Why You Should Never Use a VPN in These Situations

Let me make something clear.
I love using a VPN.
I talk about them. I recommend them. I even use them daily.

But here’s the truth nobody tells you:
There are moments when using a VPN can actually mess things up for you.
And I’ve learned this the hard way.

So today, I’m breaking down the exact moments where you should never use a VPN, even if you believe you’re doing the “secure” thing.

Because sometimes?
A VPN creates more problems than it solves.

When You Should Not Use a VPN

1. Banking Apps Might Block Your Login

Banks take security extremely seriously.
So when you suddenly appear to be “logging in from another country”, they panic.

And then you get hit with:

• “Suspicious login blocked”
• “Unable to verify your identity”
• Forced password resets
• Or worst… temporary account suspension

This is why I never open banking apps with a VPN on.
The system thinks you’re a hacker trying to break into your own account.

Turn the VPN off for banking.
Trust me — you don’t want headaches with your money.

2. PlayStation, HBO, and Other Platforms May Ban Your Account

This one shocks people all the time.
Streaming platforms and gaming networks absolutely hate VPN usage.

Why?
Because a VPN lets you bypass region locks, licensing rules, and pricing differences.

Example:

• PlayStation Network has banned users permanently
• HBO logs you out instantly
• Netflix blocks VPN IPs aggressively

If you stay logged into these services while connected to a VPN, you’re basically waving a red flag in front of them.

If your account gets banned, you lose:

• Games
• Progress
• Achievements
• Purchases
• Subscription access

Not worth it.
When I’m opening gaming or streaming accounts, the VPN stays OFF.

3. Your Internet Speed Slows Down Depending on Server Distance

A lot of people think a VPN boosts speed.
It doesn’t.

Here’s what actually happens:

The farther the server, the slower your connection.

If you're in Ghana and connect to a server in Japan, your internet traffic travels halfway across the planet.

That means:

• More latency
• More lag
• Slower streaming
• Slow downloads
• Slow uploads

Sometimes you won’t even load a page properly.

This is why I don’t use a VPN when:

• Uploading large videos
• Downloading files
• Attending online classes
• Making video calls

Speed matters.
A VPN slows things down — and that’s normal.

4. Downloading or Uploading Large Files Becomes Painfully Slow

A VPN encrypts everything you do online.
But that encryption takes effort.

And your internet feels it.

If I'm downloading a 10GB file with a VPN, I might as well take a nap… or two.

Uploading?

Even worse.

Because uploads are already slower than downloads — and when you add a VPN on top of that?

Forget it.

This is why I always switch the VPN off when:

• Uploading footage
• Backing up files
• Sending large docs
• Downloading games
• Installing huge software packages

Your productivity suffers for no good reason.

So When Should You Use a VPN?

Use it when you need:

• Privacy
• Security
• Geo-unblocking
• Protection on public Wi-Fi

But turn it off when:

• Banking
• Streaming
• Gaming
• Downloading
• Uploading
• Anything speed-sensitive

A VPN is powerful — but only when used correctly.

FAQs

1. Will a VPN always slow down my internet?

Yes — sometimes slightly, sometimes significantly.

2. Can platforms detect VPN usage?

Yes. Some ban, some block, some log you out.

3. Is it dangerous to use VPNs for banking?

Not dangerous — but your bank may lock your account.

4. Why do apps block VPN users?

Because of region restrictions, licensing, and fraud detection.