General FAQ
How does your VPN service work?
Once you connect to our service a
secure internet connection is established between your internet service
provider and our internet service provider. Everything you do online is
'encrypted' and essentially anonymous; anyone trying to break into your
internet connection to steal sensitive data (e.g. on public Wifi networks) will
not be able to because your web traffic is securely hidden. Websites you visit,
usernames and passwords used to login to websites, people you talk to online,
and files you download and share will be out of sight by third-parties trying
to monitor your online usage and potentially steal sensitive information from you.
Not only is your online traffic anonymize, your online identity
in the form of an 'IP address' is also hidden. Your IP address is essentially
your 'online fingerprint' and identification to the rest of the online world.
Your IP address can tell people and websites your physical location and which
internet service provider you are using. You wouldn't show your identity to a
random person in the street, so why would you reveal your online identity and
location to potentially millions of online strangers? Our VPN service is very easy to use,
while VPN encryption
may sound complicated to some people, you do not need technical knowledge to
anonymize your online traffic and protect your online identity.
All you need to do is install our software, enter your username and password,
and hit connect!
What are the 5 main benefits of using a VPN?
1.
Secure your internet connection on
non-secured networks. Connecting to networks you have no control over (such as
WiFi hotspots) is risky because your online traffic can easily be intercepted
by hackers operating on the same network. This can include websites you are
visiting as well as usernames/passwords used to login to websites. By using our
VPN service your online traffic will be encrypted and hidden from people trying
to steal your sensitive web traffic data.
2.
Become anonymous and protect your online identity.
By encrypting your online web traffic everything you do online will become
anonymous and your online identity will be hidden. Anonymity is vital for
identity protection and to ensure what you do online is never revealed to
hackers and network snoops.
3.
Virtually reside in another country
and bypass geographic web blocks. Some websites may restrict content to
specific countries which can be annoying if you are abroad and away from your
home country. Simply connect to one of our VPN server locations in the country
you wish to 'virtually reside' in and you will trick the website into thinking
you are actually in the specified country.
4.
VPN works with everything on your
computer. Not to be confused with web
proxies, a VPN will automatically anonymously encrypt all applications on
your computer, whether this is your web browser, instant messaging
client or filesharing
application.
5.
Bypass censorship and internet
restrictions. The World Wide Web is not so world-wide for some countries and
internet service providers. VPN's help bypass censorship and limits imposed by
your internet service provider or government.
What is the difference between a web proxy and a VPN?
A VPN will automatically anonymously
encrypt your entire internet connection and as such all applications on your
computer will be secured, whereas with a web proxy you'll need to configure
certain applications manually (such as your web browser). VPN's use much
stronger encryption
methods and are therefore considered more secure than web proxies.
Will a VPN slow down my internet connection?
There are a number of factors that
will determine the speed you get behind a VPN server. The most obvious factor
is your internet speed to begin with, and the distance between your physical
location and the location of our VPN
server nodes. For example connecting from Thailand to our New York VPN
server is 8660 miles away, and so some speed loss is going to be inevitable.
The closer you are to our VPN server locations, there is less chance you'll
experience speed loss. Our software also has an in-built 'Speed Guide' feature
which will help determine the fastest VPN server for your connection. Given the
fact we have servers in 25+ countries, speed shouldn't be a problem for you.
Also, check out our wiki article Speed with lots of recommendations on how to increase your
connection performance!
Can I watch TV shows and movies behind your VPN?
Yes, our service works with all of
the top online TV and movie websites.
What will my ISP see when I'm connected to your VPN?
Your ISP will only see a secured
encrypted connection to one of our remote VPN servers. They won't be able
to decipher your online activities and make sense of your internet traffic.
What
do I get?
All reasonable VPN packages with full proof internet
security will be your main reward.
How much does your service cost?
There are 3 payment plans; monthly
($11.52 every month), biyearly ($49.99 every 6 months) and yearly ($78.66 every
12 months). By buying 12 months in advance you'll be paying the equivalent of
$6.55 per month; a large saving compared to paying every month. We have
multiple payment methods available. For the most up to date list please proceed
to the order page.
Where are your VPN servers located and how many IP's do I get?
For a full list of server locations
and IP addresses please go to the VPN
server page. Every VPN subscription gains you access to more than 364 VPN
servers located in 53 countries utilizing 43'000+ IP addresses. It is important
to note that you won't find any VPN provider with as many anonymous IP
addresses as we have :)
Do you offer dynamic or static IP addresses?
We offer dynamic IP addresses. Every
time you connect to one of our servers you'll get a new IP address until you've
cycled through all available IP addresses (IP count can be found on the VPN server page). We do not offer
shared IP addresses which means you won't be dumped on the same IP address as
another customer for the duration of your VPN connection. Dynamic IP addresses
are the most anonymous as you'll be able to make use of thousands of IP
addresses, rather than be stuck using only one IP address like static IP VPN
providers offer.
How often do you add new servers?
Very often - look at the graph on
our VPN server page, there you see
how often we add new servers.
