Hotspot Shield Not Working or Connecting? Here’s how to fix it

Have you ever settled down for a gaming session or a movie marathon on Netflix, only to find that Hotspot Shield is not working? It’s a frustrating situation, we know. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to get Hotspot Shield up and running again. Whether it’s a case of Hotspot Shield not working correctly or even if Hotspot Shield is not connecting to servers at all, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve compiled a list of potential solutions, ranging from basic checks to more advanced procedures. Each step is designed to tackle a specific issue that might be causing your Hotspot Shield to stop working or connecting to servers.

Hotspot Shield Not working

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what might be causing the issue that Hotspot Shield is not working on your device. Knowing the root cause can save you time and lead you directly to the right solution.

Remember, the goal here is to fix any issues that are preventing Hotspot Shield from working properly on your device. So, let’s dive in and get Hotspot Shield working again in no time.

Quick fix

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1. Restart Your Device

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Restarting your device can clear temporary conflicts or glitches that might be causing Hotspot Shield not to work.

Restarting clears the device’s memory and stops all processes, including any that might be conflicting with Hotspot Shield and not allowing it to work correctly. It’s like giving your device a fresh start, and it often resolves various software-related issues.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

Hotspot Shield connection relies on your internet connection, so if there’s an issue with your internet, Hotspot Shield won’t work or connect to the internet.

• Test Your Connection: Open a web browser and try accessing different websites. If you can’t connect, the issue might be with your internet connection.
• Check Your Wi-Fi: If you’re on Wi-Fi, ensure you’re connected to the right network and that the signal strength is good.
• Check Your Ethernet Cable: Try a different ethernet cable if you have one.
• Restart Your Router: Sometimes, restarting your router can resolve connection issues.

3. Update the Hotspot Shield app

Keeping Hotspot Shield up to date ensures the following:

1. Bug Fixes: Updates often contain fixes for bugs or other technical issues that have been identified in previous versions of the software. If you’re experiencing problems with Hotspot Shield not working, these may be known issues that have been resolved in the latest Hotspot Shield app version.
2. Compatibility Updates: As operating systems like Windows get updated, applications must also be updated to ensure they remain compatible with the system changes. If your operating system has received a recent update, it’s important to update Hotspot Shield to ensure it continues working properly.
3. Performance Improvements: Software updates often come with enhancements that improve the speed and performance of the application.
4. Security Enhancements: VPN applications like Hotspot Shield manage sensitive data (like your internet traffic). Consequently, they are often targeted by malicious entities. Therefore, regular updates often include patches for newly discovered security vulnerabilities.
5. New Features: Updates may also introduce new features or enhancements to existing ones for improved user experience.

Updating from the app is usually the easiest way:

1. Open the Hotspot Shield app.
2. Go to the settings menu.
3. Look for the ‘Check for Updates‘ option and click on it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

If updating from the app doesn’t work or there is no update available, you can download the latest version directly from Hotspot Shield’s website:

1. Visit Hotspot Shield’s download page.
2. Select your device’s operating system.
3. Download the latest version and follow the installation instructions.

4. Try a Different VPN Server

Sometimes, the VPN server you’re trying to connect to might be experiencing issues. Trying to connect to a different Hotspot Shield server can often resolve the problem.

• Switch Servers: Hotspot Shield has hundreds of VPN servers worldwide. If one doesn’t work, there are plenty more to choose from. Simply disconnect from the current server and choose a different one from the server list to establish your VPN connection.
• Use the Quick Connect Feature: Hotspot Shield’s Quick Connect feature automatically selects the best server for you to setup a VPN connection. It considers factors like server load and distance to ensure a smooth connection.

5. Reinstall Hotspot Shield

If, after updating, Hotspot Shield is still not working or connecting to servers, reinstalling Hotspot Shield might help. This process ensures you have a clean installation without any potential file conflicts.

Another thing you could do, is to uninstall the tap Hotspot Shield Windows adapter and let it reinstall it self.

Below, you can find comprehensive instructions to reinstall Hotspot Shield on different devices:

Windows

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click on “Uninstall a program” under “Programs“.
3. Locate Hotspot Shield from the list and click on “Uninstall“.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
5. Restart your system to ensure all Hotspot Shield components have been removed.
6. Visit the official Hotspot Shield website and download the latest version of the software.
7. Install the downloaded software by opening the .exe file and follow the on-screen prompts.
8. Check if Hotspot Shield is still not working or connecting to servers.

Mac OS

1. Open “Finder“.
2. Find the Hotspot Shield app in the Applications folder.
3. Drag the Hotspot Shield icon to the Trash.
4. Empty the Trash to complete the uninstallation.
5. Download the latest version of Hotspot Shield from the App Store or from the official website.
6. Once downloaded, open it from your Applications folder.
7. Check if Hotspot Shield is still not working or connecting to servers.

iOS

1. Locate Hotspot Shield from your device’s Homescreen.
2. Press and hold the Hotspot Shield icon until it shakes.
3. Click on the ‘X‘ that appears in the corner of the icon to delete it.
4. Go to the App Store.
5. Search for Hotspot Shield.
6. Click “Get” to download and then install it.
7. Check if Hotspot Shield is still not working or connecting to servers.

