Torrent Is Not Valid Bencoding, Unable to Load [Fixed]

You must be an experienced internet user if you know about torrent engines and files and use them now and then. But because torrenting is tricky sometimes, you would often face an issue that says "Unable to Load" or "Torrent is not valid bencoding." That's truly annoying when you've spent some time looking for a certain torrent to download. 

This should not be inconvenient because we have come up with a list of solutions to help you overcome the "Torrent is not valid bencoding" or Unable to load issue. 
 

What Is Torrenting?

Torrenting is when someone downloads and uploads files through the BitTorrent network. Torrenting basically involves downloading files from other internet users' devices instead of a central server. This happens because users upload files from their devices to the network for other users to download and benefit from.

With torrenting, one can download large files like installing software, movies, videos, TV shows, and ISO images. The difference between torrenting and regular file download is that you can download the files, movies, or videos bit by bit instead of downloading the whole file at once with torrenting.

It is worth mentioning that torrenting is one of the most popular peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing types. To connect to the BitTorrent network and share and download files, you will need to download software (which can be found online for free). This is because torrents are downloaded from peers and seeds (different locations) instead of one server or one single location.

The good thing about the peers and seeds feature is that it allows you to continue downloading the data even if the torrent engine is down because it isn't stored in the torrent engine in the first place. That is mainly why internet users prefer torrent data instead of downloads stored on a single server.

But a lot of the time, the system IP or ISP blocks the torrent engine or data because of restrictions imposed by governments. We'll explain the reasons you would get Torrent is not valid bencoding message in the upcoming sections.
 

Reasons for Torrent Is Not Valid Bencoding

Two main reasons cause this error to pop up on your screen. However, the main reason this issue happens is because of a corrupt torrent file, and this corruption of file is the result of one of these two reasons:

• Your ISP corrupted the file because it does not allow the torrent site. This usually happens due to country restrictions on torrent engines and files download.
• The file that you downloaded is corrupt.

But this isn't something to worry much about as we have come up with a list of solutions that would help you overcome this issue simply and without wasting much time. You can download the torrent files once this issue has been solved.

How to Fix Torrent Is Not Valid Bencoding

This section will thoroughly explain how to overcome this common issue in just a few steps. So, if you tried to download a torrent file and the "Torrent is not valid bencoding" or "Unable to load" errors popped up, worry not! Follow these methods, and you'll be able to download the file in no time.

1. Use Magnet Link

If you have used torrent downloads before, you would know that there are two ways to load the torrent file onto your torrent client. You can either download the torrent file onto your PC and select the torrent file from your torrent client to start the download. 

Or you can use the Magnet Link of the torrent to start the download directly from the torrent client. This means that if you use the Magnet Link, you won't have to download the torrent file onto your computer, and therefore, your ISP cannot corrupt it as you download it. 

2. Find another source to download from

Sometimes, the torrent file can get corrupted from the torrent engine's side, and, unfortunately, there is no way to fix this file or troubleshoot it. Therefore, what you need to do in this case is find another source to download the torrent file from.

3. Use a VPN service

If the other two methods do not work for you, it is better to resort to the VPN method. This works on hiding your IP address so that you don't get the "Torrent is not valid bencoding" error while downloading your torrent file. 

As we mentioned before, this error occurs due to a corrupt file or due to having your computer IP address blocked. A lot of countries impose restrictions on torrent files and engines to limit online piracy. However, a VPN can help users bypass these geo-blocks and restrictions.

A VPN will help you conceal your IP address and protect it from being detected. Therefore, your ISP cannot corrupt the torrent file as you are downloading it, and this would help you avoid the error entirely.

But what kind of VPNs would work best for torrenting? Don't overthink it because we have also tested and reviewed the best VPNs for torrenting. Continue to the next section to know more about these VPNs.
 

Recommended Torrenting VPNs

The best type of VPN services allows safe, anonymous torrenting. That is why we tested and reviewed a bunch of VPNs and curated a list of the best VPNs for you to use while torrenting:
 

1. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is our #1 choice for VPN services. It is fast, secure, and guarantees you a private connection.

Because CyberGhost uses various safety measures, including AES 256-bit encryption, we always recommend it for users who are seeking top-notch privacy.

Their best plan is their 39-month plan for $87.75 per year ($2.25 per month).
 

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2. SurfShark

SurfShark has proved to be one of the fastest VPN services on our list. 

SurfShsark has three plans as follows:

• 1-month plan: $12.95 per month.
• 6-month plan: $6.49 per month (billed $38.94 every 6 months).
• 24-month plan: $2.49 per month (billed $59.76 annually).

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3. Private Internet Access
 

Using Private Internet Access (PIA) is quite easy and straight to the point.

PIA's best plan is their 24-month plan for around $70. 

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Read more about the best torrenting VPN.