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Orbi RBR50 can't connect to Google sites unless on VPN
We have an Orbi RBR50 with Satellite. In the last few months we have repeatedly and consistently seen an anomaly with this system. When using our Orbi wifi, we cannot connect to specific Google sites. This happens across devices (Chromebooks, Macbooks, iPhones). We can however connect to these sites in one of the following ways:
Connected to wifi using our NordVPN
Disconnect from wifi (phone data usage)
By rebooting the Orbi system (unplugging and/or rebooting from the app)
When the issue occurs, we cannot use Google to search, which we have set as the default search engine for our browser. We also cannot access Gmail, Google.com or Google Maps. We can access certain Google sites such as Photos, Drive, Sheets, my account. Turning off parental controls does not fix the issue.
I believe this is an Orbi issue because resetting the router and disconnecting from the router alleviates the problem, but resetting only fixes it for a day or less. This is unfortunate, I was tempted to get the Orbi WiFi 6 for an investment home, but I'm having a hard time trusting the product/company. Especially with costs for contacting support after 90 days? I already subscribe and pay quite a bit for Netgear Smart Parental Control and Armor Security - not supporting your customers is a fail.
Rant done - any help from the community is appreciated!
Re: Orbi RBR50 can't connect to Google sites unless on VPN
Hello rellimit,
Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!
I understand that you are having issues accessing certain google sites with your RBR50. Changing the DNS of your RBR50 has been proven to solve website access issues. Please use the DNS IPv4 address 8.8.8.8 as the primary and 8.8.4.4 as the secondary DNS to resolve this issue.
To change your DNS please navigate to Orbilogin.com >ADVANCED >Internet Setup >Select "Use these DNS Servers > Then input the primary and secondary DNS IPv4 addresses in the boxes on the far right.
Re: Orbi RBR50 can't connect to Google sites unless on VPN
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too? Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6 is recommended.
Do you have Armor or Circle enabled on the Orbi system?
Re: Orbi RBR50 can't connect to Google sites unless on VPN
Thank you for your response and suggestions regarding the cable. I can check the modem model when I get home, we do have a high quality connection and cable. But with all due respect, it doesn't make sense that the modem would be any part of the issue? Literally all websites will work except for a few Google sites -- and the problem repeats and is consistent.
Yes, Armor is enabled - I have not tried to disable this in troubleshooting.
The Netgear Smart Parental Control is enabled (Circle compatibility was discontinued). I did disconnect the Smart Parental Control, and it did not fix the issue.
It literally makes no sense to me. A few google sites will not load when on wifi, unless we use a VPN or reboot the router. It would be nothing big except that we use the Google search engine all the time. If you have any suggestions I'm game to try. I'll check for updates tonight and see if it fixes anything. Thank you
Thank you for your response and suggestions regarding the cable. I can check the modem model when I get home, we do have a high quality connection and cable. But with all due respect, it doesn't make sense that the modem would be any part of the issue? Literally all websites will work except for a few Google sites -- and the problem repeats and is consistent.
Yes modems can be a factor, ones with built in routers. Why we ask about this to check only for troubleshooting reasons.
Yes, Armor is enabled - I have not tried to disable this in troubleshooting.
The Netgear Smart Parental Control is enabled (Circle compatibility was discontinued). I did disconnect the Smart Parental Control, and it did not fix the issue.
Armor and SPC/Circle could be another factor.
It literally makes no sense to me. A few google sites will not load when on wifi, unless we use a VPN or reboot the router. It would be nothing big except that we use the Google search engine all the time. If you have any suggestions I'm game to try. I'll check for updates tonight and see if it fixes anything. Thank you
Being that you have Armor enabled and has had some user issues before. I would factory reset the RBR and setup from scratch using a wired PC and web browser. This time do not enable Armor or any SPC/Circle. Then check your Google sites.
Re: Orbi RBR50 can't connect to Google sites unless on VPN
Hello rellimit,
Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!
I understand that you are having issues accessing certain google sites with your RBR50. Changing the DNS of your RBR50 has been proven to solve website access issues. Please use the DNS IPv4 address 8.8.8.8 as the primary and 8.8.4.4 as the secondary DNS to resolve this issue.
To change your DNS please navigate to Orbilogin.com >ADVANCED >Internet Setup >Select "Use these DNS Servers > Then input the primary and secondary DNS IPv4 addresses in the boxes on the far right.
