Penka Hristovska
Fact-checked by Eric Goldstein
There are several reasons why your VPN may be disconnecting, and most are easy to fix. The hard part is diagnosing the issue — that’s exactly what I’ll help you do!
This guide discusses the most common issues that can cause your VPN to disconnect and provides actionable solutions to ensure a more stable and reliable connection.
Common Reasons Why Your VPN Keeps Disconnecting
VPN disconnections can be related to a variety of causes, many of which have nothing to do with your VPN provider. In the following section, I’ll explain the most common ones.
Weak or Unstable Internet Connection
A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic into small data packets and sending them through a secure tunnel to a VPN server. The VPN relies on timely packet delivery to maintain the connection. If your internet connection is weak or unstable, these packets can be delayed or lost, causing interruptions or disconnections. This can happen during peak internet times, when using public Wi-Fi or in remote areas with poor signal.
Additionally, VPN clients (the apps on your devices) regularly send keep-alive messages to the connected server to indicate the connection is still active. If these messages fail to reach the server — often due to a poor internet connection — and no keep-alive messages are exchanged within a set timeout period (typically around 2 minutes), both the client and the server assume the connection has been lost and will disconnect.
How to check if you have an internet problem
Before blaming your VPN, it pays to check the quality of your standard internet connection. Here’s how to go about it:
- Disconnect from the VPN. Temporarily turn off your VPN connection.
- Test your internet speed. Use online tools like “Speedtest” by Ookla to measure your connection’s speed and latency.
- Monitor connection stability. Observe if your internet connection remains stable during regular browsing without the VPN.
VPN Server Issues
The most common cause of VPN disconnections relates to problems with the VPN servers. They may be overloaded with too many users connected to them. This leads to slow speeds, which, in turn, can trigger frequent disconnects. This is a common problem with many free VPN server locations.
Other reasons include the server is undergoing maintenance or experiencing technical difficulties, such as hardware or software problems, resulting in connection drops.
How to test a server for potential issues
- Switch servers. Connect to a different VPN server, ideally one located close to or in the same location as the previous one.
- Compare performance. Assess if the disconnections persist with the new server. Consistent issues across the servers likely indicate a wider VPN problem, which my require you to contact the support team.
ISP Interference or Restrictions
An internet service provider (ISP) in restrictive countries often uses VPN-blocking technologies to force internet users to comply with the government’s censorship. Your network admin at school or work can also employ such blocking techniques to prevent access to certain sites or apps. These measures can force the VPN to disconnect.
In censorship-heavy countries, ISPs typically use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPN traffic. DPI analyzes data packets sent through the network, looking for patterns that indicate VPN use. If VPN traffic is detected, the ISP can either throttle the connection or block access to VPN servers entirely.
For networks that block VPNs, such as at schools, they typically use firewall rules, DNS-based blocks, and URL & keyword filtering. If your VPN doesn’t have the tools to bypass these blocks or the network detects the VPN, it can disconnect you.
Additionally, ISPs might turn to IP blocking, which blocks known VPN IP addresses, or protocol blocking, which targets the specific protocols used by VPNs, such as OpenVPN, L2TP, or IPSec.
Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Your VPN
Security software may mistakenly identify VPN traffic as suspicious. Firewalls may block the ports used by the VPN or restrict VPN protocols, while antivirus programs may mistakenly flag the VPN software as malware. Click here to find out how to fix it.
Incorrect VPN Protocol Settings
VPN protocols function differently and have varying levels of compatibility depending on the network or device you’re using. If you choose a protocol not supported by your network or blocked by your ISP, your VPN connection might fail to establish or disconnect frequently.
For example, some networks (such as public Wi-Fi or corporate firewalls) may block older protocols like PPTP or L2TP due to security concerns. On the other hand, newer protocols like WireGuard, while faster and more secure, might not be supported on older devices or certain restrictive networks.
You can find out more about different VPN protocols and how to change them here.
Outdated VPN Software or Operating System
Running outdated versions of the VPN application or your device’s operating system can lead to disconnections. For example, an older version of a VPN app may contain unresolved bugs, outdated encryption protocols, or compatibility issues with newer network infrastructures.
Similarly, an outdated operating system may lack the necessary updates or security patches for smooth VPN functionality. Security patches play a crucial role in proper VPN functioning because they address vulnerabilities that hackers or malicious actors could exploit to disrupt the VPN connection. Here’s how you can check for OS and VPN updates.
