If you have a VPN turned on and you’re trying to use ChatGPT, you could come across issues accessing the platform.
You’ll know something isn’t working quite right if you come across an error that says “access denied.”
Interestingly, the reason this is happening isn’t because of ChatGPT. ChatGPT supports VPNs however the platforms that host ChatGPT might not. These can be various websites, applications, or services that host or provide access to ChatGPT.
If you’re coming across the “access denied” error when trying to use ChatGPT, then you’ll know the platform that’s hosting ChatGPT has blocked your VPN.
This can be annoying, but there’s a number of ways to fix this issue. This article will explain how you can resolve the problem, and we’ll help you find a VPN that will work reliably with ChatGPT on any platform.
Which VPNs currently work with ChatGPT?
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PIA | Ivacy | CyberGhost | |
| ChatGPT | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Download Speed | 79 Mbps | 71 Mbps | 27 Mbps | 31 Mbps | 41 Mbps |
| Throttling | 79% | 71% | 27% | 31% | 41% |
| Price per month | $6.66 | $3.79 | $2.03 | $1.00 | $2.19 |
We regularly check which VPNs are working with ChatGPT. Our last test was on 13th November 2023.
ChatGPT not working with VPN: Checklist
- Check if ChatGPT works with your VPN on another device
- Connect to a server with a low user count (if possible)
- Clear Cookies and Cache: Remove old location data from your browser/device
- VPN Software Update: Make sure your VPN software is the latest version. Try uninstalling and reinstalling
- Switch VPN protocols
- Reach out to your VPN’s customer service for ChatGPT-specific recommendations
- Upgrade VPN: If all else fails, consider switching to a known ChatGPT-friendly VPN
- I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for ChatGPT
Tip: Sometimes, simply restarting your VPN or changing the server can resolve access issues. If consistent problems arise, it may be time to consider a more reliable VPN service.
How to fix ChatGPT not working with VPN
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Check if your VPN works on another device
This is the easiest thing you can do to figure out what you need to do next. If you VPN works with ChatGPT on your smartphone, but not your computer, then you know your VPN isn’t the problem. If your VPN does work on one device, jump to Step 3 below.
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Contact your VPNs live chat service
This is another easy one. Cycle through your VPN’s available servers. If you only have a few options available to you, go to your VPN’s website and find the Live Chat feature (if they have one) and ask for a specific server number that works with ChatGPT. This is the single most effective way to diagnose if your VPN is the problem or not. If they can’t point you towards a server that works with ChatGPT then you know, without doubt, that the VPN is the problem.
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Delete your cookies
Deleting your cookies can potentially fix VPN issues. Accumulated or corrupted cookies in a browser might interfere with the way websites and online services function, especially when using a VPN. Clearing these cookies removes any old or problematic data, thereby ensuring a cleaner slate for your VPN connection to operate. This can help in establishing a more stable connection and resolving conflicts between the VPN and certain web services like ChatGPT.
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Connect to a different server
If your VPN has suddenly stopped working with ChatGPT, it might be because the IP address your VPN has given you has been identified and blocked by the platform hosting ChatGPT. Changing to a different server will give you a different IP address, and if that one hasn’t been blocked, your VPN will work with ChatGPT again.
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Reinstall or update your VPN
Think of this as the classic “turn it on and off again” tactic. Removing your VPN, and its settings, from your device and starting again is a good way to get the most up-to-date settings configured on your devices without much effort. If you don’t want to reinstall the software, you can always check to see if there’s an update available to download any fixes your service may have introduced.
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Switch VPN protocols
VPN protocols are the beating heart of a VPN. They determine how the VPN works. When you use a VPN the protocol is responsible for hiding your data and rerouting it via VPN servers. If ChatGPT isn’t working with your VPN, it might be because the protocol you’re using is no longer working with the service. If your VPN allows it, try changing to a different protocol to see if that fixes the issue. Take a look at our VPN protocols article to discover more about which technology might be best for you.
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Upgrade your VPN
If all of the above fails, you should consider upgrading to a high-end VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for ChatGPT. For more information, check out our VPN list below to see which VPN suits your needs and budget.
The best VPNs for ChatGPT
ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) is the gold standard of VPNs. With servers in 94 countries and top-tier encryption protocols, it provides users the fastest and most reliable way to unblock streaming services from anywhere in the world.
