{"id":24288,"date":"2024-11-13T18:02:32","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T10:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/?p=24288"},"modified":"2025-07-04T22:47:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T14:47:59","slug":"change-vpn-protocol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/en\/change-vpn-protocol\/","title":{"rendered":"Change VPN Protocol: What, Why, and How?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever experienced network lag or been unable to open web pages while using a VPN? This is likely because the VPN protocol you are using is not suitable. You need to change the VPN protocol to resolve the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t worry, this post will guide you on how to switch the VPN protocol and discuss scenarios where different VPN protocols are most applicable. Please keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a VPN Protocol and How Does It Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A VPN protocol is a set of rules that dictates how data is transmitted between the VPN server and the devices connected to it. It is the bedrock of a VPN, directing data transmission and encryption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, there are many different VPN protocols. It is important to select a suitable one because it can affect connection security, speed, and stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, a VPN is equipped with various VPN protocols allowing you to change them freely. However, why should you change the VPN protocol, and how to change it? Let\u2019s move to the next part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: What Are Network Protocols? [A Simple Guide]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons to Change VPN Protocol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all VPN protocols are the same. Their usage is different in many aspects. If you use improper VPN protocols in specific situations, the VPN protocols might not work properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This VPN protocol can\u2019t unlock the geo-restrictions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t open a geo-limited website or app even with a VPN connection, change the VPN protocol. This may be because this protocol doesn\u2019t support servers in this region. The VPN provider would adjust the VPN protocol for a specific region based on the VPN regulation, user needs, and the VPN protocols\u2019 features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your internet speed is very slow with this VPN protocol<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your internet speed turns very slow, it might be because the VPN protocol you are using is not good. You can change it to other protocols like WireGuard<\/a>, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is the best among these options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some VPN functions are lost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t find some VPN features, change a VPN protocol to fix this. This may be because the VPN protocol you are using doesn\u2019t support all the features that the VPN has pronounced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Change VPN Protocol – General Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Changing VPN protocols varies in VPN apps. We\u2019ll give you a general method for changing it on different devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Change the VPN Protocol on iOS and Android<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can refer to the following steps to switch VPN protocols on iOS, iPadOS, Android, tvOS, and Android TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1. Go to the VPN app on your iOS and Android devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2. Look for the settings button or menu within the app. It is usually a gear icon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"LightningX<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step 3. On the settings page, locate the section that allows you to configure VPN protocols. It might be \u201cProtocol\u201d, \u201cConnection Tab\u201d, or \u201cAdvanced Settings\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4. Choose the desired VPN protocol from the list, which might be a drop-down menu. Common VPN protocols include OpenVPN, IKEv2<\/a>, and WireGuard. After selecting the protocol, remember to save the changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5. Reconnect to the VPN to enable the new VPN protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Change the VPN Protocol on Windows and MacOS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Different VPN desktops vary in changing VPN protocols on Windows and macOS. However, you can check the general steps below to make the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Windows<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1. Open the VPN desktop on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2. Go to \u201cSettings\u201d or \u201cOptions\u201d. It is usually a gear icon or menu button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3. Look for \u201cProtocol\u201d or \u201cConnection Tab\u201d which is usually in the \u201cNetwork\u201d or \u201cConnection\u201d section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4. Select the desired VPN protocol. Then, save the change and restart the VPN desktop to enable the new VPN protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On macOS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using the built-in VPN protocol on macOS, follow the steps below to change the VPN protocol. However, if you use third-party VPN software, follow the same steps as that on Windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1. Click the Apple menu and go to \u201cSystem Preferences\u201d > \u201cNetwork\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2. Click the \u201c+\u201d button at the bottom left of the Network panel and select \u201cVPN\u201d as the interface type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3. Select your preferred protocol in the \u201cVPN Type\u201d drop-down menu. You should see IKEv2, L2TP over IPSec, and PPTP (not recommended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4. Enter the VPN server address, account name, and other information required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5. Click \u201cAuthentication Settings\u201d to enter the password or shared secret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 6. Click \u201cApply\u201d and then \u201cConnect\u201d to start using the new VPN protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Change VPN Protocol on LightningX VPN?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using LightningX VPN<\/a>, follow the steps below to change the VPN protocol. The steps are suitable for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Linux devices, and Android TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1. Open LightningX VPN on your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2. Tap \u201cMine\u201d from the left list of features, which is a humanoid symbol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3. Tap \u201cSettings\u201d on the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4. Switch on the toggle next to \u201cNew Protocol\u201d. Then, you can reopen the VPN to get a new VPN protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Change<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LightningX VPN is a highly recommended VPN tool for all devices. It is easy to use, secure, fast, and affordable. It adopts WireGuard, Shadowsocks, and Vless. You can change your real IP address to 2,000+ servers in 70+ countries such as the US, Canada, Argentina, and Japan. You can get a 30-day money-back guarantee after subscribing to it. It now offers a one-day free trial for everyone to test the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Get LightningX VPN<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Change VPN Protocol to These Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the common VPN protocols. We list their features and use cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OpenVPN:<\/strong> This is an open-source protocol that allows others to optimize it. It highly focuses on security and transparency. It is suitable for people who require high security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WireGuard:<\/strong> This is the best and most-used VPN protocol today. It is super-fast and open source, employing ChaCha20 encryption. It is the best choice for streamers, gamers, and others who require the best internet speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IPSec\/IKEv2:<\/strong> IKEv2 and IPSec are combined to encrypt your data and privacy. IKEv2 is one of the fastest VPN protocols today while IPSec is a reliable VPN protocol. However, they are only compatible with macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Change VPN Protocol – FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Q: Which protocol is better for VPN?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OpenVPN and WireGuard are generally considered the best VPN protocols today. They have super-fast speed and high security. However, WireGuard is even faster than OpenVPN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: How to change the VPN protocol to UDP?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open the VPN app or desktop, go to Settings > Protocol\/Connection Type. If your VPN supports the OpenVPN protocol, you will see the TCP and UDP options. Then, choose UDP. Save the change and restart the VPN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: How can I change my VPN settings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go to \u201cSettings\u201d or \u201cPreferences\u201d on your VPN. Within the settings menu, look for the VPN protocol options. Then, switch to the desired VPN protocol and save the change. You can also adjust other settings within the settings page.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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