Android

1. Locate Hotspot Shield from your device’s Apps screen.
2. Long press the Hotspot Shield icon.
3. Drag the icon to “Uninstall” at the top of the screen.
4. Download the Hotspot Shield app from the Google Play Store and install it.
5. Check if Hotspot Shield is still not working or connecting to servers.

Linux

1. Open Terminal.
2. If you installed Hotspot Shield from the repository: Run sudo apt-get remove Hotspot Shield* If you installed Hotspot Shield from the .deb package: Run sudo dpkg –purge Hotspot Shield*.
3. Download Hotspot Shield from the Hotspot Shield’s official website.
4. Open the Terminal in the directory with the downloaded package.
5. Install the .deb package by running: sudo dpkg -i file_name.deb (file_name.deb should be replaced with the name of the package you’ve downloaded).
6. Check if Hotspot Shield is still not working or connecting to servers.

As always, it’s a good idea to restart your device after uninstalling the old VPN before proceeding with the new installation.

6. Change Your VPN Protocol

Hotspot Shield uses different VPN protocols to secure your data. If you’re having trouble connecting to Hotspot Shield servers or it’s not working at all, switching your VPN protocol might help solve any connectivity issues.

Each protocol has its strengths and weaknesses:

• OpenVPN: Highly secure and versatile, but can be slower than other protocols.
• IKEv2/IPSec: Fast and secure, and excellent at reconnecting if your internet connection drops.
• WireGuard: Fast and secure connections.

How to Switch Between Protocols:

1. Open the Hotspot Shield app.
2. Go to the settings menu.
3. Look for the ‘VPN Protocol‘ option and select a different protocol.
4. Try connecting to a server again.

7. Check Your Firewall Settings

Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. However, they can sometimes block your Hotspot Shield connection and prevent it from working as usual.

If Hotspot Shield is not working due to firewall blocking, you can add it as an exception:

Windows:

1. Press the Windows key, then start typing “firewall”.
2. Select the “Windows Defender Firewall” option.
3. In the left sidebar, click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.“
4. Click the “Change Settings” button for administrative privileges.
5. Look for Hotspot Shield in the list, and if it’s missing, click “Allow another App” and browse to Hotspot Shield exe file.
6. Check both “Private” and “Public” boxes next to Hotspot Shield.
7. Click “OK.“

MacOS: MacOS firewall typically allows outgoing connections automatically (which is what Hotspot Shield uses), but for completeness:

1. Click on the Apple menu, then select “System Preferences.“
2. Click on “Security” or “Security & Privacy.“
3. Select the “Firewall” tab.
4. Click the lock in the lower-left corner and provide your password to unlock it.
5. Click “Firewall Options.“
6. If Hotspot Shield is listed, make sure it is set to “Allow incoming connections.” If not, click “+” and add Hotspot Shield to the list.
7. Click “OK” when done.

Linux: Please note, the steps might vary slightly based on different distributions. Here’s a general guide on how to add Hotspot Shield as an exception to a firewall using Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW):

1. Open Terminal.
2. Firstly, make sure UFW is installed, you can do this by typing:

sudo apt install ufw

3. Check the status of your UFW with the following command:

sudo ufw status

4. If UFW is not active you can activate it with the following command:

sudo ufw enable

5. Now, you need to find the exact directory path of the Hotspot Shield client. You can typically find it in the /usr/bin directory.
6. Assuming the Hotspot Shield client executable is located in /usr/bin/, use the following command to add it to UFW’s exception list:

sudo ufw allow out to any port 1194 proto udp from any to any app '/usr/bin/Hotspot Shield'

Remember to replace /usr/bin/Hotspot Shield with the actual path of your Hotspot Shield executable file. The above command allows Hotspot Shield to make outgoing connections using UDP on port 1194.

7. Finally, we must reload the UFW for the changes to take effect. Use the following command to do this:

sudo ufw reload

Please note: This guide uses UFW as an example because it is one of the most popular firewalls in Linux. Your distribution may use a different firewall or a different method to manage it.

8. Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily

While essential for protecting your device, antivirus software can sometimes cause Hotspot Shield to stop working or even prevent it from opening. If you suspect this might be the case, try disabling your antivirus software temporarily or add Hotspot Shield as an exception.

If disabling the antivirus resolves the issue, consider adding Hotspot Shield as an exception in your antivirus settings. Here’s a general guide on how to do it:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Navigate to the settings or preferences menu.
3. Look for a section labeled ‘exceptions‘, ‘whitelist‘, or ‘allowed apps‘.
4. Add Hotspot Shield to the list and save your changes.

Remember to re-enable your antivirus software as soon as you’re done testing, and Hotspot Shield is back to working properly again.

