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Avast VPN - FAQs

General

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects the data you upload and download by functioning as a private tunnel through the internet. It effectively anonymizes your internet activity and secures your connection when using public Wi-Fi, such as in cafes or airports.

What is Avast VPN?

Avast VPN is an application that allows you to connect to the internet via secure Avast VPN servers using an encrypted tunnel to protect your online activity from eavesdropping. Avast VPN can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy. This is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

Avast VPN mainly offers:

  • Protection: When many people connect to the same public network, attackers can capture sensitive data, such as logins and passwords. The encrypted VPN connection provides efficient protection against these types of attacks.
  • Anonymization: With broadband connections, many people have fixed IP addresses that can be tracked when browsing sensitive sites. With a VPN connection, the browsing session is effectively anonymized - the IP address the remote server sees is the address of the VPN server, not the user.
  • Unrestricted access to the internet: When connected to a VPN server in another location, you gain access to content that may be restricted in your location. This allows you to browse freely, even from countries with web censorship.

What are the differences between Avast One and the standalone Avast VPN?

Avast VPN is a standalone app that helps secure your internet connection, hide your IP address, and access content more privately and securely whether you’re at home or on the move. Avast One is an all-in-one app that provides a single interface for Avast security, privacy, and performance features. Through Avast One, users can access functionality such as VPN, Antivirus and Cleanup. Some features are available for free, while access to premium features depends on the subscription(s) you purchased.

For more information about Avast One, refer to the New Avast One – FAQs.

What's the difference between Avast VPN and the VPN feature in Avast Secure Browser PRO?

If you use Avast VPN and Avast Secure Browser PRO, you only need to enable one VPN at a time to ensure protection. Refer to the app comparison below:

  • Avast VPN: Includes full traffic protection, multiple secure protocols, additional VPN locations, Smart VPN, a Kill-Switch, Auto-Connect, local device access, and private network exclusion.
  • Avast Secure Browser PRO: Protects only traffic from the browser and includes the option to connect/disconnect the VPN, 30 VPN locations, a Kill-Switch, and Auto-Connect.
  • Avast Secure Browser PRO: Includes the option to connect/disconnect the VPN, 30 VPN locations, a Kill-Switch, Auto-Connect, and Device-Wide VPN.

Download and Installation

What are the system requirements for Avast VPN?

For Avast VPN system requirements, refer to the following article:

Avast VPN is not supported and cannot be installed or run on Symbian, Microsoft Windows Phone/Mobile, Bada, WebOS, or any mobile operating system other than Android or iOS.

How can I download and install Avast VPN?

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the following article:

Why is Avast VPN being installed through the Avast One app?

Avast is consolidating its Windows products into a single modular app, Avast One, where VPN, Antivirus, and Cleanup run as modules inside one interface. This app allows you to manage all your Avast apps from a single interface, eliminating the need to switch between individual apps. The Avast VPN product pages on http://avast.com/ now deliver the Avast One installer with your VPN module pre-activated, rather than a standalone Avast VPN installer.

Your VPN features, subscription, and activation details are preserved, and if you had standalone Avast VPN installed, Avast One replaces it and carries your subscription over automatically. If you prefer to continue using the standalone version of Avast VPN app, you can still download and install it separately.

How do I switch from Avast One to the standalone app?

If you prefer to use the standalone Avast VPN app instead of Avast One, refer to the following article: How to switch from Avast One to a standalone app.

Can I use Avast VPN without installing Avast Antivirus?

Yes. Avast VPN is a standalone application. You do not need Avast Free Antivirus or Avast Premium Security installed on your PC to use Avast VPN.

Yes. Avast VPN is a standalone application. You do not need Avast Security or Avast Premium Security installed on your Mac to use Avast VPN.

Is Avast VPN included when I purchase Avast Premium Security?

No. Avast VPN requires a separate subscription to use. You cannot use an Avast Premium Security subscription to activate Avast VPN.

You can purchase a separate Avast VPN subscription via the official Avast website.

What is the Avast VPN browser extension?

The Avast VPN browser extension is an optional installable component that allows you to conveniently adjust certain aspects of Avast VPN behavior directly via Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. To learn how to install and use the Avast VPN browser extension on Windows or Mac, refer to the following article:

Subscription and Activation

How do I activate an Avast VPN subscription?

For detailed activation instructions, refer to the following article:

Can I use my Avast VPN subscription on multiple devices?

