Data caps:You may have a limited amount of data you can use per month.
- Server limitations:You might only have access to a few server locations,impacting connection speed and geo-restricted content access.
- Security concerns:Some free VPNs have been known to sell user data or inject ads,raising privacy and security concerns.
- Unreliable service:Free VPNs can be more prone to server overload and downtime,impacting your experience.
Although great for the customer, a free VPN doesn’t have the resources to ensure it stays reliable. As more customers join the service, the less reliable it becomes.
We recommend sticking with the best VPNs below:
Best VPNs in 2024
1. ExpressVPN
The fastest and most reliable VPN of 2024
- ✔Physical servers in 104 countries
- ✔Brilliant for unblocking streaming services
- ✔Very high-speed Lightway protocol
- ✔Available on almost any device
- ✔Very secure
- ❌Pricey
- ❌Only 8 simultaneous devices
- ❌No addons
Streaming: Compared to Urban VPN, ExpressVPN excels in unblocking geo-restricted content and works seamlessly with streaming services, even in countries where VPNs are banned. It consistently performed well in tests with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max.
Servers: ExpressVPN has a robust network with servers in 104 countries, significantly above the 71-country average. Less than 3% of these servers are virtual, ensuring a reliable and fast physical network.
Privacy: ExpressVPN’s privacy measures include passing independent audits by cybersecurity firms like Cure53 and F-Secure, ensuring a strong level of security and no significant weaknesses in its macOS, Linux, and Windows apps. More details can be found in the audit reports available online.
Price: ExpressVPN offers three payment plans: a 1-month option at $12.95/month, a 6-month option at $9.99/month, and a 12-month option at $6.67/month. Payment methods include major credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and other systems, accommodating a wide range of users.
Speeds: ExpressVPN maintains high download speeds with minimal drop-off, ensuring efficient performance. Tests showed a slight decrease in upload speeds, but download speeds remained fast across various server locations, including the US, UK, and Vietnam.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| VPN off | 937.07 | 520.93 |
| ExpressVPN US server | 824.62 | 6.96 |
| ExpressVPN UK server | 794.95 | 3.70 |
| ExpressVPN Vietnam server | 761.90 | 3.81 |
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
2. NordVPN
An excellent, affordable, and fast VPN option for 2024
- ✔Affordable pricing
- ✔Effective streaming access
- ✔Diverse server types
- ✔Solid speeds
- ✔Useful add-ons
- ✔Strong security
- ❌Limited server locations
- ❌No virtual servers
Streaming: NordVPN is highly effective for bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer – way better than Urban VPN’s abilities. It has shown consistent success in connecting to various streaming services without noticeable issues.
Servers: NordVPN’s server network spans 60 countries. While this is below the average of 71 countries for the top 20 VPNs, its commitment to physical servers ensures faster and more reliable connections.
Privacy: NordVPN’s secure connection and no-logs policy have been verified via three independent audits, including one by Deloitte. The audits have confirmed NordVPN’s adherence to its no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy.
Price: NordVPN offers three pricing plans: Complete, Plus, and Standard. The 2-year plan for the Standard package is priced at $3.19/month, the 1-year plan at $4.99/month, and the monthly plan at $12.99/month. It accepts major credit cards and various payment systems.
Speeds: Below is a table showing the speeds tested for NordVPN. From our tests in New Zealand, NordVPN displayed very good speeds, although slightly behind ExpressVPN, but significantly faster than many other VPNs on the market.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 937.07 | 520.93 |
| NordVPN US server | 710.90 | 6.98 |
| NordVPN UK server | 531.12 | 3.73 |
Read our full NordVPN review.
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3. Private Internet Access
Affordable and secure VPN with wide device compatibility
- ✔Affordable pricing plans
- ✔Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✔Extra features like ad blocker and email protection
- ✔Verified no-log policy
- ✔Compatible with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu
- ❌High use of virtual servers
- ❌Not as fast as top-tier VPNs
- ❌Lacks proprietary protocol options
Streaming: Private Internet Access works well with streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, although it initially faced some difficulties with BBC iPlayer, which were resolved after some fixes. That’s a problem we had a hard time with using Urban VPN.
Servers: PIA has over 35,000 servers in 84 countries, which is above the average of 71 countries. However, 50% of these servers are virtual, impacting reliability compared to VPNs with more physical servers.
Privacy: PIA’s app is open-source, inviting third-party scrutiny and verification. It has also passed an independent no-log policy audit conducted by Deloitte, affirming its commitment to privacy.
Price: PIA offers three subscription options: 1-month at $11.95/month, 1-year at $3.33/month (upfront cost $39.95), and 3-year at $2.03/month (upfront fee $79). Payment methods include credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and Amazon payments.
