So, for privacy and security reasons, I use a VPN. This is normally Mullvad (with DAITA and quantum resistance enabled), but I have ProtonVPN, Windscribe, and Orbot handy in case something doesn’t work.
However, lately I’ve noticed my connections being blocked. This is across three different ISPs: Sky, Virgin, and Wifinity. I have tried all three VPNs and Orbot, and I have tried several protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth, and of course SOCKS5) to no avail.
The logical solution would be to use a bridge in Orbot, but the button seems to have been removed. Also, by using Orbot, I will not be protected by my DNS.
I am currently using iOS, but my other machines run Linux and I will be getting a GrapheneOS phone in the near future.
Can anyone help?
AFAIK the IPs used by VPN providers are getting flagged and blocked by certain sites in an attempt to force you off of the VPN so they can suck up your data. I’m sure there are other reasons too.
Blocked?
As in VPN failing to connect?
Or the website you are attempting to visit giving you an error?
Btw, Proton VPN’s latest version of the app has “Stealth” mode to attempt to bypass censorship, have you tried that?
The lastest version of Orbot has a line below “Start VPN” that says “Choose how to connect” tap that and choose a bridge.
Also, what country are you in, if you don’t mind me asking? (I don’t recognize the names of those ISPs)
VPN failing to connect. Stealth mode didn’t work, as described above. I’m in the UK.
Another user provided a working solution:
@hellfire103 I bet it’s the DAITA on your Mullvad, choose MultiHop instead with Wireguard, quantum resist. and obfuscation . Then use a Linux set from boot SOCKS5 as you desire. I hope it helps.
However, alternative solutions would be appreciated.
Other than DAITA, Quantum resistance may also be a problem. From experience, the key exchange needs near-perfect connection, otherwise it keeps failing.
This is further made into a problem by Android’s private DNS handling. If it times out for long enough (seems like 10 seconds), then even after Mullvad finally connects, the DNS won’t work.
I am looking into obfuscation methods used in China now, like v2ray/VLESS/XRay. Maybe this would be the direction you’d want to go. I’d start with a good comparison article.
That sounds like it might be some sort of local issue with your configuration, but without more info we could only guess