What VPN protocols do you offer and what encryption do you use?
We currently offer four protocols;
- OpenVPN-TCP: For encryption the cipher in use is CBC mode of Blowfish with encryption strength of 128bit, hash algorithm is 160bit SHA1, and the control channel is same TLSv1/SSLv3 DHE-RSA-AES256-SHA, 1024 bit RSA.
- OpenVPN-UDP: Same encryption and security as OpenVPN-TCP, but working via UDP protocol. This allows better speeds and bypasses more restrictions. See our article UDP on how to use it.
- PPTP: For encryption PPTP uses MPPE 128bit cipher with compression and MS-CHAPv2 authentication.
- L2TP: L2TP is using IPSec for encryption with 256 bit key for encryption, 3DES/AES algorithm
How much bandwidth/transfer can I use every month?
We do not have any bandwidth limits.
How many computers can I install and use your VPN on?
You can install our software on as
many computers and devices as you wish, however you must not exceed 2
simultaneous connections. Simply put, only 2 computers can be connected to our
service at any time.
Are you able to refund me if I'm not happy with your service?
Yes, we can refund you within 30
days of ordering if you are unhappy with our service. However please note that
customers who exceed 10GB of bandwidth do not qualify for a refund.
Compatibility
Is there any software to install?
We do offer our own custom VPN software that makes connecting
and using our service much easier compared to setting up manual network
connections. You can see the full feature list at the VPN software page.
However, you are welcome to use your own VPN connection methods and do not
necessarily have to use our software.
What operating systems are compatible?
We currently have software for
Windows (XP/Vista/7) and Mac (Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain
Lion). We are working on a Linux GUI client, but for now only offer a basic
command-line client for Linux users.
But our VPN can be used on many more
devices and operating systems. For a full list of supported ones incl.
instructions, see our article Connection Instructions
Will your VPN work on my portable device?
Our service will work with any
device that has support for OpenVPN, PPTP or L2TP protocols. This includes e.g.
iPhones, iPads and Android devices.
Can I setup a VPN connection on my router?
It depends on the make/model of your
router. Please visit the VPN router page for more infomation and router
recommendations.
Do I need to open any ports or configure my firewall for the VPN?
You should not need to open any
ports or adjust your firewall settings to establish VPN connections.
OpenVPN-TCP utilizes TCP-port 443, OpenVPN-UDP
works through UDP port 53. PPTP uses TCP-port 1723 and L2TP uses UDP port 1701.
These ports are open by default for most systems.
Other
How long have you been in business?
MasterVPN has been in business since 2010. We are the most popular web proxy and anonymity featured website and we always have focused website online; millions of unique visitors use VPN services every month.
Do you have affiliate service?
We sure do. Check this page out: Affiliate
What logs do VPN services keep? Do they monitor my activity?
VPN services only log the times you
connect and disconnect from our service. We do not log what activity you get up
to behind our VPN service, such as
what websites you visit and who you talk to. For more information, go to our privacy
policy.
Advanced FAQ
My download and upload speed is going down with VPN, what can I do?
Try a different VPN server or select
PPTP
instead of OpenVPN. If the problem
remains, try tweaking your network settings as explained on the article Speed. If it isn't your ISPs fault and you have speed problems
only with a certain VPN server, contact HMA support by email-> info@VPN
- OpenVPN-TCP: For encryption the cipher in use is CBC mode of Blowfish with encryption strength of 128bit, hash algorithm is 160bit SHA1, and the control channel is same TLSv1/SSLv3 DHE-RSA-AES256-SHA, 1024 bit RSA.
- OpenVPN-UDP: Same encryption and security as OpenVPN-TCP, but working via UDP protocol. This allows better speeds and bypasses more restrictions. See our article UDP on how to use it.
- PPTP: For encryption PPTP uses MPPE 128bit cipher with compression and MS-CHAPv2 authentication.
- L2TP: L2TP is using IPSec for encryption with 256 bit key for encryption, 3DES/AES algorithm
Please read our article Connection
Issues. You can also reinstall the VPN client and make sure you have the latest version. If the problem remains, do
the diagnostics within the client (Dashboard -> Connection Log ->
Diagnostics) and send it together with a detailed explanation of your problem,
your account username, the servers you experienced the problem with and all
data VPN support might need to info
Is it
possible to exclude certain applications from the VPN - so that for example my
bittorrent client is using the VPN, but my web browser doesn't?
Not quite. But you can use this
methods:
a) let certain IPs bypass the VPN. See our tutorial Tutorials:How to let websites and IPs bypass the VPN usingstatic routing
b) use virtual machines. You can run e.g. another Windows system as virtual machine with Virtualbox or VMWare Workstation. Within the virtual mchine you connect to the VPN. This means all applications run on your normal system will use your standard internet connection, while all applications within the virtual machine will use the VPN connection.
a) let certain IPs bypass the VPN. See our tutorial Tutorials:How to let websites and IPs bypass the VPN usingstatic routing
b) use virtual machines. You can run e.g. another Windows system as virtual machine with Virtualbox or VMWare Workstation. Within the virtual mchine you connect to the VPN. This means all applications run on your normal system will use your standard internet connection, while all applications within the virtual machine will use the VPN connection.