Speeds: Speed tests for PIA showed significant drops in download speeds across various servers. While using WireGuard protocol, speeds were faster than OpenVPN but still slower compared to top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN.
| OpenVPN Download Speeds (Mbps) | OpenVPN Upload Speeds (Mbps) | WireGuard Download Speeds (Mbps) | WireGuard Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| VPN off (New Zealand) | 930 | 516 | ||
| PIA US server | 238.52 | 7.17 | 300.65 | 8.65 |
| PIA UK server | 245 | 3.77 | 315.78 | 7.23 |
| PIA Vietnam server | 445 | 6.55 | 489 | 8.24 |
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
4. PureVPN
A mid-range VPN that balances performance and price
- ✔Affordable
- ✔Unblocks major streaming services
- ✔Use on up to 10 devices simultaneously
- ✔Streamlined user interface
- ✔No log audit verified by KPMG
- ✔Several free add-ons
- ❌Buffering on BBC iPlayer at peak times
- ❌Past concerns with “no log” policy
Streaming: PureVPN has shown improvement in its ability to unblock streaming services, surpassing Urban VPN. While it initially struggled with BBC iPlayer, its performance improved during less busy times. PureVPN can unblock major streaming services, but it may encounter buffering issues during peak streaming periods.
Servers: PureVPN offers a wide range of servers around the world. Although specific numbers are not provided, PureVPN’s server offerings are robust, allowing users to access various international content.
Privacy: PureVPN has faced criticism in the past for its privacy policies. However, it has recently undergone a no-log audit verified by KPMG in the past 12 months, aiming to reassure users about its commitment to privacy.
Price: PureVPN offers three payment options: a 1-month plan at $10.95/month, a 1-year plan at $3.74/month, and a 2-year plan at $1.96/month. PureVPN accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and a variety of other digital payment options.
Speeds: Below is a table that gives you an idea of the speed performance you can expect when using PureVPN. The VPN has shown variable download speeds across different streaming servers, with some experiencing significant drop-offs during peak times.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN | 189.44 | 139.82 |
| PureVPN UK Server | 24.31 | 98.99 |
| PureVPN US Server | 49.83 | 106.52 |
Read our full PureVPN review.
5. Surfshark
Affordable and secure VPN with unlimited device policy of 2024
- ✔Attractive pricing for long-term subscriptions
- ✔Supports unlimited simultaneous connections
- ✔Robust security and privacy
- ✔24/7 responsive chat support
- ✔Extensive server network in 100 countries
- ❌Has trouble with services like Hulu
- ❌Lacks a unique proprietary protocol
- ❌App can be overwhelming
- ❌Not the fastest among competitors
Streaming: Surfshark performs well with most streaming services but faces challenges with some, like Hulu. This could be a drawback for users who heavily rely on VPNs for streaming content from various regions. Still, Urban VPN can’t keep up with it.
Servers: Surfshark boasts a server network in 100 countries, which is well above the average and includes both physical and virtual servers, providing extensive geographic coverage.
Privacy: Surfshark emphasizes its commitment to privacy with successful DNS leak tests and independent security audits by Cure53, ensuring robust online security and privacy. You can find more about their security audits here.
Price: Surfshark offers a 1-month option costing $12.95/month, a 12-month option at $3.99/month, and a 24-month option at $2.49/month. It accepts major credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and various cryptocurrencies.
Speeds: Below is a table that gives you an idea of the speed performance when using Surfshark. From our tests, we observed decent speeds, suitable for general use, but not the fastest compared to some rivals.
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | Upload Speeds (Mbps) | |
| No VPN (New Zealand) | 940.55 | 520.24 |
| Surfshark US server | 775.9 | 6.15 |
| Surfshark UK server | 587.79 | 3.79 |
Read our full Surfshark review.
Urban VPN not working: FAQ
Q: Is Urban VPN trusted?
Answer: While Urban VPN offers some features like unlimited data and multiple device connections, it’s generally not considered a trusted VPN due to several concerns regarding security, privacy, and overall transparency. For example, despite claiming a “no-logs” policy,Urban VPN openly states they keep “connection logs” for up to 150 days,including timestamps and amount of transferred data.
Q: Is Urban VPN free forever?
Answer: Since Urban VPN is a non-commercial service, users can expect unlimited, unmetered free VPN connections for as long as its available. Urban VPN claims it is powered by the Urban VPN’s Premium users on Android and iOS.
Q: Can Urban VPN unblock streaming services?
Answer: While it’s possible for Urban VPN to get past geo-restrictions from streaming services, it isn’t guaranteed. It doesn’t have the right privacy tools to get past strict blocking techniques, and struggles to keep up with IP address blacklisting unlike paid VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Q: Can using Urban VPN result in a slower internet connection?
Answer: Using any VPN, including Urban VPN, can potentially slow down your internet connection due to the encryption process and the distance of the server you’re connected to. To minimise speed loss, choose a server location close to you and experiment with different VPN protocols to find the fastest option for your network.
Q: How can I improve the speed of my Urban VPN connection?
Answer: Slow speeds may result from connecting to a distant server, network congestion, or bandwidth throttling by your ISP. To improve speed, connect to a server closer to your location, use a wired connection if possible, and try changing the VPN protocol in the app settings.
