Detailed description of the behavior:
The VPN connects successfully and easily. Internet traffic is working correctly except any internet traffic to a Google service. I can browse the web, browse FB, use WhatsApp, etc. But if I try to navigate to google.com, use Google translate (Gboard with integrated translate) or try to watch YouTube while the VPN is active, traffic will stop. If I disable the VPN, traffic resumes and Google services work as intended instantly.
I have noticed that changing VPN servers can help but it is a tedious process. This isn’t the only VPN I have had this issue with. I had the same issue with Private Internet Access PIA VPN.
Since the same issue is happening with two VPNs, I recognize it might not be a problem with Brave’s service. But it could possibly be Google recognizing VPN servers and blocking their IPs. It could also be a completely different problem with my device. Any advice is appreciated.
I finally stumbled on to a WAN IP address that worked.
The WAN IP address was assigned by a VPN.
I am guessing that YouTube (Google) eventually estimates a browser-plus-device “footprint” (aka “fingerprint”) that is reliable enough for YouTube to be satisfied . . . that YouTube then fusses less about the IP address.
I haven’t found where to set the VPN server to one server. I see where I can set it to a region and a city, but then there’s 12 servers in that city and I’m unable to choose just one.
It seems like Google might be blocking traffic from certain VPN IPs, which could explain the issue with services like Google Search, YouTube, and Gboard while the VPN is active. Since it happens with multiple VPNs, it’s likely related to Google’s detection of VPN servers. You could try using a different VPN protocol (e.g., WireGuard or OpenVPN) or switch to a less commonly used server location. If the issue persists, you might want to test with a different VPN app or check for any settings on your phone that could be interfering with Google services while connected to the VPN.