CyberGhost VPN not working as you’d expect? CyberGhost is a hugely reliable VPN, but any software can trip and stumble. If your VPN isn’t working, your online privacy could be at risk and you won’t be able to unblock websites anymore.
That’s why we’ve put together a troubleshooting guide for when CyberGhost is not working. Here are some quick fixes that always work for us:
- Check that you can establish an internet and VPN connection.
- Restart the device on which CyberGhost VPN is not working.
- Update your CyberGhost application.
- Connect to a different server from your CyberGhost VPN app.
- Switch to a different connection protocol.
- Ensure your firewall isn’t blocking CyberGhost.
- Flush your DNS cache.
- Examine whether you have conflicting VPN services installed.
If none of the above help you with your issue, you can opt for another VPN provider. NordVPN will make a great CyberGhost alternative with its super-fast servers, enhanced unblocking capabilities, and robust security features. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for free.
We dive into more detail about how to check each of these points in our full write-up, below!
Tried to stream a free movie, only to discover that CyberGhost VPN is not working? It’s annoying if you have a CyberGhost connection error – suddenly, all your favorite websites are geo-blocked and kick you out.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Our troubleshooting guide covers common connectivity issues. Run through our quick-fix troubleshooting steps using the menu on the right to jump to your specific problem.
CyberGhost VPN is generally highly reliable, and we’re confident we’ll have you up and running again in no time. But if you’re ready to try a CyberGhost alternative, consider NordVPN. Our tests revealed that this is the best VPN service for security and streaming, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Keep reading below to check out all our tried and tested tips to help you if your CyberGhost VPN is not working.
CyberGhost VPN Not Working: 8 Quick Fixes
If your CyberGhost app is playing up, there could be a few different causes. Not all of them are down to the software or service either. Use our quick fixes below to troubleshoot the issue – we recommend starting at the top.
1. Check that you can establish an internet and VPN connection
If you’re not connected to the internet, CyberGhost won’t work. Similarly, if CyberGhost’s servers are down, which is rare, then the VPN app won’t work either. Let’s quickly check that you’re connected to the internet and CyberGhost’s servers:
- Open your CyberGhost VPN app.
- Click on the cog to open “Settings,” and then select “Preferences.”
- Click on the “Connection” tab.
- Hit “Run test.”
Here, you’ll want to see all-green results across the board, as in our image above. If you can’t connect to CyberGhost, the service may be down. If your internet connection doesn’t display “Passed,” the problem’s closer to home – check your network settings and your cables or Wi-Fi router.
2. Restart the device on which CyberGhost VPN is not working
Sometimes, “turning it off and on again” truly is the answer. Software can get into a glitchy state from time to time, and a restart can resolve any issues, letting the software resume with its normal startup settings. Try this solution:
- Restart your device.
- Wait for your computer or smartphone to reboot.
- Launch the CyberGhost app again unless you’ve already set it to open on startup.
Pro Tip:
Restarting the CyberGhost app might help, but it’s better to reboot your whole device so that you kill two birds with one stone.
Rebooting ends all active processes and frees up any memory that might be getting hogged by another app. There’s no guarantee it’ll fix your issue if CyberGhost has stopped working, but it’s so fast and simple that it’s worth a try.
3. Update your CyberGhost application
Software apps are usually good at telling you when you need an update. In some cases, they may stop working altogether until you do. Updates ensure that you get the latest CyberGhost bug fixes, security improvements, and other features as they’re released. So, check if you need to update your app by doing the following:
- Open your CyberGhost app.
- Click or tap on the CyberGhost “Settings” button.
- In the “General” tab, click on “Check for Updates.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t see an update option, you’re already up to date.
CyberGhost still not working? Keep reading for our other suggested troubleshooting tips.
4. Connect to different CyberGhost VPN servers
Top VPNs like CyberGhost don’t usually have problems with server overload – too many users are connected to one server. But it can still happen, and in some cases, it’ll slow your connection right down or kick you off the server itself. We recommend that you:
- Open CyberGhost’s app and go to the server list.
- Select an alternative country location.
- Click or tap on the power button to try and connect.
Alternatively, you can search for another VPN server in your current country of choice. CyberGhost offers different server locations in the same country.
Search for the country in the search bar and click the small right arrow (>) to get additional server options in the same location.
5. Switch your CyberGhost VPN protocol
There are numerous VPN protocols, some better than others.
Your CyberGhost app will pick a connection protocol by default, but manually changing to another one could fix your connectivity problems. Here’s our quick guide on how to do that:
- Open your CyberGhost app.
- Click or tap on the “Settings” cog.
- Select “Preferences.”
- Where you see the protocol drop-down, change to WireGuard or IKEv2, depending on which one was being used.
