DeepDotNet 
A virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure connection between your device and the Internet. Most of the time, we use VPN software to create this connection but there are instances where we don’t know what type of VPN is being used. Below are nine signs you’re using a bad VPN:
1. You notice that your internet speed has decreased significantly
A slow internet speed is one of the most common signs there’s something wrong with a VPN. This could be because the VPN you’re using doesn’t have enough bandwidth to accommodate the speeds it advertises or because your ISP has throttled your connection to force you onto a different fast net.
One other possible cause could be that someone else on your network is using too much bandwidth and you’re getting pushed off by their constant streaming or downloads, so they’re hogging all of the available bandwidth for themselves.
2. You can no longer watch HD videos on YouTube or Netflix
These days, people like to stream HD videos on Netflix and YouTube. If you’ve been having trouble watching those high-resolution videos, then your VPN might not be up to speed. Another possibility could be that your VPN is throttling all non-critical bandwidth due to a cyber-attack or other malicious activity.
There are many reasons why this might be happening. One of the most common reasons is because the encryption settings are so weak that they can’t even handle streaming HD video files in the first place!
3. The app stops working spontaneously without any warning
This is a sign that the VPN app might be buggy and just can’t keep up with your internet speed. This could also mean that the VPN was hacked and some malicious software was installed to turn off your phone when it gets too hot in order to save the hacker’s battery.
Another sign of this problem is if you’re using an Android or other mobile device outside of Wi-Fi, where all apps are closed automatically after a certain period of time in order to save on power, but you open up apps only to find they stop working unexpectedly.
This happens because many VPNs identify your device as not being connected and turn it off because their servers think you’ve gone offline. One way around this problem is using a VPN that will only turn off a device when you’re done using it.
4. When watching videos on YouTube, the video plays but there is no audio
This is one of the most common signs that you’re using a bad VPN. This could be because the video streaming service you’re trying to access – like YouTube or Netflix – has disabled this feature for people using certain VPNs in order to protect their own traffic.
It could also be because there seems to be a problem with your VPN’s connection or it might just not have enough bandwidth and can’t keep up with your internet speeds. In some cases, this might also mean that someone else on your network has been running an intensive download or streaming program and they’ve been pushing you off by hogging all of the available bandwidth for themselves so that they don’t have to pay for it.
5. You lose Internet connection completely after a while of using the app
The VPNs that allow clients to keep access over an Internet connection when they’re away from their device are usually pretty expensive. There is also a possibility of malware being installed on your device.
A rogue app might take over the ability to destroy its own connection with you, but you may have to do some extra work in order to reduce the risk of this happening, like using apps that only turn off when your phone is not in use and enabling military-grade security on the VPN network.
6. The app opens but you’re no longer connected to the Internet
The app opens but you’re no longer connected to the Internet. This is one of the most common signs that you’re using a bad VPN. Some of the more common reasons for this could be because the VPN is buggy, your device was hacked, or somebody else on your network has been running an intensive download or streaming program while they’ve been pushing you off by hogging all of the available bandwidth for themselves so that they don’t have to pay for it.
7. You have to input additional information before accessing the Internet (e.g., your user name, password)
Most of the time, you don’t need to input any additional information before using a VPN. But sometimes, when using a free VPN app, you might have to input your username and password for sites like YouTube and Netflix to access them.
This is because these companies are blocking these apps due to bandwidth restrictions or in order to protect their own traffic. This could also be because there seems to be a problem with your VPN’s connection or it might just not have enough bandwidth and can’t keep up with your internet speeds.
8. You can’t even connect to any websites
This is probably the most common sign of a bad VPN that you could experience. If you want to access a specific website or service, such as YouTube or Netflix, but you can’t connect to them with the VPN app installed on your device, then what’s going on? Simply put, your VPN isn’t doing what it’s supposed to be doing.
9. Your IP is still exposed once you’ve connected with your VPN provider
This is one of the most common signs that you’re using a bad VPN. When you connect to your VPN, it changes your IP address and secures your traffic. However, some VPNs have a problem with encrypting their own traffic, which means that somebody else can still spy on it – even if they have an encrypted connection too.
6 out of 9 of these signs may signal that you’re using a bad VPN app but if you notice all nine, then it’s guaranteed that it’s a bad one. If you want to stay safe online and enjoy all of the amazing benefits that a VPN can bring, then stick to our list of top VPNs in 2021.
