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Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 11:08 pm
by yochaigal
Pixel 3, using the new Pro client (subscription).

When I'm connected to my home OpenVPN tunnel, Google Store apps do not install or download. This happens even when I add the Google Play Store and Google Play Services to the App Filter.

I am not running a firewall or adblocker when this happens. Regardless, it works when I'm on wifi (and not on VPN).

What should I do?
Thanks.

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2019 6:23 am
by admin
Normally this problem is solved with the app filter.

Are you sure that the app filter is configured correctly?
The app filter mode must be configured as "The VPN can be used by any apps, except for the following apps" and you must add at least the Google Play Store app.

Do you use a custom Android ROM?

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:03 pm
by yochaigal
Sorry I did not mark to get notified of replies!

I am configured exactly as you say. See screenshot. I am on a stock Pixel 3 ROM. No root.

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 12:31 pm
by admin
No problem.
Maybe the problem is related to the DNS servers pushed by the VPN server.
Please, try to follow these steps:
  • edit the VPN
  • tap on "Options"
  • select "Ignore pushed DNS servers"
  • save the changes

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 12:42 pm
by yochaigal
If that were true, wouldn't the same problem occur when I was using my phone at home?

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 12:47 pm
by yochaigal
I did as you suggested - problem persists.
Switching back to my home network (no VPN, same dns server) and the problem went away.

Basically, it only happens on the VPN.

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 1:55 pm
by admin
I just tried on some devices and seem to work as expected.
Seem that your device ignore the app filter settings.
Unfortunately the app filter is handled directly by Android system, so there is not workaround for this issue.

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 3:17 pm
by yochaigal
It seems to work on other apps, though.
Could it be something to do with the version of Android I'm running?

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 5:13 pm
by admin
Yes, I think that the problem should be on your Android version.

Re: Play Store not working while on VPN

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 6:37 pm
by yochaigal
Well, I'm using the latest official/stock release for Pixel 3:
Android 9 (June 5th, 2019).
PQ3A.190605.003