Can't connect unless via VPN

At a corporate event? Maybe state censorship is blocking access? Here's some options if a VPN isn't possible.

tl;dr; — The Quick Solutions

  • Restart all devices, including WiFi Router

  • Change to a different browser or try incognito mode

  • Try different network (WiFi vs cellular)

  • Restart your winsock if on Windows

  • Use https://proxy.vdo.ninja to access VDO.Ninja via a hosted Cloudflare proxy

  • Use a version of VDO.NInja hosted in Hong Kong instead of in North America: https://alt.vdo.ninja/alpha

  • Self-host the VDO.Ninja handshake server on your local network

  • Use an network tunnel to bridge your network with the remote network one

Connectivity Troubleshooting Checklist

Here's a concise list of things to check if a user can't connect to VDO.Ninja:

WebSocket Connection Issues

Check if you can connect to websocket server, and if not:

  • Try proxy mode via proxy.vdo.ninja or vdo.ninja/?proxy

  • Use backup server at https://backup.vdo.ninja

  • Try alternate websocket client: https://vdo.ninja/?wss2=wss.socialstream.ninja&push=LNZFxhQ

  • Consider using your own websocket server with vdo.ninja/?wss=serverhere.com

WebRTC Connection Issues

  • Check for cellular connection issues (UDP throttling/blocking)

  • Try a different browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge)

  • Use incognito mode to test without extensions

  • Disable browser extensions or security options blocking WebRTC

  • Allow IP leaking in browser settings

  • Ensure WebRTC is enabled

  • Avoid de-Googled or highly secured/privacy browsers

  • For Safari: ensure microphone permissions are granted

Network/Firewall Issues

  • Check corporate firewalls blocking WebRTC/UDP

  • Modify pfSense firewall settings to allow WebRTC/UDP traffic

  • Check for symmetrical firewalls (contact ISP)

  • Try a VPN service like Speedify

  • Enable TCP encapsulation mode if UDP throttling occurs

  • Run diagnostics at vdo.ninja/speedtest, vdo.ninja/check, or vdo.ninja/browsercheck

  • Add &stats to VDO.Ninja URL to check connection stats

  • Check for network configuration issues (double NAT setups)

  • Ensure ports TCP 443, UDP 3478, and UDP 49152-65535 are open

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