# Why does VilaNet say connected when the internet does not work?

The **Connected** label and working internet traffic are separate checks.
Preserve the failure, disconnect once, confirm normal internet access, then
reconnect with **Auto Select**.

1. While VilaNet shows **Connected**, note the selected server and load two
   familiar HTTPS websites.
2. Record the first visible browser or app error.
3. Disconnect VilaNet.
4. Load the same websites again.
5. If they work while disconnected, open **Server Nodes** and choose **Auto
   Select**.
6. Reconnect once and repeat the same website checks.
7. If traffic still fails, collect
   [diagnostics](/en/common-tasks/diagnostics/) before changing routing or
   domain rules.

## Success check

VilaNet remains **Connected** and the same ordinary websites load. Follow
[Confirm VilaVPN is working](/en/start-here/confirm-vilavpn-is-working/) for the
complete verification.

## Match the result to the next step

- **The websites also fail while disconnected:** restore ordinary network
  access before testing VilaNet again.
- **Auto Select fixes the issue:** keep automatic selection unless you need a
  particular location.
- **Only one website or app fails:** record its exact message and whether it
  works while disconnected; do not assume the whole connection is down.
- **All traffic still fails only while connected:** leave VilaNet disconnected
  and [contact support](/en/troubleshooting/contact-support/) with redacted diagnostics.

> **Screenshot needed:** capture the real connected state alongside a sanitized
> failed traffic check, followed by a successful traffic check after recovery.
> Do not treat a UI-only screenshot as proof of a working tunnel.