Running an MTR Test to Diagnose VPN Connection Issues

MTR (My Traceroute) is a diagnostic tool that helps identify where your connection slows down or fails to deliver data. 

It combines traceroute (a route-mapping test) and ping (a response-time test). These tests show each hop between your device and the site or server you’re trying to reach. The results also include packet loss (Loss %) and latency statistics.

If you experience connection issues while using Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN, you can run an MTR test on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to Run an MTR Test for Troubleshooting

Before going over the steps, know that you’ll need to complete 3 separate MTR tests:

  • VPN off: To check your normal route to a public site, like www.google.com.
  • VPN on: To check how your route to public sites changes when PIA VPN is connected.
  • VPN off + hostname: To check the route from your network to the VPN server. Instead of a site, you’ll use your VPN server hostname. Download the OpenVPN configuration files, open the server file as a text document, and look for the first line labeled “remote.”

Next, use the guides below for device-specific instructions. Remember to run the tests on the network where the issue occurs.

Windows

Windows doesn’t include the standard MTR command by default, but you can use WinMTR, a Windows tool based on the original MTR utility.

  1. Download WinMTR from the official repository.
  2. Open the app. In the Host field, enter the site or server hostname you want to test.
  3. Click Start. Let the test run for a few minutes to collect enough data. 
  4. Press Stop when the Sent column count reaches 100. 
  5. Click Export TEXT to save the result. Label the file clearly (e.g., “VPN Off,” “VPN On,” or “PIA Server VPN Off”).
  6. Repeat the steps for the remaining tests.

Note: WinMTR is a third-party application. Use of this tool is at your own discretion and liability.

macOS

MacOS doesn't include MTR by default. A common way to install it is through Homebrew, a package manager for Apple devices. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Open the Terminal. Press Command + Spacebar, search for Terminal, and hit Enter.
  2. If you don’t already have Homebrew installed, follow the official Homebrew instructions to do so.
  3. Install MTR by running the command: brew install mtr.
  4. Run the test using the command: sudo mtr <domain_or_server>, for example sudo mtr www.google.com.
  5. Press P to pause when the Snt count reaches 100.
  6. Take a screenshot of the result. Label the file clearly (e.g., “VPN Off,” “VPN On,” or “PIA Server VPN Off”).
  7. Repeat the MTR test for the remaining routes.

Linux

The command below is for Debian- or Ubuntu-based distributions. Use your distribution’s package manager if needed.

  1. Open the terminal by pressing CTRL + Alt + T.
  2. Enter sudo apt install mtr.
  3. Run tests with mtr <domain_or_server> (e.g. mtr www.google.com). 
  4. Press P to pause when the Snt count reaches 100.
  5. Take a screenshot of the result. Label the file clearly (e.g., “VPN Off,” “VPN On,” or “PIA Server VPN Off”).
  6. Repeat the MTR test for the remaining routes.

Note that MTR primarily uses ICMP packets by default. Some networks or servers deprioritize or block ICMP traffic, so isolated packet loss at intermediate hops isn't always evidence of a network problem. Persistent packet loss or increased latency at the final destination is generally more meaningful.

Need help? Send us a support ticket with your MTR test files attached, along with any additional questions.

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