When you purchase an Avast VPN (Multi-Device) subscription, you can activate your subscription on up to 10 devices simultaneously. You can transfer your subscription freely between devices and platforms.

New Avast VPN (Multi-Device) subscriptions purchased from the start of April 2021 are valid for 10 devices. If you purchased your Avast VPN (Multi-Device) subscription before April 2021, it is valid for 5 devices during the current subscription period. When your subscription renews, it will upgrade to 10 devices.

To check which subscription you purchased, check the order confirmation email, or your Avast Account that is linked to the email address you provided at checkout.

What happens after my 7-day free trial ends?

When your 7-day free trial ends, your selected subscription automatically starts so that you can continue using Avast VPN. You are charged for your subscription on the day that your free-trial period ends.

If you no longer want to use Avast VPN, you need to cancel your subscription during the free-trial period via Google Play Store.

If you no longer want to use Avast VPN, you need to cancel your subscription during the free-trial period via the App Store.

How can I cancel my subscription?

For information about canceling an Avast subscription, refer to the following article:

Even if you are still in a free-trial period, you need to cancel your subscription via Google Play Store, otherwise you will be charged for the subscription when the free-trial period ends.
Even if you are still in a free-trial period, you need to cancel your subscription via the App Store, otherwise you will be charged for the subscription when the free-trial period ends.

What if I want to start using Avast VPN on a new device?

You can use Avast VPN on the number of devices specified during purchase. If you have reached the device limit for your subscription, you can uninstall or deactivate Avast VPN on a current device, before installing and activating the application on a new device.

For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

What should I do if activation is unsuccessful?

Ensure that your subscription is valid for Avast VPN. You cannot use an Avast Premium Security subscription to activate Avast VPN.

If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the following article for advice:

Settings and Usage

How do I start using Avast VPN?

To learn how to start using Avast VPN, refer to the following article:

How do I know that the VPN is active and working?

After you enable Avast VPN by clicking the red OFF slider on the main application screen so that it changes to green ON, Avast VPN displays the text Your online privacy is protected.

After you tap Connect on the main app screen, Avast VPN displays the text Connected.

How do I adjust Avast VPN settings?

  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
  2. Select from the following options in the left panel:
    • VPN mode: Choose a VPN mode (Manual VPN Mode or Smart VPN Mode).
    • General: Manage notifications, startup preferences, and content language within the app. You can also opt in to become a beta tester for new versions of Avast VPN.
    • VPN protocols: Change the VPN protocol used by Avast VPN.
    • Pair devices: If you have an Avast VPN (Multi-Device) subscription, you can use this option to activate Avast VPN on other devices. For instructions, refer to the article: Pairing an Avast VPN subscription.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences.
  2. Select from the following options in the left panel:
    • VPN mode: Choose a VPN mode (Smart VPN Mode or Manual VPN Mode).
    • General: Manage notifications and startup preferences. You can also opt in to become a beta tester for new versions of Avast VPN.
    • VPN protocols: Change the VPN protocol used by Avast VPN.
    • Pair devices: If you have an Avast VPN (Multi-Device) subscription, you can use this option to activate Avast VPN on other devices. For instructions, refer to the article: Pairing an Avast VPN subscription.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Select from the following options:
    • Account: View your current subscription details. If you have an Avast VPN (Multi-Device) subscription, you can tap Pair devices to activate Avast VPN on other devices. For instructions, refer to the article: Pairing an Avast VPN subscription.
    • Connection rules: Manage your Auto Connect settings, and enable Split Tunneling, Kill Switch, Wi-Fi Threat Shield, Local Network Bypass or change the VPN Protocol.
    • Troubleshooting: View frequently asked questions about the app or access the Avast Forum.
    • General: Rate the app, manage notifications and personal privacy settings, check the app version number, or view the End User License Agreement.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Select from the following options:
    • Account: View your current subscription details. If you have an Avast VPN (Multi-Device) subscription, you can tap Pair new device to activate Avast VPN on other devices. For instructions, refer to the article: Pairing an Avast VPN subscription.
    • Connection rules: Manage your Auto Connect settings and change the VPN Protocol.
    • Troubleshooting: View frequently asked questions about the app, or contact Avast Support.
    • General: Rate the app, manage personal privacy settings, check the app version number or view the Privacy Policy, Avast Terms of Service, and Open-source libraries.

