Avast VPN - FAQs | Avast
Skip to main content

Avast VPN - FAQs

General

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection, often described as a private tunnel, between your device and the internet. A VPN helps protect the data you upload and download, hides your real IP address from the websites you visit, and helps secure your connection when you use public Wi-Fi networks, such as in cafes or airports.

What is Avast VPN?

Avast VPN is an app 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.
  • Privacy: With broadband connections, many people have fixed IP addresses that can be used to track their online activity. When you connect to a VPN server, the websites and online services you visit see the IP address of the VPN server instead of your real IP address.
  • 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, a Kill-Switch, Auto-Connect options, local device access, private network exclusion, etc.
  • 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 apps 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.

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 works independently of Avast antivirus products. Whether you use Avast VPN in the Avast One app or as a standalone app, you do not need Avast Free Antivirus or Avast Premium Security to use it on your PC.

Yes. Avast VPN works independently of Avast antivirus products. Whether you use Avast VPN in the Avast One app or as a standalone app, you do not need Avast Security or Avast Premium Security to use it on your Mac.

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, 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.

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

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:
    • 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 Mode: Choose a VPN mode (Always on or Smart mode).
    • Advanced Settings: Change the VPN protocol used by Avast VPN and manage Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Post-Quantum Encryption, and other advanced features.
    • Tracker Blocker: Helps prevent advertisers from tracking and targeting you online.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences.
  2. Select from the following options in the left panel:
    • VPN: The following options are available:
      • VPN Mode: Choose when to automatically turn your VPN on and when to use it manually.
      • Advanced Settings: Change the VPN protocol used by Avast VPN and manage Kill Switch and Post-Quantum Encryption.
      • Tracker Blocker: Helps prevent advertisers from tracking and targeting you online.
    • General: Manage the Avast VPN icon in your Mac menu bar and startup preferences.
    • Subscription: View your subscription details, or Deactivate a subscription from this device.
    • Privacy: Manage your Personal Privacy data.
    • Notifications: Control when Avast VPN displays notifications.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Select from the following options:
    • Auto Connect: Choose when to turn on VPN automatically.
    • Ad Tracker Blocking: Helps block advertiser tracking technologies to reduce targeted ads.
    • Split Tunneling: Allows you to exclude specific apps from using VPN.
    • Kill Switch: Blocks internet access until your VPN is reconnected.
    • Access Local Devices with VPN: Allows access to local devices like printers and shared drives on trusted networks.
    • VPN Protocol Settings: Choose which protocol to use while using VPN.
    • Post-Quantum Encryption: Encryption that helps stop future quantum computer attacks.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Select from the following options:
    • Auto Connect: Choose when to turn on VPN automatically.
    • Ad Tracker Blocking: Helps block advertiser tracking technologies to reduce targeted ads.
    • Advanced settings: Choose which protocol to use while using VPN and turn the Kill Switch ON or OFF.
    • Post-Quantum Encryption: Encryption that helps stop future quantum computer attacks.

Can I ensure Avast VPN turns on automatically when I connect to a public Wi-Fi network?

Yes. If Smart mode is enabled, you can configure VPN to automatically turn on when connecting to public networks. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

Yes. You can configure VPN to automatically turn on when connecting to public networks. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

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

What is a trusted network?

You can add trusted networks, such as your home or work Wi-Fi, to your Trusted networks list. Avast VPN does not connect automatically when connected to a trusted network.

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

You can add trusted 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 Kill Switch?

Kill Switch is not available while using IPsec protocol.

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 ▸ Advanced Settings. Tick the box next to Activate Kill Switch.

You can activate Kill Switch via ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences ▸ VPN. Select the Advanced Settings tab, then use the slider next to Kill Switch to turn this feature on.

You can activate Kill Switch via Settings (the gear icon). Use the slider next to Kill Switch to turn this feature on.

You can activate Kill Switch via Settings (the gear icon) ▸ Advanced settings. Ensure IPsec protocol isn't selected, then use the slider next to Kill Switch to turn this feature on.

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

  1. Open Avast VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ About.
  2. The app version number is listed next to Program version.
  3. The app version number is listed next to Version.
  1. Open Avast VPN and go to Account ▸ About.
  2. The app version number is listed next to Version.

Connection

How do I choose when Avast VPN connects automatically?

Smart mode is only available on devices running Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Avast VPN offers two VPN modes:

  • Smart mode: Allows you to choose when your VPN connects automatically.
  • Always on: Automatically turns on the VPN whenever you are connected to the internet.

To change your current VPN mode, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ VPN mode. Click the box to choose between Smart mode and Always on.

Smart Mode options

When enabled, Smart mode automatically connects or disconnects your VPN according to your predefined settings. You can define when Smart mode will connect automatically by ticking the following options:

  • Connecting to Public networks
  • Banking
  • Shopping
  • Accessing sensitive content
  • Torrenting

Click Edit networks next to Connecting to Public networks, then add networks and mark each one as Private or Public. Avast VPN does not connect automatically when connected to a Private network.

Additionally, use Turn on VPN when visiting these websites or Don't turn on VPN on these websites to configure websites for which the VPN will or will not turn on automatically.

You can choose when to automatically turn your VPN on and when to use it manually. To manage when Avast VPN automatically connects, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences ▸ VPN. Select the VPN Mode tab, then use the sliders next to the following options to define when Avast VPN will connect automatically:

  • Connecting to Public networks
  • Banking
  • Shopping
  • Accessing sensitive content
  • Streaming
  • Torrenting

Click Edit... under Connecting to Public networks, then add any networks, such as your home or work Wi-Fi, to your Trusted networks list. Avast VPN does not connect automatically when connected to a trusted network.

