Opera is currently the only browser among the leading providers that offer a free VPN service. The built-in VPN option saves a lot of users some headaches especially those from outside of the United States.
Users use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service to maintain being anonymous with their online transactions. But for some people, they use it simply for accessing geo-restricted content. This is mostly true for certain movies and shows on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, or Amazon Prime Video. Youtube and other platforms also implement geo-blocking some content so users from other parts of the world won’t be able to access them.
However, to the disappointment of some users, their trusty, free VPN provider integrated within the Opera browser throws out an error when they are trying to turn it on. The VPN icon in the toolbar goes yellow and an error message like this appears in the VPN menu:
“VPN is temporarily unavailable. Opera is resolving the problem.”
Here are some troubleshooting techniques you can try to fix the issue if your Opera VPN is not working.
How to Fix Opera VPN Temporarily Unavailable Error
Toggle the VPN On and Off
Sometimes the primary solution to Opera VPN not able to connect is simply toggle the on and off button several times until it gets connected successfully. Some users had some success with this troubleshooting method.
- Click on the VPN button on the toolbar.
- Then click on the on/off button to connect and disconnect the VPN service.
Change the VPN Location
The other locations will most likely be gone when a VPN error happens. as most users are left with just one specific location. However, if you see that there are other available locations, you certainly want to try those out first before moving on to the next troubleshooting methods.
- Hit the VPN icon right beside the website address.
- Turn on the VPN service and select the location from the list available in the Virtual Location dropdown.
- If the VPN button turns blue, you are good to go.
- If not, select another location until it gets connected.
Clear Cache and Cookies in Opera
Clearing your caches and cookies can often fix a lot of browser issues. Here’s how to do it in Opera.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Del to open your Clear browsing data settings.
- Make sure Cookies and site data is selected and then click Clear data.
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Del hotkey.
- Choose the beginning time option on the drop-down menu.
- Hit the Clear browsing data button.
- Restart the Opera browser to complete the process thoroughly.
Update Opera
Sometimes, errors on the VPN service can be easily fixed with new browser updates. Check your browser version if it is the latest release from Opera and perform the update if necessary.
Just go to the Opera menu then click About Opera. It will automatically check for any available updates for you. Just follow the prompt when an update is available to be installed.
Disable Opera Extensions
Once you made sure that you have the latest version of the Opera browser, but still experience the VPN service disruption you can try to disable your browser extensions. Sometimes, these extensions can interfere with how Opera works and can cause problems like this. To do so:
- Click on the box icon that says Extensions in the top-right of your screen.
- Then, click Manage Extensions.
- You will be presented with the list of extensions currently installed on your Opera browser.
- Toggle the button next to the extension that you want to disable.
Once the method proves to fix the issue or doesn’t do anything to solve it at all, don’t forget to re-enable the extensions that were previously enabled, especially the Opera Ad Blocker.
Just Wait It Out
Lastly, if none of these methods fix the issue with your Opera VPN service, then all you have to do is to wait for it to be back. Sometimes, there are issues with your Internet Service Provider that might cause the connection to be impossible at that moment. There are also those times when the Opera servers are down. So, your best bet is to wait it out and try again after an hour or so, who knows, the VPN service might be back by then.