Why is my VPN blocked?

Networks and countries block VPNs using deep packet inspection (DPI), which recognizes the distinctive traffic patterns of protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, and by blocklisting the IP addresses of well-known VPN providers. If your VPN connects but no data flows, or it suddenly stopped working on one specific network, it has probably been detected and blocked.

What is an obfuscated VPN?

An obfuscated VPN disguises its traffic to look like ordinary internet activity, so deep packet inspection cannot recognize it as a VPN. Pyramid VPN uses the AmneziaWG protocol, a modified version of WireGuard that hides the protocol's fingerprint while keeping the same speed and encryption.

Does an obfuscated VPN work on school, work, and hotel Wi-Fi?

Yes. Networks that block regular VPNs identify them by protocol fingerprint or by blocking known VPN ports. Because obfuscated traffic looks like normal internet traffic, it typically keeps working on networks where standard VPN apps fail to connect.

Is an obfuscated VPN slower than a normal VPN?

Not noticeably. AmneziaWG is based on WireGuard, one of the fastest VPN protocols available. The obfuscation adds a negligible overhead compared to the older, slower protocols some providers fall back to.

VPN blocked?
Here's why - and how to fix it

If your VPN connects but nothing loads, or it suddenly stopped working on one network, it has probably been detected and blocked. Here's what's going on.

Last updated: July 8, 2026

Mummy mascot thinking about a blocked VPN connection

Why VPNs get blocked

Standard VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN have a recognizable "shape". Firewalls that use deep packet inspection (DPI) can spot that shape in milliseconds and simply drop the connection. On top of that, the IP addresses of big VPN providers are publicly known and easy to blocklist.

That's why your VPN can work fine at home but fail at a hotel, on a school or office network, on some mobile carriers, or in countries that restrict VPN use. The network isn't broken - it recognized your VPN and shut the door on it.

The fix: obfuscation

An obfuscated VPN disguises its traffic so it looks like ordinary internet activity. DPI sees nothing unusual, so there's nothing to block.

Pyramid VPN is built on AmneziaWG - a modified WireGuard protocol that removes the fingerprint DPI looks for, while keeping WireGuard's speed and modern encryption. It's not an add-on mode you have to find in the settings; it's how every Pyramid VPN connection works, all the time.

Already using the AmneziaVPN app? See where to get an AmneziaVPN server or key.

Where this matters

Hotel, café, and airport Wi-Fi that quietly drops VPN connections.
School and workplace networks that block VPN apps and ports.
Mobile carriers that throttle or interfere with VPN traffic.
Countries that restrict VPNs, where well-known providers stop connecting entirely.

One note on the last point: it's your responsibility to make sure using a VPN is lawful where you are - see our terms.

Get back online in three steps

Subscribe to Pyramid VPN - on Telegram or with email (7-day free trial, then $5/month).
Install the free AmneziaVPN app (iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux).
Open the key we send you and tap Connect. Our setup guide covers every step.

Mummy mascot with phone showing VPN connected

A VPN that keeps working

Obfuscated by default. 7-day free trial, then $5/month.

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