What is the difference between Smart VPN Mode and Manual VPN Mode?

Smart VPN Mode is only available in Avast VPN on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Smart VPN Mode is only available in Avast VPN on Apple macOS 10.15 or later.

Avast VPN offers two VPN modes. To change your current VPN mode, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ VPN mode.

Avast VPN offers two VPN modes. To change your current VPN mode, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences ▸ VPN mode.

The following modes are available:

  • Manual VPN Mode allows you to connect and disconnect the VPN manually, and select your preferred server location via the main application screen. You can also configure the VPN to connect automatically whenever you are using an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
  • Smart VPN Mode automatically connects or disconnects the VPN based on your predefined settings. For example, you can ensure that the VPN turns on automatically whenever you visit a banking website. You can also specify websites that always trigger Smart VPN connection, and define which server location you automatically connect to each time you visit the website. If no server location is defined, Smart VPN uses the fastest available server location by default.

For more information about managing your Avast VPN settings for Manual VPN Mode and Smart VPN Mode, refer to the following article:

Can I ensure Avast VPN enables automatically when I connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network?

Yes. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

What is a trusted network?

You can add private networks, such as your home or work Wi-Fi, to your trusted networks list. You can then choose to exclude these trusted networks from your VPN auto-connect settings. This means that Avast VPN connects automatically every time you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, except when you are connected to your trusted networks.

To learn how to enable auto-connect and add trusted networks, refer to the following article:

What is Kill Switch?

When Kill Switch is enabled, your internet connection is automatically blocked if Avast VPN unexpectedly disconnects. This ensures that your real location is not exposed.

You can activate Kill Switch via ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ VPN mode. Ensure Manual VPN Mode is selected, and tick the box next to Activate Kill Switch.

You can activate Kill Switch via ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences ▸ VPN mode. Ensure Manual VPN Mode is selected, and tick the box next to Activate Kill Switch.

How do I check which version of Avast VPN I have?

  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ About.
  2. The application version number is listed under Software version.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to Settings (the gear icon) ▸ About.
  2. The app version number is listed under Current version.

Connection

How does Smart VPN work?

Smart VPN is only available on devices running Windows 11 and Windows 10Apple macOS 10.15.x (Catalina) or later.

When enabled, Smart VPN automatically connects or disconnects your VPN according to your predefined settings. To manage when Smart VPN automatically connects, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ VPN mode. Click Smart VPN Mode to enable Smart VPN. Tick the following Smart rules to define when Smart VPN will connect automatically:

  • I connect to public networks
  • I use torrent apps and websites
  • I go on banking sites
  • I stream videos
  • Add sites: Allows you to choose specific websites that trigger Smart VPN connection. You can also define which VPN server location Smart VPN will connect to when you visit the site.

Additionally, in the Trusted sites section, click Add sites, then specify any websites that are always excluded from your Smart VPN connection settings.

When enabled, Smart VPN automatically connects or disconnects your VPN according to your predefined settings. To manage when Smart VPN automatically connects, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences ▸ VPN mode. Click Smart VPN Mode to enable Smart VPN. Tick the following Smart rules to define when Smart VPN will connect automatically:

  • I connect to untrusted networks
  • I use torrent apps and websites
  • I go on banking sites
  • I stream videos
  • Add sites: Allows you to choose specific websites that trigger Smart VPN connection. You can also define which VPN server location Smart VPN will connect to when you visit the site.

Additionally, in the Trusted sites section, click Add sites, then specify any websites that are always excluded from your Smart VPN connection settings.

Can I use Avast VPN with any type of internet connection?

Yes. Avast VPN connects over any wired or wireless internet connection.

How do I connect to a different VPN server location?

  1. Open Avast VPN, then click Change on the main application screen.
  2. Select a location from the list.

Avast VPN automatically connects to the new location you selected.

The option to change the VPN server location via the main application screen is not available when Smart VPN Mode is enabled. This is because Smart VPN always connects to the fastest server location available automatically, or to the server location that you specified in your Smart VPN settings.

For more information about managing your Smart VPN settings, refer to the following section in this article: How does Smart VPN work?
  1. Open Avast VPN, then tap Server location at the bottom of the main app screen.
  2. Select a location from the list.

Avast VPN automatically connects to the new location you selected.

Can I ensure Avast VPN enables automatically when I connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network?

Yes. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

What is a trusted network?

