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If you are unable to load various Google services while connected to ExpressVPN, this guide will walk you through troubleshooting the issue.

Note: Affected services can include Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Meet, G-Suite, and Android Notifications, as well as other Google services.

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Google services not working in a browser

Google services not working in an app

Google services not working in a browser

Every ExpressVPN server runs its own private, encrypted DNS, which keeps your DNS queries inside the same secure tunnel as the rest of your internet traffic. If your browser has its own DNS security settings enabled, this can interfere with the VPN connection and prevent Google services from loading.

To resolve this, disable encrypted DNS in your browser settings.

Not sure you are using an encrypted DNS? To check whether encrypted DNS is active, visit one.one.one.one/help in your browser. If Using DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or Using DNS over TLS (DoT) shows Yes, encrypted DNS is active and may be causing the issue.

Here is how to disable encrypted DNS in different browsers:

Chrome

  1. Click the three-dot menu icon (â‹®) in the top right corner.Top right corner of the Google Chrome toolbar, showing a highlighted three-dot menu icon.
  2. Head to Settings > Privacy and security.Google Chrome main menu, showing a highlighted "Settings" menu item.
  3. Click Security.Google Chrome settings menu, showing highlighted "Privacy and security" and "Security" tabs.
  4. Scroll down to the Advanced section and turn the Use secure DNS toggle off.Google Chrome Security page. The "Use secure DNS" option is highlighted.

Note: The steps above should be the same or similar for other Chromium browsers, such as Opera, Microsoft Edge, Samsung Browser, Vivaldi, and Brave.

Firefox

  1. Click the hamburger menu icon (☰) in the top right corner.Top right corner of the Firefox toolbar, showing a highlighted hamburger menu icon.
  2. Click Settings.Firefox main menu, showing a highlighted "Settings" menu item.
  3. Next, click Privacy & Security.Firefox settings menu, showing a highlighted "Privacy & Security" tab.
  4. Scroll down to Enable DNS over HTTPS using: and select the Off option.Firefox security settings, showing a highlighted "Off" option for the "Enable DNS over HTTPS using" feature.

Safari

The Safari browser uses your Mac’s DNS settings. To turn off encrypted DNS:

  1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.Apple menu on a Mac, showing a highlighted "System Settings..." menu item.
  2. Click Network and select your connection, like Wi-Fi for example.System settings menu on a Mac, showing a highlighted "Network" tab and a "Wi-Fi" connection.
  3. Click Details.Wi-Fi connection page on a Mac, showing a highlighted "Details..." button.
  4. Select the DNS tab and check the DNS Servers table for any DNS server addresses.Details window for a Wi-Fi connection on a Mac. The "DNS" tab and "DNS Servers" table are highlighted.
  5. Select the DNS server from the list, click the minus (-) button, then click OK.Details window for a Wi-Fi connection on a Mac. The "cloudflare-dns.com" table item, minus button, and "OK" button are highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Google services not working in an app

If you are accessing Google services through a desktop or mobile app rather than a browser, try connecting to a different VPN server location. Follow the steps for your device:

If this does not resolve your issue, contact customer support for further assistance.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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