VPN Handshake Error — Fix in 5 Minutes

📖 Table of Contents

1 What Is a VPN Handshake Error?
2 5 Quick Fixes for VPN Handshake Error
3 Advanced Fixes: Change DNS and Reset Network
4 Fix Handshake Error on VPNPROUS Apps
5 Prevent Future Handshake Errors
6 When to Contact Support

Ever tried to connect to a VPN and got a frustrating “handshake error”? Don't worry, it's common and usually fixable in minutes. This guide will show you exactly how to resolve it, whether you're using VPNPROUS apps (MD Proxy VPN, Nur Tunnel VPN, Ultra Tunnel VPN, Marvs Go VPN) or any other VPN. And remember, with VPNPROUS, a $1 voucher gives you 30 days of premium access to all four apps.

What Is a VPN Handshake Error?

A VPN handshake error occurs when your device and the VPN server fail to establish a secure connection. Think of it as a secret handshake: both sides need to agree on encryption keys and protocols. If they don't, the connection fails. This can happen due to network issues, incorrect settings, or server problems.

Common symptoms include error messages like “Handshake failed” or “TLS handshake error,” or the VPN simply won't connect. The good news is that most handshake errors are temporary and easy to fix.

5 Quick Fixes for VPN Handshake Error

Try these solutions in order. Most users find that the first or second fix works.

Switch servers: Sometimes the server you're connecting to is down or overloaded. Open your VPN app and choose a different server location.
Change VPN protocol: VPN apps often let you switch between protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2. Try a different one—this often resolves handshake issues.
Update your VPN app: Outdated apps can have bugs that cause handshake errors. Check your app store for updates.
Restart your device: A simple restart clears temporary network glitches.
Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try loading a website before connecting to VPN.

Advanced Fixes: Change DNS and Reset Network

If the basic fixes don't work, your DNS settings might be the culprit. VPN handshakes require DNS resolution, and if your ISP's DNS is slow or blocking, you'll get errors.

Change DNS to public DNS: On your device, go to network settings and set DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare). This often resolves handshake issues.
Reset network settings: On Android or iOS, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. This clears all network configurations. Note: you'll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.

These steps take a few minutes but can permanently fix recurring handshake errors.

Fix Handshake Error on VPNPROUS Apps

If you're using our VPN apps (MD Proxy VPN, Nur Tunnel VPN, Ultra Tunnel VPN, Marvs Go VPN), the fixes are the same. But here are app-specific tips:

Tap the server icon: In the app, tap the server list and pick a different country. Sometimes the closest server is congested.
Toggle the connection: Turn the VPN off and on again. This forces a new handshake.
Check your subscription: Ensure your voucher code is active. If it expired, your connection might fail. You can get a new voucher for just $1 for 30 days at vpnprous.com/voucher.html.

Our apps support multiple protocols, so you can switch protocols in the settings to bypass handshake errors.

Prevent Future Handshake Errors

Once you've fixed the error, here's how to avoid it in the future:

Keep your VPN apps updated: Always install the latest version.
Use stable internet: Avoid connecting over public Wi-Fi that requires login pages.
Choose reliable servers: In our apps, servers with lower load are marked. Pick those.
Maintain a valid subscription: Handshake errors can happen if your voucher expires mid-session. With VPNPROUS, a $1 voucher covers 30 days, so it's affordable to stay active.

When to Contact Support

If you've tried everything and still get a handshake error, it might be a server-side issue. Contact our support team via the app or website. Include your device model, app name, and the error message. Usually, support can reset your connection or advise on server status. Remember, our $1 voucher gives you access to all four apps, so you can switch to another app as a temporary workaround.