You can add private networks, such as your home or work Wi-Fi, to your list of trusted networks. Trusted networks are excluded from your VPN auto-connect settings. This means that you can configure Avast VPN to turn on automatically whenever you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, unless it is one of your trusted networks.

To learn how to enable auto-connect and add trusted networks, refer to the following article:

What is Split Tunneling?

Split Tunneling ensures that certain apps never connect to the internet via Avast VPN servers, even when Avast VPN is enabled. For example, you can specify that your email app is excluded from VPN connection, allowing you to send and receive emails from your real location, but still access online content without restrictions when you use your preferred web browser app.

For more information about Split Tunneling, refer to the following article:

What is Kill Switch?

When Kill Switch is enabled, your internet connection is automatically blocked if Avast VPN unexpectedly disconnects. This ensures that your real location is not exposed.

The Kill Switch feature is only available on devices running Google Android 8.0 (Oreo, API 26) and later. Kill Switch is also not available on all device types (for example, this feature is not available on Huawei devices).

For more information about the Kill Switch, refer to the following article:

What is Wi-Fi Threat Shield?

When your VPN is off, Avast VPN runs a quick scan to check if the Wi-Fi network you are connected to is safe. If a threat is detected and Wi-Fi Threat Shield is enabled, we automatically turn on your VPN to protect your privacy.

To learn how to enable Wi-Fi Threat Shield, refer to the following article:

What is Local Network Bypass?

Your real IP address is hidden while using the VPN and local devices (such as printers, Chromecast, etc) are unable to find you on your shared network. Enabling Local Network Bypass allows you to access these devices even while connected to the VPN.

To learn how to enable Local Network Bypass, refer to the following article:

What kind of encryption does Avast VPN use?

Avast VPN uses the AES 256 bit encryption key, which is bank grade encryption. It also uses Open SSL and certificate authentication.

What ports does Avast VPN run on?

Avast VPN for Windows starts primarily with port 553 UDP and then runs on one of the ports in the range of 50 to 32767 TCP.

Avast VPN for Mac runs on ports 50, 500, 1701, and 4500.

Can I change the VPN protocol that Avast VPN uses?

Advanced users can customize the VPN protocol settings via ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Advanced Settings. The following options are available:

Advanced users can customize the application VPN protocol settings via ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences ▸ Advanced Settings. The following options are available:

Yes. You can change the VPN protocol settings via Settings (the gear icon) ▸ VPN Protocol. The following options are available:

  • Automatic (recommended): Where possible, Avast VPN connects using the OpenVPN protocol. If connection via OpenVPN fails, the application automatically switches to the Mimic protocol.
  • WireGuard: Avast VPN always connects using WireGuard.
  • Mimic: Avast VPN always connects using the Mimic protocol. This is useful in countries with restrictions on VPN use, where OpenVPN may be blocked.
  • OpenVPN: Avast VPN always connects using the OpenVPN protocol.
  • Automatic (recommended): Where possible, Avast VPN connects using the IPsec protocol. If connection via IPsec fails, the application automatically switches to the Mimic protocol.
  • IPsec: Avast VPN always connects using the IPsec protocol.
  • Mimic: Avast VPN always connects using the Mimic protocol. This is useful in countries with restrictions on VPN use, where IPsec may be blocked.
  • WireGuard: Avast VPN always connects using WireGuard.
Some routers have the option to enable or disable IPsec, sometimes displayed as VPN passthrough. For Avast VPN to work properly using the IPsec VPN protocol, IPsec or VPN passthrough must be enabled in your router settings.
  • Automatic (recommended): Where possible, Avast VPN connects using the OpenVPN protocol. If connection via OpenVPN fails, the application automatically switches to the Mimic protocol.
  • WireGuard: Avast VPN always connects using WireGuard.
  • Mimic: Avast VPN always connects using the Mimic protocol. This is useful in countries with restrictions on VPN use, where OpenVPN may be blocked.
  • OpenVPN: Avast VPN always connects using the OpenVPN protocol.
  • Automatic (recommended): Where possible, Avast VPN connects using the IPsec protocol. If connection via IPsec fails, the application automatically switches to the Mimic protocol.
  • IPsec: Avast VPN always connects using the IPsec protocol.
  • Mimic: Avast VPN always connects using the Mimic protocol. This is useful in countries with restrictions on VPN use, where IPsec may be blocked.

