How to Stop VPN from Blocking Local Network Printer

When you connect to a VPN, your entire network traffic is routed through a secure tunnel, which can sometimes interfere with local devices like printers. If you're struggling to print while your VPN is active, you're not alone. This guide will show you practical ways to stop VPN from blocking your local network printer, so you can enjoy both security and convenience. And if you're looking for a reliable VPN that gives you control, remember that at VPNPROUS, you can get 30 days of premium VPN on all our apps for just $1.

Why Does VPN Block Local Network Printer?

VPNs work by encrypting all your internet traffic and sending it through a remote server. This process often includes local network traffic, which can cause your computer to see the printer as unreachable. Here are the main reasons:

• VPN routes all traffic, including local, through the tunnel, so your device can't see the printer on the LAN.
• Some VPNs enable 'kill switch' or 'block local traffic' features that prevent any non-VPN traffic.
• IP address changes may confuse the printer's network discovery.

Use Split Tunneling to Exclude Local Traffic

Most advanced VPN apps offer a feature called split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps or traffic go through the VPN and which go directly. To stop VPN from blocking your printer:

• Open your VPN app and look for 'Split Tunneling' or 'Excluded Apps'.
• Add your printer's software or the printing service (like 'Print Spooler') to the exclusion list.
• Alternatively, select 'Only route specific traffic through VPN' and leave out local network traffic.

At VPNPROUS, our apps (MD Proxy VPN, Nur Tunnel VPN, Ultra Tunnel VPN, Marvs Go VPN) include split tunneling options, giving you the flexibility to keep your printer accessible.

Disable 'Block Local Network' or 'Allow LAN' Settings

Many VPNs have a setting that specifically blocks local network access. If you find that your VPN is blocking your printer, check these settings:

• Look for 'Block Local Network', 'Allow LAN', or 'Local Network Access' in your VPN settings.
• Ensure that 'Allow LAN' is enabled, so your device can communicate with devices on the same network.
• If you're using a kill switch, temporarily disable it to test if that's the culprit.

This is often a quick fix and doesn't compromise your security because local traffic stays on your private network.

Connect to the Printer Using Its IP Address

Sometimes, the printer is reachable but your computer can't discover it automatically. Manually adding the printer by its IP address can bypass VPN-related discovery issues:

• Find your printer's IP address from its control panel or router's DHCP client list.
• On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add a printer.
• Choose 'Add a printer using an IP address or hostname' and enter the printer's IP.
• On macOS, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > '+' and select IP tab, then enter the IP.

This method often works even when the VPN is active because it directly connects to the IP.

Use a VPN with App-Specific Permissions

If your VPN doesn't have split tunneling, you might consider using a VPN that allows per-app routing. For instance, our VPN apps at VPNPROUS let you choose which apps go through the VPN. By excluding your printing software, you can keep your printer working without disconnecting the VPN. Here's how:

• Install one of our apps: MD Proxy VPN, Nur Tunnel VPN, Ultra Tunnel VPN, or Marvs Go VPN.
• Go to the app's settings and find 'Per-App VPN' or 'App Exclusion'.
• Select the apps that need to access the local printer and exclude them from VPN.

This way, you get full VPN protection for internet browsing while maintaining local network functionality.

Temporarily Disable VPN for Printing

If all else fails, the simplest solution is to disconnect your VPN while you print. It's not ideal, but it works. To make it easier:

• Create a quick toggle on your device to disconnect VPN.
• After printing, reconnect the VPN.
• Alternatively, schedule printing tasks when you don't need VPN.

Remember, at VPNPROUS, you can get 30 days of premium VPN for just $1, so you can test different settings and find what works best for your setup.

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