I
ordered and sent my payment for the VPN service. What's next?
Check your Mails. You should already
have gotten your login username and password. Login @ VPNcontrol panel. If your payment hasn't been
processed yet, you just see an order page. If it has - you're now in the
control panel. Welcome to Pro VPN!
I have
problems with sending emails - why is that?
HideMyAss VPN is blocking SMTP servers,
to prevent abuse and spamming. But you can ask HideMyAss support by email (info), to unblock your SMTP servers. Just let us know the
hostnames of your email providers, e.g. smtp.server.com or mail.server.net.
For GMail, Hotmail, etc. this has
already been done, check the instructions @ SMTP
When
I check the location of my new VPN IP the result is a different location than
VPN service says. Where is my data going?
Those websites where you can check
the location of an IP often use outdated or invalid information, for example:
the office adress of the company who owns the server in Los Angeles instead of
the real server location in Seattle. Don't worry, your data gets routed the way Pro VPN tells you.
Do you get
a static (=dedicated) or a dynamic IP when using Pro VPN?
You'll get a dynamic IP that changes
everytime you connect to the VPN service.
Yes - you could try PeerBlock (formerly PeerGuardian), a tool to block connections to
know anti-filesharing-companies, hacker and spammer and all other bad people.
You can get the IP-Blocklists @ IBlocklist.com. In addition, you should delete all kinds of cache and
history regularly with CCleaner.
How can I
use PRO VPN on my IPad / IPhone?
For iOS devices like iPad and iPhone
you have multiple connection methods available, all are listed in the article Apple
Are
there any limitations for download / upload / connections / reconnects when
using Pro VPN?
No, there aren't any limitations.
How
can I force my computer to only use the VPN IP and not to transfer data with my
real IP?
I
need the config files (*.ovpn) for setting up Pro VPN on my router /
smartphone / etc. Where can I get them?
Look here -> http://hidemyass.com/vpn-config
Yes, the use of VPN is legal. But
make sure you read the terms and conditions of your Internet provider / network
administrator so you don't break any rules.
Can my ISP
see that I am using a VPN or block it?
Depends on the VPN protocol. PPTP
can be blocked by your ISP because it works on a single port and uses GRE
packets. OpenVPN however can not be blocked as it runs on any ports and
protocols (tcp/udp). If openvpn is configured to work on TCP port 443 than your
ISP will see something which will look like you are browsing a website with
https (secure connection) like gmail, yahoo mail, paypal, ebay, and many
others.
What should I use the VPN for?
Use the VPN to ensure your privacy,
protect yourself against man in the middle attacks and espionage, hide your
real IP and location and surf anonymously bypassing any censorship or
survaillance. Unblock all ports and use any application you want. (voip,
bitorrent, skype, games, surf gambling websites, etc.).
Does Pro VPN service keep any kind of logs?
Yes, HMA keeps connection logs. It's
to prevent abuse and for diagnostic purpose. See more info here: Logging, Privacy Policy
Is there a
Linux client for using Pro VPN?
There are several different
connection methods available for Linux. Please see our article Linux for a list.
Yes, look here: Router configuration
Can I use
my Pro VPN account on multiple computers?
Yes, you can run the Pro VPNclient software on up to 2 different computers. But every computer has to be
connected to a different VPN server. The other way is to setup Pro VPN on your
router by PPTP (your router has to support this). Then you can connect as many
devices as you like to your router, so all traffic gets routed through the VPN.
I want to
use a service/visit a website that only works for IPs of a certain country. Is
Pro VPN good for that?
Yes, using Pro VPN you can access
services/websites that only allow people from certain countrys. You just need
to connect to a VPN server from a country that is allowed. If it doesn't work
immediately, try to clear your cache with CCleaner and empty your java+flash cache as explained in the article
Tutorials:ClearJava and Flash cache. Then try again. See our article Website
recognized me through VPN for more
info.
Does Pro VPN support IPv6 yet? / When connected to Pro VPN I have IPv6 connections -
do they run encrypted and secure through the VPN connection?
After
connecting to the Pro VPN, I can't access my server anymore. Why? Help!
When connected to the VPN, your IP
tables get changed and you're not accessible through your old IP anymore. Your
computer now can be accessed through the VPN IP. For easing up this process,
you can use a dynamic DNS host service, like no-ip.org or dyndns.org.
See the article on Dynamic DNS and VPS for more info about this.
Is it
possible to exclude traffic with certain Domains/IPs from using the VPNconnection?
Yes, it's possible to
"unroute" traffic between your computer and a certain IP, which means
that all traffic with that IP gets transferred with your standard internet
connection and real IP, while connected to the VPN. This makes sense, for
example, if you want to access a certain website or server with your real IP
and location, instead of the VPN IP and location. See our tutorial Tutorials:How to let websites and IPs bypass the VPN usingstatic routing for more info about that.
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