Does Avast VPN allow P2P sharing?

Yes. Avast VPN allows peer-to-peer through our data center locations listed below:

  • United States
  • Netherlands
  • Japan
  • Spain
  • Australia

What are IP Rotation servers?

IP Rotation servers are helpful for tasks that require extra privacy. IP rotation regularly changes your IP address to help prevent tracking, reduce website restrictions, and avoid dynamic pricing. This feature uses the WireGuard protocol.

To connect to an IP Rotation server:

Using IP Rotation may slow down your internet connection.
  1. Open Avast VPN and click the drop-down arrow beside the currently selected VPN location.
  2. In the Change VPN Location screen, under Advanced Servers, click IP Rotation. Optionally, click the down arrow and select your preferred server.
  3. If you see an IP Rotation prompt, click Connect.

You can also use Avast VPN to manually refresh your virtual IP address.

The manual refresh button is not available when connected to IP Rotation and Double VPN servers.
  1. Open Avast VPN.
  2. While connected to a VPN server, click the Refresh icon on the main dashboard.

Avast VPN refreshes the IP address.

What are IP Rotation servers?

IP Rotation servers are helpful for tasks that require extra privacy. IP rotation regularly changes your IP address to help prevent tracking, reduce website restrictions, and avoid dynamic pricing. This feature uses the WireGuard protocol.

To connect to an IP Rotation server:

Using IP Rotation may slow down your internet connection.
  1. Open Avast VPN and tap the drop-down arrow beside the currently selected VPN location.
  2. In the Change VPN location screen, under Advanced Servers, tap IP Rotation. Optionally, tap the three-dot button and select your preferred server.
  3. If you see an IP Rotation prompt, tap Connect.

You can also use Avast VPN to manually refresh your virtual IP address.

The manual refresh button is not available when connected to IP Rotation and Double VPN servers.
  1. Open Avast VPN.
  2. While connected to a VPN server, tap the Refresh icon on the main dashboard.

Avast VPN refreshes the IP address.

What are Double VPN servers?

Double VPN is helpful for tasks that require extra privacy. Double VPN servers send all your data through two different VPN locations to further hide your real location and help enhance your online safety and privacy. This feature uses the WireGuard protocol.

To connect to a Double VPN server:

Using Double VPN may slow down your internet connection.
  1. Open Avast VPN and click the drop-down arrow beside the currently selected VPN location.
  2. In the Change VPN Location screen, under Advanced Servers, click Double VPN. Optionally, click the down arrow and select your preferred server.
  3. If you see an Double VPN prompt, click Connect.

What are Double VPN servers?

Double VPN is helpful for tasks that require extra privacy. Double VPN servers send all your data through two different VPN locations to further hide your real location and help enhance your online safety and privacy. This feature uses the WireGuard protocol.

To connect to a Double VPN server:

Using Double VPN may slow down your internet connection.
  1. Open Avast VPN and tap the drop-down arrow beside the currently selected VPN location.
  2. In the Change VPN location screen, under Advanced Servers, tap Double VPN. Optionally, tap the three-dot button and select your preferred server.
  3. If you see an Double VPN prompt, tap Connect.

Can I use multiple VPNs at the same time?

You can enable the option to use multiple active VPNs in Avast VPN advanced settings:

  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
  2. Select Advanced Settings in the left-side menu.
  3. Ensure the check-box next to Enable multiple active VPNs is enabled.

Can I pause my VPN connection without disconnecting?

Yes. The Pause feature in Avast VPN lets you pause your VPN connection for a set time and automatically reconnect afterward. This is useful for accessing trusted local resources or resolving connection issues without leaving your device unprotected for long.

To temporarily pause your VPN connection:

  1. Open Avast VPN.
  2. While connected to a VPN server, click the Pause button on the main dashboard.
  3. In the drop-down list that appears, select the duration you want to pause the VPN for.

    • 15 minutes

    • 30 minutes

    • 60 minutes

Can I pause my VPN connection without disconnecting?

Yes. The Pause feature in Avast VPN lets you pause your VPN connection for a set time and automatically reconnect afterward. This is useful for accessing trusted local resources or resolving connection issues without leaving your device unprotected for long.

To temporarily pause your VPN connection:

  1. Open Avast VPN.
  2. While connected to a VPN server, tap the Pause button on the main screen.
  3. In the drop-down list that appears, select the duration you want to pause the VPN for.

