If you’re trying to access Google Bard with a VPN turned on, you may run into issues using the AI service.
Even though Google states that Bard is compatible with VPNs, there’s a number of reasons why you might be running into problems using a VPN with Bard.
The good news is there’s a number of fixes you can try to fix Bard not working with VPN. This article will show you how to do so so you can use Google Bard with a VPN again in no time.
Which VPNs work with Google Bard?
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PIA | Ivacy | CyberGhost | |
| Google Bard | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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 YouTube TV. Our last test was on 16th October 2023.
Google Bard not working with VPN: Checklist
- Check if Google Bard 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 Bard-specific recommendations
- Upgrade VPN: If all else fails, consider switching to a known Bard-friendly VPN
- I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Google Bard
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 Google Bard 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 Google Bard 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 Google Bard. 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 Google Bard 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 Google Bard.
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Connect to a different server
If your VPN has suddenly stopped working with Google Bard, it might be because the IP address your VPN has given you has been identified and blocked by the streaming service. 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 Google Bard 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 Google Bard 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 Google Bard. For more information, check out our VPN list below to see which VPN suits your needs and budget.
The best VPNs for Google Bard
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 Google Bard block VPNs
Bard, does not inherently block VPNs. However, access to services like Bard can be influenced by various factors that might be related to VPN use:
- Service Policies: Some online platforms and services have policies against the use of VPNs, especially if they’re used to circumvent geographic restrictions or for activities that violate terms of service.
- IP Reputation: VPNs often use shared IP addresses, which might have a poor reputation if they’ve been used for malicious activities in the past. This can lead to automated systems blocking these IPs.
- Geographic Restrictions: If Bard has geographic restrictions and the VPN server is located in a restricted area, access might be denied.
- Technical Issues: Sometimes, VPNs can cause technical issues like slow connections or interrupted service, which might affect the usability of Bard or other online services.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Google Bard?
If you’re encountering issues using Bard with a VPN, there could be several reasons for this:
- IP Range Blocking: Bard or its hosting service might block certain IP ranges known to be associated with VPNs, particularly if these IPs have been flagged for suspicious activities in the past.
- Geolocation Restrictions: Bard may have geolocation-based access restrictions. If your VPN’s IP address appears to be from a restricted region, Bard might block access.
- VPN Server Overload: If the VPN server you’re using is overloaded or has poor connectivity, this could lead to slow speeds or unstable connections, affecting your ability to use Bard effectively.
- VPN Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the VPN configuration might not be optimized for the kind of data traffic that Bard requires, leading to connection issues or timeouts.
- Network Settings and Firewall Conflicts: Your network settings or firewall might be configured in a way that interferes with VPN traffic, causing disconnections or access problems with Bard.
- Service-Specific Restrictions: Bard, like many online services, may have specific terms of use that restrict the use of VPNs, especially if they are used to bypass regional content restrictions or for anonymous access.
Google Bard not working with VPN: FAQs
Q: Why is Google Bard not accessible when I use a VPN?
Answer: Google Bard may not be accessible with a VPN due to IP range blocking or geolocation restrictions implemented by the service, particularly if the VPN IP address appears to be from a restricted area.
Q: Can changing the VPN server location help in accessing Google Bard?
Answer: Yes, switching to a different VPN server, preferably in a region where Google Bard is fully accessible, can sometimes resolve access issues.
Q: Are there specific VPNs recommended for use with Google Bard?
Answer: VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, known for their reliable connections and wide range of server locations, are often recommended for their compatibility with services like Google Bard.
Q: Could my VPN’s security settings be preventing access to Google Bard?
Answer: Yes, certain VPN security settings, especially those related to firewall or network configurations, might interfere with the connection to Google Bard.
Q: What should I do if none of the VPN solutions work for accessing Google Bard?
Answer: If changing VPN settings or switching servers doesn’t help, try temporarily disabling the VPN to confirm if it’s the cause. If issues persist, contacting the VPN’s customer support or checking Google Bard’s terms of service is advisable.
Will a VPN work with Google Bard?
To work effectively with Google Bard, a VPN needs to meet certain criteria:
- Reliable and Fast Connection: A VPN must provide a stable and fast connection to ensure seamless interaction with real-time AI services like Bard. Slow or unstable connections can lead to timeouts or poor user experience.
- Server Availability and Diversity: Having a wide range of server locations helps in finding a server with the best connection quality and speed. This is also useful for accessing services from different geographic locations if needed.
- Strong Encryption and Security Protocols: To ensure secure and private access, the VPN should offer robust encryption and secure tunneling protocols. This protects the data from being intercepted or compromised.
- No-Logs Policy: A no-logs policy ensures that the VPN provider does not store records of your online activity, which is crucial for privacy.