NordVPN ($3.19/month) has an expansive network of 5,800+ high-speed servers in 60 countries – making it a great option for anyone looking to unblock popular streaming services, at a more mid-range prince point. An excellent choice.
Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) is the “best of the rest” VPN. It stands out as a solid streaming VPN with a budget price tag. It’s not as reliable, or fast, as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Making it a more suitable choice for a casual VPN user.
Ivacy ($1.00/month) the price is the selling point here. If you want a VPN that works with major streaming services “most of the time” and don’t mind a bit of buffering during peak periods, Ivacy is fine. But it’s a nowhere near as good as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
CyberGhost ($2.19/month) is a decent VPN option that offers user-friendly apps and a range of servers worldwide. While it may not lead the pack in all features, it provides a satisfactory balance of privacy, speed, and ease of use.
Does ChatGPT block VPNS?
No, ChatGPT itself does not block VPNs. However, the platforms hosting ChatGPT, like OpenAI’s website, might have restrictions on VPN use for security and regulatory reasons. Here’s why and how this happens:
- Security Measures: Websites and online services often use security protocols to safeguard against unauthorized access, hacking, or other malicious activities. VPNs can mask a user’s true location and identity, which might raise security concerns for these platforms.
- Compliance with Laws: Different countries have different laws and regulations regarding internet usage and data handling. Services hosting ChatGPT might block VPNs to ensure they comply with these legal requirements, as VPNs can allow users to bypass geographic restrictions.
- Preventing Abuse: VPNs can be used to create multiple accounts or to access a service from various locations, which can sometimes be a part of fraudulent or abusive activities. Platforms might restrict VPN access to prevent such misuse.
- Data Accuracy and Analytics: For platforms relying on user data for analytics, marketing, or functionality improvement, VPNs can skew this data because they hide the user’s real location.
It’s important to note that these are general practices and may vary from one platform to another. The decision to block or allow VPNs is typically made by the platform hosting ChatGPT and not by the ChatGPT model itself.
Users encountering issues with VPNs on such platforms should check the specific terms of service or contact the platform’s support for more detailed information.
Can I get around ChatGPT’s VPN blocks?
To navigate around VPN-related restrictions on platforms hosting ChatGPT, in our expereience, using a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN is a viable strategy. These services are particularly effective for several reasons:
- Robust Encryption: They employ strong encryption methods, which enhance security and make the data transfer more secure and private. This strong encryption is essential for protecting your online activity and ensuring that your actual IP address and location remain hidden.
- Extensive Server Network: Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have a vast network of servers spread across numerous countries. This extensive coverage allows users to connect to servers in different regions, increasing the likelihood of finding a server that is not blocked by the platform.
- IP Address Masking: These VPNs are proficient at masking your real IP address. By providing you with an IP address that appears to be from a different location, they help in bypassing geo-restrictions and access controls that might be in place.
- Consistent Performance and Reliability: High-quality VPNs like these are known for maintaining fast and stable connections, which is crucial for a seamless ChatGPT experience. They manage to provide this stability without significantly slowing down your internet speed, ensuring that the interactive nature of ChatGPT is not hindered.
- Sophisticated Obfuscation Techniques: These services use advanced techniques to disguise VPN traffic as regular traffic. This obfuscation makes it more challenging for platforms to detect and block the use of a VPN.
- Regular Updates and Support: They are regularly updated to deal with new security challenges and ensure compatibility with a wide range of platforms, including those hosting ChatGPT.
Remember, while these features make premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN more likely to bypass VPN blocks, there’s no absolute guarantee of success, as it largely depends on the specific security protocols and restrictions of the hosting platform.
ChatGPT not working with VPN: FAQs
Q: Why might ChatGPT not work when I’m using a VPN?
Answer: ChatGPT might not work with a VPN due to the platform’s security measures or restrictions on VPN usage, which are in place to prevent abuse and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Q: Can switching servers on my VPN help if ChatGPT is not accessible?
Answer: Yes, switching to different servers on your VPN can help, as it might connect you to a server that isn’t restricted by the ChatGPT hosting platform.
Q: Is it legal to use a VPN to access ChatGPT?
Answer: Generally, it’s legal to use a VPN to access ChatGPT, but you should always check your local laws and the terms of service of the platform.
