If you use Virgin Media as your internet service provider (ISP), you may have noticed or encountered some issues when using a VPN. This is happening because the ISP tries to prevent VPNs from working with its service.
Although Virgin hasn’t explicitly announced it blocks VPNs, there are several reasons it might do so. These could include restricting you from accessing websites or services unavailable in the UK, to stop you from avoiding Virgin Media internet speed throttling and many others.
Fortunately, there’s several fixes you can try to fix Virgin Media not working with VPN.
This article will explain how you can fix the issue and prevent these sorts of errors from happening again in the future.
Virgin Media not working with VPN: Quick Fixes
Try these fixes in order. If one doesn’t work, move on to the next one until Virgin Media works with your VPN.
Because there are many Virgin Media devices, routers and modems, some of these fixes won’t apply to you. Regardless, we recommend you try all of them and if you can’t perform one, simply move on to the next until you’ve fixed Virgin Media not working with VPN.
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Delete Cookies
It’s always good to start with the basics when trying to fix Virgin Media not working with VPN. The very first thing you should try is deleting your Cookies.
Cookies are small files used by your device to streamline your online experience. To do this, they contain information about your physical location.
If this information is different to the location you’re selecting with your VPN, Virgin Media can tell you’re using a VPN.
To make sure this isn’t causing the problems, delete your Cookies.
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Make sure your VPN is up to date
Sometimes these issues arise due to bugs or errors with your VPN software.
More often than not, these errors and bugs are known to the VPN providers and fixes are released in updates.
Make sure your VPN is up to date, so you have the latest version of the software including any of these fixes.
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Change firewall settings
If your VPN isn’t working, the software might be blocked by the Firewall settings of your Virgin Media router.
To fix this you’ll need to log in to your router and change a few settings. Follow these steps:
1. Open an internet browser and type in the Virgin Media IP address: 192.168.0.1(this will allow you to access your router’s settings)/ If you’ve put the router in “Modem” mode, use this IP address instead: 192.168.100.1
2. Enter the settings password on the back of your router or log in if you’ve already made an account
3. Go to Advanced settings
4. Click Firewall options
5. Make sure Block Fragmented IP packets is disabled
6. Make sure IPSec Pass-Through is enabled
7. Make sure PPTP Pass-Through is enabled
8. Make sure Multicast Pass-Through is enabled
9. Save changes
10. Restart router -
Turn off Web Safe
Virgin Media states “Web Safe automatically blocks access to sites it believes are either unsuitable for children, fraudulent or contain viruses.”
This is generally a useful feature; however, it can sometimes deem VPNs as unsafe and will block them.
To get around this, you need to turn Web Safe off. Follow these easy steps:
1. Go to this website: Login to My Virgin Media | Virgin Media
2. Log in to your Virgin Media account
3. Select My Apps from the dropdown menu
4. Select Web Safe
5. Select Overview
6. You’ll now see two options, one for Virus Safety and one for Child safe protection. Turn these off. (Don’t worry you can use the same process to turn them on again)
7. Restart your router -
Turn off Parental Controls
Similar to Web Safe, if you have turned on Parental Controls, they may be interfering with your VPN.
To turn it off, follow these steps:
1. Go to this website: Login to My Virgin Media | Virgin Media
2. Log in to your Virgin Media account
3. Go to the Parental Controls section
4. Select deactivate -
Ensure you’re using a VPN compatible with Virgin Media
If you’ve made it this far, and none of the fixes has resolved Virgin Media not working with VPN, it might be because your VPN isn’t compatible with the ISP.
Your VPN might not have measures in place to ensure it works reliably with Virgin Media. If it doesn’t have these sorts of measures in place, Virgin Media will be able to identify and block all the IP addresses your VPN can provide.
To resolve this, you need to upgrade to a VPN that has these sorts of measures in place. We recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month).
ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) is one of the best VPNs on the market. It has super-fast servers and it’s also incredibly secure, boasting physical servers in 84 countries around the world.
It also has measures in place to ensure it works with Virgin Media reliably. If an IP address provided by ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) gets blocked by Virgin Media, it will close that IP address and open a new one, so there’s always one for you to connect to.
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Setup a VPN router
If you’re still struggling to get Virgin Media working with VPN, the absolutely foolproof way to fix the problem is to set up what’s called a VPN router.
This installs VPN software onto a physical router, so instead of connecting to the Virgin Media router, you’ll connect to the VPN router and won’t come across any issues with your VPN getting blocked by the ISP.
To do this, you need to ensure your Virgin Media router is in “Modem” mode:
1. Open an internet browser and type in the Virgin Media IP address (this will allow you to access your router’s settings)
2. Enter the settings password on the back of your router or log in if you’ve already made an account
3. Click Modem Mode on the left side
4. Click Enable Modem ModeOnce you’ve done this you can follow this guide on how to put a VPN on your router: How to put a VPN on your router!