Now, you can try to connect to a VPN server again. If you’re still having no luck, try enabling “Use TCP instead of UDP.” Still nothing? Disable the “Use a random port to connect” toggle.
Bear in mind that it may be worth trying out a different VPN provider, too, that offers alternate protocols. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is also based on WireGuard and offers super-fast speeds that are ideal for everyday browsing, streaming Netflix in HD, or playing games online with a VPN.
With NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol, you get enhanced privacy and blazing-fast speeds.
6. Check that your firewall isn’t blocking CyberGhost
Your firewall, if you use one, could block CyberGhost’s connection. Firewalls control the internet traffic that flows in and out of your network. It’s supposed to keep you safe, but overzealous firewalls can block legitimate apps, too.
Allow CyberGhost through Windows Defender Firewall
The Windows firewall is pretty strict. It’s common to see a pop–up box from Windows Defender Firewall when you install a new application, asking for permission to allow connections. If you skipped over it when installing CyberGhost, then you might find CyberGhost not working as a result.
- Hit your Windows key and type “firewall” into the search box.
- Choose “Windows Defender Firewall.”
- Next, click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
- Click on the option to “Change Settings” so that you can interact with the checkboxes.
- Find your CyberGhost app in the list. If it’s not there, click on “Allow another App” and locate your CyberGhost software.
- Make sure that both the “Private” and “Public” boxes are ticked.
- Click “OK.”
We don’t recommend switching off your Windows firewall – just allow the connection through CyberGhost. Your firewall is a powerful line of defense against malware and device takeover.
Allow CyberGhost through the macOS firewall
Your macOS firewall should allow outgoing connections by default – ours does. But if not, double–check the steps below to make sure it’s set up to work with CyberGhost:
- Click on your Apple icon menu, then on “System Preferences.”
- Go to “Security & Privacy” and click on the “Firewall” tab at the top.
- Click on the padlock and input your password to enable changes.
- Select “Firewall Options.”
- Make sure that CyberGhost can “Allow incoming connections.” If it doesn’t, click the small plus icon (+) to add it.
- Select “OK.”
Your macOS firewall is disabled by default. We highly recommend enabling the macOS firewall as one of the first things you do after getting your Mac.
7. Flush your DNS cache
A Domain Name System (DNS) is like your computer’s dictionary. It converts website names into IP addresses so that devices and resources can talk to each other over the internet.
Sometimes, emptying your DNS cache can help if CyberGhost VPN has stopped working. We’re going to “flush” (empty) your device’s DNS cache so that it is no longer relying on settings that could be out of date or glitchy. Here’s how:
Important:
If you’re not familiar with computer command prompts or terminals, don’t do anything else aside from following our exact instructions below. There’s a potential to break important systems within this app if you start playing around.
- On a Windows computer, type cmd into your Windows search bar and open the Command Prompt. Type in “ipconfig/flushdns” and hit “Enter.”
- On macOS, open your Terminal application and type “sudo killall – HUP mDNSResponder” then hit “Enter.”
8. Check whether you have multiple VPN services installed
Something as simple as having more than one VPN app installed can cause problems that result in one or more of them failing to work properly. If CyberGhost is not working properly, check your applications to see if there’s a potential conflict.
If you have to keep one over another, we recommend NordVPN. It’s currently our best VPN provider, offering fast speeds, enhanced security features, and unblocking capabilities – and right now, it’s 65% off!
CyberGhost Not Working With Netflix – How to Fix
The best VPNs for Netflix can smash through Netflix geo-blocks with ease, letting you enjoy international content libraries. But streaming platforms don’t like you using this workaround. Netflix is in a constant battle to block VPNs.
Sometimes, they’ll succeed. The block is usually only short-lived, but if you find that CyberGhost is not working with Netflix, we recommend trying another VPN server.
Still not working? NordVPN can unblock Netflix reliably – and right now, there’s a 65% discount sale. You can even get a full refund within 30 days if you just need a temporary workaround to watch something specific.
CyberGhost VPN Not Working With Prime
Like Netflix, Amazon Prime can be unblocked by CyberGhost and other premium VPNs. But equally, like Netflix, Prime Video occasionally manages to blockade VPN users from accessing foreign Prime libraries. If that happens, you can try switching VPN servers or swap to the mobile Prime Video app if you’re on desktop. Clearing your cache may help, too.
If you still find that CyberGhost is not working with Prime Video, there’s not much else you can do about it. What you can do is sign up with a powerful alternative like NordVPN. Right now, NordVPN can unblock Amazon Prime Video in the US and numerous other locations with its dedicated IP addresses that vastly reduce the chance of being blocked!