    • 15 minutes

    • 30 minutes

    • 60 minutes

Your VPN connection is paused. Click Resume to re-connect.

What is Post-Quantum Encryption?

Post-Quantum Encryption is a new type of cryptographic protection designed to help keep data secure against both today and future quantum computer attacks. To enable Post-Quantum Encryption:

Post-Quantum Encryption is enabled by default for the Mimic protocol and can also be used with the WireGuard protocol.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
  2. Select Advanced Settings in the left-side menu.
  3. Ensure the check-box next to Post-Quantum Encryption is enabled.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences.
  2. Ensure VPN is selected in the left-side menu, then click the Advanced Settings tab.
  3. Ensure the slider next to Post-Quantum Encryption is ON.
  1. Launch Avast VPN and tap Account on the bottom of the screen.
  2. In the screen that appears, tap Settings.
  3. In the Settings page, tap VPN Preferences.
  4. In the VPN Preferences page, move the slider to enable Post-Quantum Encryption.

Does Avast VPN reconnect automatically after restarting my device?

Avast VPN includes an option to automatically reconnect to your VPN connection after restarting your device. To enable this feature:

  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
  2. Select Advanced Settings in the left-side menu.
  3. Ensure the check-box next to Enable multiple active VPNs is enabled.

What is Split Tunneling?

Split Tunneling ensures that certain apps never connect to the internet via Avast VPN servers, even when Avast VPN is enabled. For example, you can specify that your email app is excluded from VPN connection, allowing you to send and receive emails from your real location, but still access online content without restrictions when you use your preferred web browser app. To setup Split Tunneling:

  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
  2. Select Advanced Settings in the left-side menu.
  3. Scroll down to Split Tunneling and ensure the check-box next to Exclude apps from VPN is enabled.
  4. Optionally, tick Exclude software updates to prevent software update processes from using the VPN.
  5. Click Edit Apps to open a list of excluded applications, then click Add Application.
  6. Navigate to the application whose traffic you want to exclude from the VPN, then select it and click Open.
  7. Click Save.

The selected application is added to the excluded list.

What is Tracker Blocker?

Each device has a unique advertising ID that may be used to track details such as your name, address, and age. Advertising IDs may be used by app developers to create targeted advertisements that are relevant to you. Tracker Blocker in Avast VPN helps block advertiser tracking technologies to reduce targeted ads.

Small number of websites require Tracker Blocker to be disabled to work properly. If you trust these websites, you can disable Tracker Blocker for them.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
  2. Select Tracker Blocker in the left-side menu.
  3. Ensure the check-box next to Ad Tracker Blocker is enabled.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences.
  2. Ensure VPN is selected in the left-side menu, then click the Tracker Blocker tab.
  3. Ensure the slider next to Tracker Blocker is ON.
  1. Launch Avast VPN and tap Account on the bottom of the screen.
  2. In the screen that appears, tap Settings.
  3. In the Settings page, tap VPN Preferences and then tap Ad Tracker Blocking.
  4. In the screen that appears move the slider to enable Ad Tracker Blocking.

What is P2P File Sharing?

P2P file sharing allows you to share files from your computer over the Internet without routing through a central server.

  1. Open Avast VPN and click the drop-down arrow beside the currently selected VPN location.
  2. In the Change VPN Location screen, under Advanced Servers, click P2P-Optimized Region.
  1. Open Avast VPN and tap the drop-down arrow beside the currently selected VPN location.
  2. In the Change VPN location screen, under Advanced Servers, tap P2P-Optimized Region. Optionally, tap the three-dot button and select your preferred server.

What is Avast VPN widget?

The Avast VPN widget allows you to control your VPN from the home screen without needing to open the app. You can conveniently connect, disconnect, or pause your VPN connection with a single tap on the widget.

  1. Tap and hold the empty space on your mobile home screen.
  2. Tap Widgets.
  3. In the screen that appears, tap the Avast VPN widget. Drag the widget to your preferred place on the screen.
  4. To connect to your VPN, tap Connect.

Troubleshooting

How can I uninstall Avast VPN?

For detailed uninstallation instructions, refer to the following article:

Removing Avast VPN from your device does not automatically cancel your subscription. For information about canceling an Avast subscription, refer to the following article: Canceling an Avast subscription - FAQs

What should I do if Avast VPN is unable to establish a connection?