- Good Reputation and Reliability: The VPN provider should have a good track record for reliability and customer satisfaction. This includes consistent service availability and effective customer support.
- Compatibility with Multiple Devices: Since users may access services like Bard from various devices, the VPN should be compatible with multiple platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.
- Ease of Use: The VPN should have an intuitive interface and easy configuration to ensure a hassle-free user experience.
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions and IP Bans: If Bard has any geographic restrictions, the VPN should effectively bypass them without being detected and blocked.
From our experience, the VPNs that work reliably with Google Bard are ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
The VPN services we recommend for Google Bard
1. ExpressVPN 🥇 $6.66/month
The fastest and most reliable streaming VPN
- ✔Optimized for HD streaming speed
- ✔Wide network with 160 locations across 94 countries
- ✔Split tunneling feature to select apps using VPN
- ✔TrustedServer technology for enhanced security
- ❌Limited to 5 simultaneous device connections
ExpressVPN is highly recommended for YouTube TV due to its exceptional speed and robust server network. It offers a wide range of servers across the United States, ensuring users can easily find a server that works with YouTube TV.
ExpressVPN is known for its strong encryption and security features, which protect users’ privacy without compromising on speed, crucial for streaming high-quality video without buffering.
The VPN also boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and select the best servers for streaming. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s customer support is top-notch, providing quick and helpful solutions to any streaming issues that might arise.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
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2. NordVPN $3.19/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Extra encryption with Double VPN
- ✔Over 5,500 servers in 59 countries
- ✔SmartPlay technology to unblock 400+ geo-restricted streaming services
- ✔CyberSec feature for ad and malware blocking
- ❌The interface can be complex for new users
NordVPN is another excellent choice for YouTube TV viewers, thanks to its extensive network of high-speed servers in the US. Its servers are optimized for streaming, providing a stable and fast connection essential for uninterrupted viewing.
NordVPN also includes advanced security features like Double VPN and CyberSec, enhancing users’ online security and privacy. The service’s SmartPlay technology automatically selects the best server for streaming YouTube TV, simplifying the process for users.
Furthermore, NordVPN offers a strict no-logs policy and reliable customer support, making it a secure and user-friendly VPN option for YouTube TV enthusiasts.
Read our full NordVPN review.
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3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔Strong encryption for secure connections
- ✔Extensive server network enhancing connectivity
- ✔Built-in ad and malware blocking
- ✔Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously
- ❌Can have slower speeds
4. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔Cost-effective pricing
- ✔Servers optimized for P2P activities
- ✔Strict no browsing logs policy
- ✔Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
- ❌Smaller server network compared to others
5. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Large server network with streaming-optimized servers
- ✔Strong encryption standards for security
- ✔Specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- ✔Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
- ❌Speed performance can be mixed
Will Google Bard work with a free VPN?
Yes, Google Bard can work with a free VPN. However, it is important to note that free VPNs often come with limitations that can affect your experience using Bard.
Free VPNs typically have slower speeds and lower bandwidth caps than paid VPNs. This means that you may experience lag or buffering when using Bard, and you may not be able to use it for extended periods of time without running into bandwidth restrictions.
In addition, free VPNs may not offer the same level of security and privacy as paid VPNs. Some free VPNs have been known to track user data and sell it to third parties. Others may not adequately encrypt your internet traffic, leaving your data vulnerable to interception.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended to use a paid VPN with Google Bard. Paid VPNs offer faster speeds, higher bandwidth caps, and better security and privacy features.
You can try a free VPN to see how it works, but if you find that it is not providing a satisfactory experience, I recommend switching to a paid VPN. Here’s a list of what we think are the best free VPNs for Google Bard
Here are some of the benefits of using a paid VPN with Google Bard:
- Faster speeds:Paid VPNs typically offer faster speeds than free VPNs, so you will not experience lag or buffering when using Bard.
- Higher bandwidth caps:Paid VPNs usually have higher bandwidth caps than free VPNs, so you can use Bard for extended periods of time without running into bandwidth restrictions.
- Better security:Paid VPNs offer better security and privacy features than free VPNs, so your data will be protected from interception.
- More server locations:Paid VPNs typically have a wider range of server locations than free VPNs, so you can connect to a server in the country where you need to access Bard.
Is using Google Bard with a VPN legal?
Using Google Bard with a VPN is typically legal, but it’s crucial to be aware of both the terms of service of Google Bard and the laws regarding VPN use in your country.
Some online services have specific policies regarding VPN usage, particularly if they’re used to circumvent geographic restrictions.
Additionally, while VPNs are legal in most countries, some places have strict regulations or bans on their use.
It’s always a good practice to ensure that your use of a VPN is in compliance with local laws and the terms of the service you are accessing.