CyberGhost Not Working on FireStick
You can use your CyberGhost VPN app on Fire TVs and second-generation or newer Fire Sticks. Is CyberGhost not working on your Fire device? Here are our quick troubleshooting tips that should resolve the issue – try running through them in order:
- In the Settings > Applications menu, Force Stop CyberGhost and then “Clear data” and “Clear cache.”
- In the CyberGhost app settings, switch from TCP to UDP or vice–versa, depending on which is being used.
- Reinstall CyberGhost VPN from scratch, then restart your Fire device and your internet router.
You can also try another VPN provider that works well with FireStick, like NordVPN, which has worked flawlessly for us.
CyberGhost VPN Not Working With Torrents
CyberGhost actively blocks P2P file sharing on certain servers. This can be for the convenience of other users who are trying to use the server – torrenting puts a heavy load on a VPN server. Or, it can be due to the laws in the country where the server is hosted (such as the US, Russia, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong).
Make sure you choose an appropriate server. CyberGhost has a “For downloading” section in its server list. These are torrent–optimized servers that are designed specifically for P2P file sharing. Using one of these VPN servers for torrenting should stop you from encountering problems.
If the above tips do not work, try an alternative VPN provider. NordVPN is our best VPN for torrenting, and it also offers specialized P2P servers. With NordVPN, we have personally experienced great speeds with no throttling. NordVPN also lets you choose specific countries and individual servers to enhance your torrenting experience.
The Best CyberGhost Alternatives
CyberGhost is one of our top choices for streaming and unblocking. But if you’re looking for an alternative, NordVPN is our go-to VPN provider for most uses. It offers the best combination of speed, security software, and unblocking power. It’s also super–cheap right now, offering 65% off new subscriptions.
| Feature |  1. NordVPN |  2. Surfshark |  3. PIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Servers | 5,400+ servers across 60 countries | 3,200+ servers across 100 countries | 33,000+ servers across 84 countries |
| Supports torrenting? | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unblocks Netflix US? | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unblocks Prime Video? | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Works with | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| VPN protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx (WireGuard) | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP |
| Logging policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Price | From $3.19 per month | From $2.30 per month | From $2.19 per month |
| Website |
With streaming–optimized servers, Surfshark is a close match to CyberGhost. Or, if it’s an extensive server network and robust security you’re looking for, Private Internet Access (PIA) is excellent for power users who want advanced security options. Still, in our opinion, NordVPN meets them in the middle with the best of both worlds.
Conclusion: CyberGhost VPN Not Working and How to Fix It
There’s a reason why CyberGhost is one of the handful of premium VPNs we frequently recommend. Aside from being fast and secure, it’s very reliable and offers the longest money-back guarantee we have seen in a top VPN: 45 days!
If CyberGhost is having connection problems, there’s a good chance you can fix it with the above tips. The most common fixes include connecting to another VPN server, updating the software, or ensuring your firewall is not blocking CyberGhost.
If you can’t surpass the issues you are facing, you can either contact CyberGhost’s customer service team or try a different VPN provider. NordVPN is our no.1 VPN because of its ultra-fast servers, AES 256-bit encryption, Threat Protection feature against malware, and unparalleled unblocking capabilities.
If you want to find out more about how to fix common VPN issues, check out the articles below:
- Surfshark Not Working: Top Troubleshooting Tips
- NordVPN Not Working: How to Fix Common Issues
- ExpressVPN Not Working? Try These Fixes
If you still have questions about CyberGhost not working, check out our frequently asked questions below.
There are several reasons why CyberGhost may not be working, including:
- Issues with your internet connection
- CyberGhost software needing an update
- A specific server may not be working (you can switch to another server)
- Your firewall is blocking CyberGhost
- DNS cache may need flushing (emptying)
CyberGhost is now owned by Kape Technologies, alongside other popular VPNs Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN. Kape previously operated ZenMate VPN too, a service that has since been absorbed into CyberGhost VPN.
If you’re worried that CyberGhost VPN is having connection problems, check the company’s website for service status updates.
You can quickly check whether CyberGhost is working by running the connection test within the app:
- Click on the “Settings” menu
- Select “Preferences.”
- Choose the “Connection” tab.
- Click “Run test.”
This will tell you whether you’re connected to the internet and whether CyberGhost’s servers can be reached.
Resetting CyberGhost VPN is as simple as removing the application from your computer, rebooting your device, and then reinstalling CyberGhost. We recommend trying a different VPN connection protocol once you’ve reinstalled the software.
There is also a “Reset” button in the “Settings” menu, which will return CyberGhost to its default setting.
The simplest way to repair CyberGhost is to delete the application from your device and reinstall it again using the software available on the CyberGhost website.
