PiFi WireGuard client connects to home server successfully but no DNS resolution / internet access (worked previously)

General
1

I’m currently at an event using my PiFi (Raspberry Pi-based travel router running PiFi software / OpenWrt) as a WireGuard client.

I have three different WireGuard server configurations saved on the PiFi:

  • All three connect successfully and assign the expected IP address from the respective server.
  • The other two tunnels work normally (full internet access, DNS resolves, etc.).

The problem is specifically with my home WireGuard server (running on my home router):

  • The PiFi connects instantly (no noticeable delay).
  • It receives the correct tunnel IP address.
  • Handshake appears successful, and the interface comes up.
  • However, no DNS resolution works — devices connected to the PiFi’s Wi-Fi cannot load any websites/
  • Internet traffic through the tunnel seems blocked or misrouted for DNS / general use.

For comparison/testing:

  • I connected my phone directly to the same home WireGuard server using the official WireGuard app.
  • It connects fine, receives the correct IP, and has full internet access with proper DNS resolution.
  • This rules out issues with the home WireGuard server itself, the AllowedIPs config, MTU, or upstream internet/DNS at home.

Notes:

  • This exact PiFi + home WireGuard setup has worked reliably in the past (same configs, same hardware).
  • The issue started today. Nothing changed on the server side that I’m aware of.
  • I’ve already tried rebooting the PiFi twice (including full power cycle) No change.
  • Other WireGuard tunnels on the PiFi continue to function normally.

To summarize:

  • PiFi → Home WG server: Connects fast, gets correct IP, but clients get no DNS/internet.
  • Phone → same Home WG server: Works perfectly.
  • PiFi → other WG servers: Works perfectly.

I’d appreciate any troubleshooting steps, logs to check (e.g., wg show, resolvectl status, dnsmasq logs), or config tips.

Thanks in advance!

2

Misspoke earlier. The torguard vpn also has the same issue as the home wireguard server. Unable to resolve websites. The only wireguard server that works is the one I personally host in the cloud. So 2 out of the 3 don’t work properly.

3

It’s an odd issue (both as working previously and as nothing has changed at firmware/app level meaning it should work same as before)

I’m investigating this in more detail.

Can I ask:

  • AdGuard Home is on or off, and protection is on or off
  • Wired (ethernet) or wireless?
  • Did the event any captive portal (accept terms screen)
  • Finally, Pi 4 or 5?

And if you’re on a different WiFi since - you seeing the same issue or was on that particularly network?

4

I agree it’s an odd issue. And these types of issues are the trickiest to debug or figure out. I appreciate you trying to help.

AdGuard Home is on
Wireless connection with no active portal. Just password.
Pi5

I was at shack15 on their WIFI https://www.shack15.com/