9. Change Your DNS Settings

DNS (Domain Name System) is like the phonebook of the internet. If you’re having trouble connecting to Hotspot Shield, changing your DNS server configuration settings might help.

Flushing your DNS cache removes all the information stored in it, allowing your computer to fetch new data. Here’s how you can do it:

• Windows: Open the Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns, then press Enter.
• Mac: Open Terminal and type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder, then press Enter.
• Linux: Open Terminal and type sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches, and hit Enter.

After flushing your DNS, try connecting to Hotspot Shield again and check if it’s working.

10. Clear Your Cache and Cookies

Your browser’s cache and cookies can sometimes interfere with your Hotspot Shield connection and prevent it from working as it should. Clearing them might resolve the issue.

1. Open your browser’s settings.
2. Look for the ‘Privacy‘ or ‘History‘ section.
3. Select ‘Clear browsing data‘ or ‘Clear history‘.
4. Make sure ‘Cookies‘ and ‘Cached images and files‘ are selected, then click ‘Clear data‘.

11. Disable Other VPN Services

Running multiple VPN services at the same time can cause conflicts. If you have other VPN software installed on your device, try disabling them before using Hotspot Shield.

12. Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause connectivity issues. Keeping them up to date can help ensure a smooth connection without errors and also a fresh network profile since it will reset network settings to defaults.

Here’s a general guide on how to update your network drivers on different devices:

Windows:

1. Firstly, download the appropriate driver for your Network Adapter from the manufacturer’s official website if you haven’t. (Intel, Realtek, or Killer)
2. Press the Windows key + X to open the quick access menu.
3. Select “Device Manager” from the list.
4. In the Device Manager window, find “Network adapters” from the list and click the arrow or double-click to expand the category.
5. Right-click on your Network Adapter.
6. From the drop-down menu, select “Update driver“.
7. In the update dialog, choose “Browse my computer for driver software“.
8. Click on “Browse” and navigate to where you’ve downloaded and saved the appropriate network driver.
9. Click “Next” to install the driver.
10. Once the installation is complete, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
11. Test for Hotspot Shield connectivity issues.

Mac OS:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Select “System Preferences…” from the drop-down menu.
3. In the System Preferences window, click on the “Software Update” option.
4. Your Mac will now check for any available software updates. If an update is available, this will include any updates to your network drivers.
5. Click on “Update Now” to download and install the updates. If your system is already up-to-date, you will see a message saying “Your Mac is up to date“.
6. Depending on the size of the update, this may take some time. You might need to enter your admin password to authenticate the updates.
7. Once the updates have been installed, restart your Mac to ensure that the updates take effect.
8. Test if Hotspot Shield is working or connecting.

13. Contact Your ISP

In some very rare cases, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be blocking the VPN connection to Hotspot Shield.

If you suspect your ISP is blocking Hotspot Shield from connecting to the internet, reach out to their customer service. Ask if they block VPN connections and if there’s anything they can do to help. Some ISPs might be willing to change your settings or suggest a workaround.

14. Try Using Obfuscated Servers

If VPNs are heavily restricted in your region, Hotspot Shield’s obfuscated servers can help. These servers disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping you bypass VPN blocks.

To use obfuscated servers:

1. Open the Hotspot Shield app.
2. Go to the settings menu.
3. Enable ‘Obfuscated Servers‘.
4. Go back to the main screen and connect to a server as usual.

15. Contact Hotspot Shield Support

If you’ve tried everything and Hotspot Shield still isn’t working, it’s time to contact Hotspot Shield Support. They have a team of experts ready to help with technical issues. You can reach them through live chat or email.

Explain exactly what’s going on with Hotspot Shield on your devices that it’s not working, and all the troubleshooting steps that you did. Be as detailed as possible and hope for the best.

Why Hotspot Shield is not working?

Hotspot Shield might not be working for various reasons, including:

1. Internet Connection Issues

Hotspot Shield relies on your internet connection to function. If your internet is slow, unstable, or completely down, Hotspot Shield won’t be able to establish a secure connection.

2. Server Overload

Hotspot Shield has thousands of servers worldwide. However, if too many users connect to the same server, it can become overloaded, leading to slow speeds or connection failures.

3. Outdated Hotspot Shield Version

Running an outdated version of Hotspot Shield can cause compatibility issues with your device’s operating system or other software.

4. Firewall or Antivirus Conflicts

Firewalls and antivirus software are designed to protect your device from threats. However, they can sometimes mistakenly block Hotspot Shield.

5. Incorrect DNS Settings

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses. If your DNS settings are incorrect, Hotspot Shield might not be able to connect to the server.

6. VPN Protocol Issues

Hotspot Shield uses protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec to secure your data. If you’re having trouble connecting, it might be due to a problem with the VPN protocol.

7. Device-Specific Issues

Sometimes, the issue might be specific to your device. This could be due to outdated network drivers, conflicts with other software, or device-specific settings.