Q: What features should I look for in a VPN to use with ChatGPT?
Answer: Look for a VPN with strong encryption, a wide range of server locations, stable connection speeds, and a no-logs policy for the best experience with ChatGPT.
Q: Will using a VPN slow down my interaction with ChatGPT?
Answer: Using a VPN might slightly slow down your internet connection, but high-quality VPNs are designed to minimize speed loss, ensuring a smooth ChatGPT experience.
The VPN services we recommend for ChatGPT
1. ExpressVPN 🥇 $6.66/month
The fastest and most reliable streaming VPN of 2023
- ✔160+ IP addresses in 94+ countries
- ✔5 simultaneous devices
- ✔Live chat support
- ✔Over 3,000 servers
- ✔>80% connection speed
- ✔Unlimited bandwidth
ExpressVPN stands out for its exceptional speed and reliability, which are crucial for real-time interactions with ChatGPT. It offers a vast network of servers in 94 countries, providing numerous options to bypass potential geo-restrictions.
The service is renowned for its strong encryption protocols and security features, ensuring your data remains secure and private. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy means your online activities are not recorded, maintaining your privacy.
Its ability to consistently bypass VPN blocks and provide stable, fast connections makes it an excellent choice for using ChatGPT.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
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2. NordVPN $3.19/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Over 5,000 servers worldwide
- ✔6 simultaneous devices
- ✔Reliable customer service
- ✔Fast NordLynx protocol
- ✔Cybersec ad and tracker blocker
- ✔Easy to use interface
NordVPN is highly regarded for its advanced security features, including double VPN and Onion over VPN, which offer additional layers of privacy and security. With a large server network spanning 59 countries, it offers plenty of options for connecting to ChatGPT.
NordVPN is known for its strong encryption standards and strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your interactions with ChatGPT remain private and secure.
Its CyberSec feature also offers an added advantage of blocking ads and potential online threats, enhancing the overall user experience. The service’s speed and stability are also noteworthy, providing a smooth ChatGPT experience.
Read our full NordVPN review.
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(30-day money-back guarantee)
3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔35,000 servers worldwide
- ✔Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 chat support
- ✔Servers in over 80 countries
- ✔MACE ad blocker included
- ✔Supports multiple protocols
4. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔5700+ servers worldwide
- ✔10 simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 customer support
- ✔Dedicated IP address option
- ✔Available on all major platforms
- ✔Great price
5. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Deloitte verified no logs policy
- ✔Servers in 91 countries
- ✔7 simulatenous devices
- ✔Proprietary NoSpy servers
- ✔Multiple protocol options
- ✔Split tunneling support
Will a free VPN work with ChatGPT?
A free VPN might work with ChatGPT, but its effectiveness is generally less reliable than premium VPNs. This is mainly because free VPNs often have fewer server options, which can limit your ability to find a server that’s not restricted by the platform hosting ChatGPT. Additionally, free VPNs tend to have slower internet speeds due to higher user load and fewer resources, which can affect the responsiveness and functionality of interactive services like ChatGPT.
Another factor to consider is security. Free VPNs might not have the same level of robust encryption and privacy protection as their paid counterparts. This could pose a risk to your data privacy. Moreover, free VPNs are more likely to implement data caps, limiting the amount of data you can use, which can be a significant hindrance when using data-intensive applications.
Lastly, free VPNs often rely on advertising for revenue, which might lead to a less user-friendly experience with frequent ads and potential privacy concerns related to ad tracking.
Is it illegal to use a VPN with ChatGPT?
Using a VPN with ChatGPT is generally not illegal, as VPNs themselves are legal in most countries. They are commonly used for various legitimate purposes, such as securing internet connections, protecting privacy, or accessing services while traveling.
However, there are a few important considerations:
- Local Laws: The legality of VPN usage can vary depending on your country’s laws. Some countries have restrictions or specific regulations regarding VPN use.
- Platform Policies: While using a VPN might not be illegal, it could violate the terms of service of the platform hosting ChatGPT. It’s important to review these terms to ensure you’re not breaching any agreements.
- Purpose of Use: The legality also depends on what you’re using the VPN for. Using a VPN for legal activities, like maintaining privacy, is typically fine. However, using it for illegal activities is, of course, illegal.