Why does Virgin Media block VPNs?
There are many reasons why Virgin Media blocks VPNs. The first is to do with ISP throttling.
This is where your internet service provider (ISP), in this case, Virgin Media, restricts your internet speed or bandwidth. It does this to control internet traffic over its network, reduce bandwidth congestion and also enforce data limits that you might have with your subscription.
Because VPNs can allow you to get around this throttling, Virgin Media tries to block them so customers can’t do this.
The second reason is Virgin Media tries to prevent you from accessing websites it deems unsafe or ones that are geo-blocked. Geo-blocked means websites that aren’t available in the UK, i.e. HBO Max, Hulu and others.
Peer-to-peer services like torrenting websites are especially hard to access with Virgin Media.
Using a VPN can allow you to get around these blocks. Because of this, Virgin Media tries to block VPNs.
How does Virgin block VPNs?
Virgin Media blocks VPNs using a couple of methods:
- Web Safe Feature: Virgin Media’s “Web Safe” feature automatically blocks access to sites it considers unsafe, including some VPNs. This feature is generally used for security purposes, such as blocking sites that are fraudulent or contain viruses, but it can sometimes incorrectly categorize VPNs as unsafe and block them.
- DNS Sinkhole Technique: Virgin Media employs a DNS sinkhole technique to block VPNs. This involves manipulating the DNS (Domain Name System) responses. When a user tries to access a website, their browser sends a request to a DNS server to get the IP address of the site. Virgin Media’s DNS server, instead of providing the correct IP address for the VPN site, returns an address that isn’t associated with any computer, effectively leading the request to a dead end. This method has been identified as the primary way Virgin Media blocks access to VPN sites and services.
While Virgin Media’s policy to block VPNs is not a legal requirement in the UK, it is a decision made by the company as a matter of policy, and the reasons for such a policy may vary. However, it’s noteworthy that not all VPNs are blocked.
Which VPNs work with Virgin Media?
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PIA | Ivacy | CyberGhost | |
| Virgin Media | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Download Speed | 79 Mbps | 71 Mbps | 27 Mbps | 31 Mbps | 41 Mbps |
| Stream quality | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
We regularly check which VPNs are working with Virgin Media. Our last test was on 20th November 2023.
Virgin Media not working with VPN: FAQs
Q: Why is my VPN not working with Virgin Media?
Answer: Your VPN may not work with Virgin Media due to ISP restrictions, such as bandwidth throttling or blocking access to certain VPN services.
Q: Can Virgin Media legally block VPNs?
Answer: While VPNs are not illegal in the UK and there’s no legal requirement for ISPs to block them, Virgin Media has implemented a policy to block or restrict certain VPN services.
Q: How does Virgin Media block VPNs?
Answer: Virgin Media primarily uses a DNS sinkhole technique, redirecting DNS requests to a non-existent IP address, and employs its Web Safe feature to block VPNs deemed unsafe.
Q: Are there any VPNs that work with Virgin Media?
Answer: Some VPNs may still work with Virgin Media, but compatibility can vary, so it’s recommended to check if a VPN is known to work reliably with their service.
Q: What can I do if my VPN is blocked by Virgin Media?
Answer: You can try switching to a different VPN known to work with Virgin Media, or adjust your VPN settings, such as changing the server or protocol, to bypass the restrictions.
The VPNs we recommend for Virgin Media
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 a top choice for Virgin Media users due to its ability to mask IP addresses, ensuring privacy and anonymity. This VPN is adept at bypassing geographical restrictions, which is particularly useful if Virgin Media services are not available in your region.
Additionally, ExpressVPN is beneficial for users who might have been accidentally banned, as it allows them to switch IP addresses easily. The VPN encrypts data, protecting personal information, chat logs, and shared files, especially on public Wi-Fi.
It’s also compatible with mobile devices, making it a versatile option for Virgin Media users.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
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 offers similar benefits to ExpressVPN when used with Virgin Media. It provides enhanced privacy by masking your IP address and ensuring that your conversations remain confidential. It also allows users to bypass geographical restrictions and avoid bans on Virgin Media. NordVPN’s encryption ensures the security of personal information and shared files.
Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN also minimizes the delay introduced by VPNs and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making it a strong choice for Virgin Media users who need robust privacy and security features.
Read our full NordVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
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
Is it illegal to use a VPN with Virgin Media?
Using a VPN with Virgin Media is not illegal in the United Kingdom. VPNs are legal tools that provide privacy and security for internet users, and there are no laws in the UK prohibiting their use with internet service providers like Virgin Media.
However, while the use of VPNs is legal, the activities conducted while using a VPN must still comply with the law. Virgin Media may have its own policies regarding VPN usage, but these do not equate to legal restrictions.
