Why VPN Blocks Local Network on Android Devices
If Free VPN Grass seems to block access to devices on your local network (printer, NAS, smart TV) when active on Android, that’s usually due to how the VPN routes traffic. Understanding the routing mode and Android’s network permissions will help you restore LAN access without sacrificing privacy.
Your Android’s local network is blocked because Free VPN Grass is routing all traffic through its secure tunnel (full-tunnel mode) or enforcing strict DNS/firewall rules. Enable split tunneling or LAN access in settings, or use a local-network-exempt profile to regain access while staying protected.
Why is my local network blocked on Android?
When you enable Free VPN Grass on Android, the app can change how your device sends and receives network packets. Common reasons local devices become unreachable include:
- Full-tunnel VPN routing sends all traffic (internet + LAN) through the VPN server, isolating local subnets.
- VPN DNS settings prevent local hostname resolution, making printers and NAS devices invisible.
- Android’s VPN API can create a separate virtual interface, preventing multicast/Bonjour discovery.
- Firewall rules or “Block local network” options in the VPN app are enabled for stronger privacy.
Free VPN Grass prioritizes secure routing by default for most users, which can inadvertently block local access unless split tunneling or LAN exemptions are configured.
VPN routing: Full tunnel vs Split tunneling
Understanding routing modes helps you pick the right configuration for both privacy and LAN access.
| Routing Mode | What it does | Local network access | Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full tunnel | Sends all device traffic through the VPN server | Usually blocked | Maximum |
| Split tunneling | Only selected traffic goes through VPN; other traffic uses local network | Allowed if configured | Balanced |
| App-based routing | Only specific apps use the VPN | Local apps can bypass VPN | App-specific |
Free VPN Grass may offer one or more of these modes. If local discovery (e.g., printing or casting) matters, split tunneling or app-based routing is usually the solution.
How to allow local network access with Free VPN Grass
The following HowTo steps (with schema.org markup) walk you through enabling LAN access on Android while keeping VPN protection for internet traffic.
Steps to restore local network access
1. Open Free VPN Grass and check settings
Launch the app, go to Settings or Preferences, and look for options labeled “Split Tunneling”, “Allow Local Network”, or “Bypass LAN”.
2. Enable split tunneling or allow local LAN
Turn on split tunneling and add apps that require local access (e.g., printer app, file manager). If there’s an “Allow LAN” toggle, switch it on to permit local IP ranges.
3. Exempt local IP ranges (advanced)
If supported, add your LAN subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24) to the VPN’s bypass list so traffic to local devices doesn’t go through the tunnel.
4. Check DNS and discovery settings
If devices are reachable by IP but not hostname, set the app to use system DNS for local names or allow multicast/DNS-SD if the app supports it.
5. Test and restart network services
After changing settings, toggle the VPN off and on, restart the Android device if needed, and test connectivity to the printer or NAS by IP and hostname.
Follow these steps in order—most users regain LAN functionality after enabling split tunneling or adding local IP exceptions in Free VPN Grass.
Troubleshooting tips for Android
If local devices still appear blocked, try the following diagnostic steps:
- Confirm your phone is on the same Wi‑Fi network and subnet as the local device.
- Temporarily disable the VPN to confirm it’s the cause.
- Ping the device IP using a network utility app to check basic reachability.
- Check for app permissions on Android (VPN permissions, location, network access).
- Update Free VPN Grass to the latest version to ensure compatibility with Android updates.
Additional Android-specific checks:
- Some Android versions restrict multicast and SSDP over VPN interfaces—look for an “Enable multicast” option or use app-based routing.
- Ensure battery optimization isn’t suspending the local-device apps you rely on.
- If you’re using a work profile or device management (MDM), policies might block split tunneling—contact your administrator.
Security and privacy trade-offs
Allowing local network access while on VPN involves trade-offs. Be aware of both benefits and potential risks.
- Benefits:
- Seamless printing, file sharing, and casting without toggling the VPN.
- Less disruption to smart-home device usage.
- Flexible app-level protection if you only tunnel select apps.
- Risks:
- Traffic to local devices bypasses the VPN, so those connections use your LAN’s security.
- Misconfigured split tunneling could leak some internet-bound traffic to your ISP.
Best practices when enabling LAN exemptions in Free VPN Grass:
- Only exempt local IP ranges, not entire domains or internet addresses.
- Keep system DNS for LAN lookups and use VPN DNS for public queries if the app allows it.
- Regularly update the app to benefit from security fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t my Android find my Wi‑Fi printer when Free VPN Grass is active?
When Free VPN Grass uses full-tunnel routing, multicast discovery protocols (used by printers) are blocked. Enabling split tunneling or allowing LAN access in the app restores printer discovery while the VPN is running.
Does allowing local network access reduce my online privacy?
Allowing only local IP ranges keeps internet traffic protected by Free VPN Grass while letting LAN devices communicate directly. It slightly increases exposure to local network threats but keeps most privacy benefits intact.
How do I add my LAN subnet to the VPN bypass list?
Open Free VPN Grass settings, find “Bypass” or “Exempt IPs”, and add your subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). If not available, use app-based routing to exempt specific apps that access local devices.
Can Android system updates break local access through VPN?
Yes. Major Android updates can change VPN APIs or network behavior. If local access breaks after an update, check Free VPN Grass for app updates or settings changes that restore LAN connectivity.
If I disable the VPN, will my internet traffic be exposed?
Disabling Free VPN Grass sends traffic directly through your ISP, exposing your IP and traffic to your network provider and potentially others. Use split tunneling to avoid disabling the VPN entirely when possible.
Conclusion
Local network access on Android is usually blocked because the VPN funnels all traffic through a remote server or applies DNS/firewall rules that isolate LAN traffic. In most cases, enabling split tunneling, allowing LAN access, or exempting your local subnet in Free VPN Grass will resolve the issue while keeping your online activity protected.
Ready to get started? Download Free VPN Grass today and enjoy secure, private browsing!
