AVG Secure VPN not working? Common causes and what to check

2 things to check, built from what AVG Secure VPN publishes about its apps, protocols and support. We do not test connections ourselves.

What to check

Switch protocol in the app: AVG Secure VPN lists WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Own protocol.

If the network blocks VPNs, turn on obfuscation (Mimic protocol, for countries restricting VPN).

Protocols

  • WireGuard✓ Yes
  • OpenVPN✓ Yes
  • IKEv2✓ Yes
  • L2TP/IPsecNot stated
  • SSTPNot stated
  • SoftEther✕ No
  • Own protocol✓ Yes
  • VLESS / Reality✕ No
  • VMess✕ No
  • Trojan✕ No
  • Shadowsocks✕ No
  • Hysteria2✕ No
  • TUIC✕ No
  • NaiveProxy✕ No
  • obfs4✕ No
  • AmneziaWG✕ No
  • PPTPNot stated

Protocol first

In automatic mode, AVG Secure VPN connects through OpenVPN by default. If the connection hangs for a long time or keeps dropping, choose the protocol manually in the settings. WireGuard usually brings the tunnel up faster, and on iPhone and Mac there is also IKEv2. AVG does not provide files for manual configuration, so you cannot connect the service to a third-party client or a router; everything is handled only inside the app. There is no Linux app either.

If the network blocks VPN

In countries with restrictions, on hotel and corporate Wi-Fi, regular protocols are often cut off. For such cases, AVG has its own protocol, Mimic, with obfuscation, and it is worth enabling it first. The service has no other bypass methods, such as VLESS, Shadowsocks or obfs4. If Mimic does not help either, the remaining option is a service with a wider set of bypass tools; they are gathered in the roundup VPNs with obfuscation.

Torrents, streaming and the device limit

AVG allows torrents only on P2P servers in eight cities: Prague, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, New York, Miami, Seattle, London and Paris. On other locations, torrent downloads may not start. If Netflix does not open, keep in mind that AVG does not claim support for it. A subscription covers 10 devices at the same time: if a new device will not connect, check whether that limit is already taken. Split tunneling is available only on Android: if some apps there bypass the VPN, look into its settings.

Where to find help?

Support articles are hosted on support.avg.com. AVG does not say whether it offers 24/7 chat or a server status page. The general troubleshooting routine is collected on the page VPN not working.

If it is blocked where you are

More about AVG Secure VPN

Troubleshooting of similar VPNs