If Avast VPN is unable to establish a connection, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Check that your internet connection works when Avast VPN is disconnected. If your internet connection isn't working, check your network configuration.
  • Select a different Avast server location.
  • Disconnect other VPN services that may be running on your PC. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that Avast VPN won't work properly.
  • Restart your PC and try connecting to Avast VPN again.
  • Check the configuration of your firewall. Firewall configurations vary according to the vendor/manufacturer. Consult the related documentation for information about running a VPN.
  • Confirm that your subscription is active. Open Avast VPN, and go to ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions. Ensure Active appears next to Avast VPN.
  • Confirm that your subscription is active. Open Avast VPN, and go to ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions. Ensure Active appears next to Avast VPN.

If Avast VPN is still unable to establish a connection, try to uninstall and reinstall the application. For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles:

  • Check that your internet connection works when Avast VPN is disconnected. If your internet connection isn't working, check your network configuration.
  • Select a different Avast server location.
  • Disconnect other VPN services that may be running on your Mac. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that Avast VPN won't work properly.
  • Restart your Mac and try connecting to Avast VPN again.
  • Some routers have the option to enable or disable IPsec, sometimes displayed as VPN passthrough. For Avast VPN to connect and function properly, ensure that IPsec or VPN passthrough is enabled.
  • Check the configuration of your firewall. Consult your firewall vendor to check that UDP port 500 and UDP port 4500 are open on your firewall.
  • Confirm that your subscription is active. Open Avast VPN, and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Subscription. Ensure Your subscription is active appears at the top of the screen.

If Avast VPN is still unable to establish a connection, try to uninstall and reinstall the application. For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles:

  • Check that your internet connection works when Avast VPN is disconnected. If your internet connection isn't working, check your network configuration.
  • Select a different Avast server location.
  • Select a different VPN protocol.
  • Disconnect other VPN services that may be running on your Android device. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that Avast VPN won't work properly.
  • Confirm that your subscription is active. Open Avast VPN, go to Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Subscription. Ensure your subscription type and Activation code appear on the screen.
  • Try to uninstall and reinstall the app. For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles:

If Avast VPN is still unable to establish a connection, the problem may be caused by the network policies of the Wi-Fi or cellular network you are connected to.

  • Check that your internet connection works when Avast VPN is disconnected. If your internet connection isn't working, check your network configuration.
  • Select a different Avast server location.
  • Disconnect other VPN services that may be running on your iOS device. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that Avast VPN won't work properly.
  • Confirm that your subscription is active. Open Avast VPN, and go to Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Subscription. Ensure your subscription type and Activation code appear on the screen.
  • Try to uninstall and reinstall the app. For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles:

If Avast VPN is still unable to establish a connection, the problem may be caused by the network policies of the Wi-Fi or cellular network you are connected to.

How do I contact Avast Support?

 

We offer many self-help articles on Avast Support pages. However, some issues may require deeper investigation by Avast Support.

 

If you experience issues with Avast VPN, you can contact Avast Support. Our support agents will help you resolve your issues.

What if I have a different issue?

For information about other issues you may experience while using Avast VPN, including common error messages, refer to the following article:

Other

When is the regularly scheduled maintenance?

Regular maintenance occurs every Saturday at 6PM EST (GMT/UTC -5), or 6PM EDT (GMT/UTC -4) during daylight saving time, and lasts for 1 hour. Your service is not typically affected by this maintenance.

Why is Avast VPN a paid product when other VPN services are free?

To support the continued development of Avast VPN and give you access to the best VPN technology, Avast VPN is a paid product.

Many free VPN services sell your data to third parties, place ads and videos into your browser, and slow down your internet connection.

Avast VPN never compromises user experience or privacy. We do not share or sell your data to third parties, nor do we monitor your internet activity. Avast VPN does not interfere with your internet connection and does not contain third-party ads.

Does Avast VPN log user information?

Avast VPN stores connection logs, which include information such as the time you connect and disconnect, the duration of the connection, and bandwidth usage. This information is used for diagnostic purposes and to help prevent abuse of the VPN connection.

We do not log activity such as the websites you visit, what data is transferred, and which IP addresses are accessed. For more information, refer to the Avast Privacy Policy.

How can I provide feedback about the app?

If you want to provide feedback or show appreciation and support for Avast VPN, you can:

  • Avast VPN
  • Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS


Updated on: 10/10/2026

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