# VPN doesn't work - status: connecting and then disconnecting

**URL:** <https://forum.pritunl.com/t/vpn-doesnt-work-status-connecting-and-then-disconnecting/3679>\
**Category:** Pritunl VPN\
**Tags:** pritunl-client, pritunl\
**Created:** [January 12, 2026, 9:43am UTC](https://forum.pritunl.com/t/vpn-doesnt-work-status-connecting-and-then-disconnecting/3679 "2026-01-12T09:43:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![arie](https://forum.pritunl.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/c2a13f/32.png) [@arie](https://forum.pritunl.com/u/arie)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 9:43am UTC](https://forum.pritunl.com/t/vpn-doesnt-work-status-connecting-and-then-disconnecting/3679/1 "2026-01-12T09:43:52Z")

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Hi, I’m new to Pritunl/VPN. I’m setting up Pritunl for the first time and haven’t spent too much time working with VPNs.

I set up Pritunl in basic mode so that it would work at all. I tried to connect, but all I get is “Connecting” and then “Disconnecting.” Again and again.

What could be the reason for this, and what are some common pitfalls when setting up a VPN for the first time?

@zach

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**Author:** ![zach](https://forum.pritunl.com/user_avatar/forum.pritunl.com/zach/32/1105_2.png) [@zach](https://forum.pritunl.com/u/zach)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 11:14pm UTC](https://forum.pritunl.com/t/vpn-doesnt-work-status-connecting-and-then-disconnecting/3679/2 "2026-01-12T23:14:48Z")

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There is general information on the [**client debugging**](https://docs.pritunl.com/kb/vpn/debugging/client) page, the client logs are located in the top right menu. Both the profile and service logs should be checked. For a connection error the profile logs will likely have more useful information.