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Can I use a VPN with Luna Display?

A breakdown of the potential issues that can occur while using Luna Display with a VPN

Updated over a week ago

Quick Answer

πŸ”’ Want to use Luna Display with a VPN? Luna Display does not officially support VPNs. VPNs can block device communication by rerouting network traffic and hiding IP addresses, preventing Luna from working properly.

⚠️ Key limitations:

  • No official support: VPNs are not officially supported with Luna Display

  • Connection interference: VPNs can prevent devices from finding each other

  • Limited workarounds: Some solutions exist but aren't guaranteed

  • No setup guidance: We cannot provide VPN configuration support

Why VPNs Cause Issues

🌐 Technical Explanation

Luna Display relies on local network connections between devices:

  • Local network requirement: Luna needs devices to communicate directly on the same network

  • VPN interference: VPNs route traffic through different networks and servers

  • IP address masking: VPNs hide device IP addresses, preventing device discovery

  • Traffic rerouting: Network traffic goes through VPN servers instead of local connections

Possible Workarounds

πŸ’‘ Potential Solutions (Not Guaranteed)

While not officially supported, some users have found limited success with these approaches:

πŸ”€ Split Tunneling

  • What it is: Some VPNs allow certain traffic to bypass the VPN tunnel

  • Potential benefit: May allow Luna to connect while other traffic uses VPN

  • Limitations: Varies significantly by VPN provider and configuration

  • Support: Contact your VPN provider for split tunneling guidance

πŸ”Œ Wired Connections

  • USB, Thunderbolt, Ethernet: Connection Methods in Luna Display

  • Limited effectiveness: VPNs can still interfere even with wired connections

  • Not a guarantee: May help in some cases but doesn't solve the core issue

βœ… Tailscale VPN (Only Known Working Solution)

  • Special case: Tailscale is the only VPN we've found to work reliably

  • Requirements: Both devices must be connected to Tailscale network

  • Why it works: Maintains consistent IP addresses for each device

  • Setup: Follow Tailscale's documentation for device configuration

❌ Important Limitations

What We Cannot Provide

No Official Support:

  • VPN configurations are not officially supported

  • We cannot troubleshoot VPN-related connection issues

  • Setup guidance for VPN configurations is not available

  • Success with workarounds is not guaranteed

VPN Provider Dependency:

  • Split tunneling availability varies by provider

  • VPN settings and capabilities differ significantly

  • Contact your VPN provider for specific configuration help

Recommendations

πŸ’‘ Best Practices

For optimal Luna Display experience:

  • Disable VPN temporarily when using Luna Display

  • Use local network connections without VPN interference

  • Consider Tailscale if VPN is absolutely necessary

  • Contact VPN provider for split tunneling options

Alternative solutions:

  • Scheduled VPN usage: Turn off VPN during Luna sessions

  • Device-specific VPN: Only enable VPN on devices not using Luna

  • Network segmentation: Use separate network for Luna devices

❓ Additional Support

If you're experiencing connectivity issues:

  • Check our connection guides: Review our standard connection troubleshooting

  • Verify local network: Ensure devices work without VPN first

  • Contact support: For non-VPN related connection issues

⚠️ Remember: VPN-related issues are outside our support scope, but we're happy to help with standard Luna Display connectivity problems.

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