Additionally, use Turn on VPN when visiting these websites or Don't turn on VPN on these websites to configure websites for which the VPN will or will not turn on automatically.

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 the drop-down arrow beside the currently selected VPN location.
  2. Optionally, use the menu to search for a specific server, or select one from the list. For countries that offer multiple cities, click the down arrow and select your preferred city.

Your location now shows as the country and city that you selected.

  1. Open Avast VPN, then tap the drop-down arrow beside the currently selected VPN location.
  2. Optionally, use the menu to search for a specific server, or select one from the list. For countries that offer multiple cities, tap the down arrow and select your preferred city.

Your location now shows as the country and city that you selected.

What is a private network?

You can add private networks, such as your home or work Wi-Fi, to your list of private networks. Private 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 private networks.

To learn how to enable auto-connect and add private networks, 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 OpenSSL 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 app VPN protocol settings via ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences ▸ VPN. Select the Advanced Settings tab. The following options are available:

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

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

  • Automatic (recommended): Avast VPN automatically selects the best protocol for maximum speed and security.
  • 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): Avast VPN automatically selects the best protocol for maximum speed and security.
  • IPsec: Avast VPN always connects using the IPsec 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 IPsec may be blocked.
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): Avast VPN automatically selects the best protocol for maximum speed and security.
  • 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.
  • OpenVPN (UDP): Prioritizes speed compared to TCP, making it convenient for gaming and streaming.
  • OpenVPN (TCP): Prioritizes reliability compared to UDP, making it convenient for browsing, email, and file transfer.
  • IPsec: Avast VPN always connects using the IPsec 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 IPsec may be blocked.

Does Avast VPN allow P2P sharing?

Yes. Avast VPN allows peer-to-peer sharing through our P2P-Optimized regions listed below:

  • United States
  • Netherlands
  • Japan
  • Spain
  • Australia

To connect to a P2P-Optimized 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. Optionally, click the drop-down arrow beside the selected region and select your preferred server.
  3. In the Change VPN Location screen, under Advanced Servers, click Best for peer to peer. Optionally, click the drop-down arrow beside the selected region and select your preferred server.
  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 ••• (the three dots) and select your preferred server.

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.
  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 ••• (the three dots) and select your preferred server.
  3. If you see an IP Rotation prompt, tap Connect.

How can I manually refresh my IP address?

To manually refresh your 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.
  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 a Double VPN prompt, click Connect.
  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 ••• (the three dots) and select your preferred server.
  3. If you see a 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.

The Pause feature is not available while using IPsec protocol.

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
  1. Open Avast VPN.
  2. While connected to a VPN server, tap 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

Your VPN connection is paused. Click Resume to reconnect.

Your VPN connection is paused. Tap Resume to reconnect.

What is Post-Quantum Encryption?

Post-Quantum Encryption is a new type of cryptographic protection designed to help keep data secure against both current and future attacks by quantum computers. 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. Post-Quantum Encryption may slow down your connection.
  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. Open Avast VPN and go to Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Ensure the slider next to Post-Quantum Encryption is ON.

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 Reconnect after restarting 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 the 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 set up 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 apps, then click Add Application.
  6. Navigate to the app whose traffic you want to exclude from the VPN, then select it and click Open.
  7. Click Save.

The selected app is added to the excluded list.

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 the 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 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.

A 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.

To ensure Tracker Blocker is enabled:

  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. Open Avast VPN and go to Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Select Ad Tracker Blocking.
  3. Ensure that the slider next to Block Ad Trackers is on.

What is the 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 an 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 location 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.
  • Refresh your IP address.
  • Select a different VPN protocol.
  • Disconnect other VPN services that may be running on your PC. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that Avast VPN will not 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 Account. Ensure Active appears next to Avast VPN.

If Avast VPN is still unable to establish a connection, try to uninstall and reinstall the app. 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.
  • Refresh your IP address.
  • Select a different VPN protocol.
  • Disconnect other VPN services that may be running on your Mac. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that Avast VPN will not 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 ▸ My Subscriptions. Ensure Active appears under Avast VPN.

If Avast VPN is still unable to establish a connection, try to uninstall and reinstall the app. 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.
  • Refresh your IP address.
  • 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 will not work properly.
  • Confirm that your subscription is active. Open Avast VPN and go to Account. Ensure your Avast VPN subscription is listed as Active.
  • 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.
  • Refresh your IP address.
  • Select a different VPN protocol.
  • 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 will not work properly.
  • Confirm that your subscription is active. Open Avast VPN and go to Account. Ensure your Avast VPN subscription is listed as Active.
  • 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.

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:

  • Write a positive review on Google Play Store.
  • Write a positive review on the App Store.
  • Tell your friends about our apps via Facebook or X.
  • Post reviews in Android related forums.
  • Post reviews in iOS related forums.
  • Report feedback via our support pages.
  • Avast VPN
  • Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS


Updated on: October-16-2026

Was this article helpful?

Need additional help?

Contact us
Avast logo
Canada (English)
For home
For business
For partners
Company
Avast logo © 2025 Gen Digital Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy policy Products policy Legal Report vulnerability Modern Slavery Statement Do not sell my info Subscription details Cookie Settings