How To Fix VPN Detection In Microsoft Rewards

If you’ve ever used Microsoft Rewards while connected to a VPN, you’ve probably run into that frustrating message: “VPN detected — please disable your VPN to continue.” It’s one of those little things that can ruin a good streak of daily searches or challenges.

Microsoft’s system is designed to detect when users connect from unusual locations or IP addresses, often flagging VPNs as a potential risk.

While that makes sense for security and region-based offers, it’s annoying when you’re just trying to protect your privacy or connect securely from work, school, or a public Wi-Fi network.

So, if you’re stuck with Microsoft Rewards not working because of VPN detection, don’t worry — I’ve been there too.

Here’s what I’ve learned about why it happens, and most importantly, how you can fix it without losing your progress or account access.

Why Microsoft Rewards Blocks VPNs

Microsoft Rewards is location-sensitive — meaning it tailors your offers, search points, and activities based on your country or region. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic gets rerouted through a different server, often in another country.

That means one day you could appear to be in Nigeria, and the next, in the UK. Microsoft sees this sudden shift as suspicious, because some users try to use VPNs to access higher-value rewards or region-locked promotions.

Their detection system flags VPNs for two main reasons:

IP Mismatch: Your account region doesn’t match the IP address Microsoft sees.
Known VPN IP Ranges: Microsoft, like many large companies, keeps a list of IP addresses associated with popular VPN providers.

Once your connection is flagged, you’ll usually get a message asking you to disable your VPN before you can earn points, take quizzes, or complete search activities.

How do I Fix VPN Detection in Microsoft Rewards?

Below are several ways to resolve this issue. You don’t need to try them all — start with the simple ones and move down if the problem persists.

1. Turn Off Your VPN Temporarily

The most direct fix is to simply disable your VPN while using Microsoft Rewards.

Disconnect your VPN completely.
Refresh the Rewards page or sign back into your account.
Once the warning disappears, you can continue with your searches or daily activities.

After you’re done, you can turn your VPN back on for general browsing.

It’s not ideal, but it’s the most reliable method since Microsoft instantly recognizes your real IP again.

2. Use a VPN Server in Your Actual Country

If you really need to stay connected to a VPN (say, for security reasons or workplace policies), try switching to a server in your own country.

For example:

If your Microsoft account region is set to the United States, connect to a U.S. VPN server.
If it’s set to the U.K., use a British server.

This way, Microsoft’s system sees your IP as coming from the same country your account is registered in, reducing the likelihood of being flagged.

Tip: Avoid using VPN servers in “popular” regions like Singapore, the Netherlands, or Canada. These locations are often overused and more likely to be detected.

3. Clear Your Browser Cookies and Cache

Microsoft Rewards stores region and session data in your browser. If your VPN has changed your IP recently, your cookies might be mismatched with your new location.

Here’s what to do:

Open your browser settings.
Clear your cache, cookies, and site data (at least for Bing and Microsoft.com).
Restart your browser.
Sign back into your Microsoft account.

Now, check if the VPN detection warning disappears.

This method often works when switching back from a VPN to a normal connection.

4. Use Microsoft Edge for Rewards

Microsoft Rewards works best with Microsoft Edge. Other browsers sometimes have compatibility issues, especially if you’ve got extensions that spoof your location.

If you’re using Chrome, Firefox, or Brave, try switching to Edge and sign in directly with your Microsoft account.

Then, visit: https://rewards.microsoft.com

If the issue was browser-related, it should resolve immediately.

5. Disable Location-Spoofing Browser Extensions

Extensions like “Location Guard” or “Bing Search Booster” can interfere with Microsoft Rewards. Even if your VPN is off, these tools might still be masking your real location.

To check:

Open your browser’s extensions page.
Disable anything related to VPNs, proxies, privacy shields, or location spoofers.
Restart your browser.

Try logging back into Microsoft Rewards again.

6. Sign Out and Back Into Your Microsoft Account

Sometimes the detection message persists even after you’ve turned off your VPN. That’s because your session still reflects the previous IP address.

Simply sign out and back in again. This forces Microsoft to verify your connection anew, often clearing the VPN warning instantly.

7. Check Your Account’s Region Settings

If you’ve recently changed your VPN country, Microsoft might have temporarily switched your account’s region. You can check and fix it easily:

Go to account.microsoft.com/profile
Scroll to Country/Region
Make sure it matches your actual location

If it doesn’t, update it and save your changes. Then log out and log back into Rewards.

8. Restart Your Router or Modem

Sometimes your ISP (Internet Service Provider) assigns dynamic IPs that were previously used by VPNs or proxy servers. If Microsoft flags your IP by mistake, restarting your router might assign you a new one.

Just unplug your router for 30 seconds, then reconnect. Visit the Microsoft Rewards page again and see if it works.

9. Use a Dedicated IP VPN (Optional Advanced Fix)

Some VPNs, like NordVPN, CyberGhost, or Surfshark, offer dedicated IP addresses — unique to you, not shared with other users.

This kind of IP is far less likely to be flagged as “VPN traffic” because it doesn’t appear on public proxy lists.

If you often need a VPN for work or privacy but still want Microsoft Rewards to function smoothly, this is a worthwhile upgrade.

10. Contact Microsoft Support (Last Resort)

If you’ve tried all the steps above and the issue persists, you can contact Microsoft Support.

When you do, avoid mentioning VPN use directly (since using one can sometimes conflict with their terms of service). Instead, say something like:

“I’m having trouble accessing Microsoft Rewards — it keeps saying there’s a region mismatch or connection issue, even though I’m signing in from my usual location.”

They can help you reset or verify your region manually.

FAQs

Why does Microsoft care if I use a VPN?

Because Rewards offers and point values differ by country. VPNs can make it seem like you’re trying to earn points from another region, which can lead to abuse of the system.

Will using a VPN get my Microsoft Rewards account banned?

Usually not, unless you repeatedly appear in different regions or try to claim region-specific offers dishonestly. However, it can temporarily block your access until the issue is fixed.

Is there a safe VPN that works with Microsoft Rewards?

Some users report success with VPNs that offer “obfuscated” or “stealth” servers, which hide VPN traffic. But the safest option is to connect through a VPN server in your registered country or turn it off while using Rewards.

Can I earn points from another country if I travel?

Yes — as long as Microsoft can verify your activity is legitimate. When you travel, your location may change naturally, and that’s usually fine. But frequent jumps between continents can trigger detection.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Rewards is a fun way to earn gift cards and perks, but VPN detection can quickly get in the way.

I’ve found that sticking to consistent locations and clearing browser data now and then makes things much smoother.

If you value your privacy but don’t want to lose your points, using a local VPN server or temporarily disabling your VPN while completing your daily searches is the most practical solution.

Have you ever been blocked from earning points because of VPN detection? What workaround ended up working best for you?