Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your privacy and security online. However, when it comes to video calls on doxy.me, a VPN can sometimes cause problems that affect call quality and reliability. This article explains why that happens and what you can do to fix it.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet traffic through a remote server before it reaches its destination. This hides your IP address and can make your connection appear as if it’s coming from another location. While this is great for privacy and accessing restricted content, it also changes how your data travels across the internet.
How a VPN Impacts Telehealth Calls
doxy.me relies on a stable, direct, and low-latency connection between your device and our video servers. A VPN can interfere with this in several ways:
Increased Latency (Lag):
Because your data must travel through an extra server, the signal takes longer to reach its final endpoint. This delay can cause choppy video, lagging audio, or out-of-sync conversations.Reduced Bandwidth:
Some VPNs limit or throttle bandwidth, which can result in poor video resolution or dropped calls.Blocked WebRTC Traffic:
doxy.me uses WebRTC for secure, real-time communication. Certain VPNs or corporate firewalls may block or filter this traffic, preventing the call from connecting at all.Server Location Issues:
If your VPN routes you through another country, your connection may experience unnecessary routing delays or even be blocked due to regional routing or compliance differences.Unstable Connections:
VPN connections can drop suddenly if the VPN server becomes overloaded or loses connectivity. This can disconnect your doxy.me call unexpectedly.
Symptoms You Might Notice
If you are using a VPN, you might experience:
Difficulty connecting to your doxy.me call
“Poor connection” or “network error” messages
Frozen or pixelated video
Delayed or distorted audio
Dropped calls or disconnections
What You Can Do
If you’re having trouble on doxy.me and think a VPN might be involved, try the following steps:
Turn Off Your VPN
Temporarily disable your VPN during your doxy.me session. This usually resolves most connection and quality issues.Use a Trusted Network
Connect using your home network or a reliable Wi-Fi connection without additional security routing.Contact Your IT Team (If at Work)
If you’re required to use a VPN for security reasons, your IT administrator may be able to adjust settings to allow doxy.me traffic through safely.
Summary
While VPNs are great for privacy, they can interfere with doxy.me video calls by introducing lag, reducing quality, or blocking connections entirely. For the best telehealth experience, we recommend turning off your VPN during your call to ensure a smooth and stable connection.