Battery Saver & Power Optimization Settings
Power-saving settings on smartphones, tablets, and laptops can limit background processes, potentially disrupting VPN connections when the device enters sleep mode or attempts to conserve energy.
This happens because the system is trying to optimize its resources and sees the VPN as a non-essential background activity that can be halted to maximize battery life, forcing it to stop working and disconnect.
Learn how to turn off such features on the most popular devices and operating systems here.
How To Fix a VPN That Keeps Disconnecting
Now, let’s look into how to diagnose and fix the most common problems causing your VPN to disconnect.
Diagnose & Fix Common Network Problems
Network problems can include many system issues, some of which may not be immediately obvious. Here are the most common troubleshooting steps you should try:
Restart Your Modem and Router
Restarting your modem and router can resolve temporary network glitches affecting VPN stability. Simply unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, and then reconnect them. Once your internet is fully restored, make sure everything is working and reconnect to your VPN to see if the issue is resolved.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings clears corrupted configurations that may be disrupting your VPN connection. The process varies between devices, so here’s a quick breakdown of how to do it on each.
Windows:
- Click the Start button and go to Settings.
- From the Settings menu, select Network & Internet, then Advanced network settings.
- From here, click on Network Reset.
- Click the Reset Now and Yes buttons to complete the network reset.
MacOS:
- Click on System Settings and then Network.
- Find your network on the list and click on Details.
- In the TCP/IP tab, tap on Renew DHCP Lease. Then, click Apply and OK to complete the network reset.
Android:
- Go to Settings and tap General Management.
- Then tap Reset.
- From this menu, select Reset mobile network settings, and then Reset Settings.
iOS:
- Go to Settings and click on General.
- Select Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
- Tap on Reset.
- Then select Reset Network Settings and confirm the reset by entering your passcode.
Consult a Troubleshooter App If Available
Many operating systems and VPN providers offer troubleshooting tools to diagnose and automatically fix network issues. For example, on Windows, you can use the built-in Network Troubleshooter by searching for “Network Problems” in the Start menu and clicking on Find and Fix Network Problems. For VPN-specific problems, check your VPN app for diagnostic tools.
Update Router Firmware
Optimize Your System for VPN Usage
Keep your operating system & VPN app up to date.
To check for OS updates on Windows and macOS, go through the following steps:
Windows:
- From the start menu, search for “update” and click the Windows Update settings option.
- Check for updates and install any available updates.
macOS:
- Open System Settings and navigate to General. From here, select Software Update.
- Click on Check for Update and follow the prompts to install it if one is available.
iOS and Android devices should automatically notify you about any new updates, and you can set the same functionality on your Windows and macOS devices, too. For VPN updates, open your VPN app and look for an update notification or visit the provider’s website.
Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi
A wired connection will always be faster than a wireless one, as Wi-Fi connections are more prone to interference, weak signals, and congestion, all of which can disrupt a VPN. If possible, connect your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable to maximize your connection speed and reliability.
Turn off battery saver & power optimization settings
Battery-saver modes on mobile devices and laptops can limit background activity, including VPN connections. Thankfully, these settings are easy to find and disable. Here’s how to do it on the four most popular operating systems:
Windows
- In the Settings menu, click System, then select Power & battery.
- Scroll down to the Battery section, click on Battery saver, and select Never.
macOS
- Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Choose Battery from the sidebar and then select Low Power Mode. From here, set it to Never.
Android
- Go to Settings and tap Battery.
- Toggle Power Saving off.
iOS
- Go to Settings and tap Battery.
- From here, toggle the switch next to Low Power Mode to turn it off.
Whitelist your VPN in your security software (PC & Mac only)
If your firewall or antivirus program is mistaking your VPN for a potential threat, you can just whitelist the VPN app. I’ll use Windows Defender Firewall for my example:
- Type “Allow” into the taskbar search, and click the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall option.
- Click Allow another app, then click Browse to locate and select your VPN application’s executable file.
- Click on Network types. Check both Private and Public, and then click Add to finalize your settings.
If granting the VPN application access doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to open specific ports in the firewall:
- Search for “Windows Defender Firewall” and open it.
- Select Inbound Rules and then New Rule.
- Select Port and proceed by clicking Next.
- Click on TCP and enter the necessary port numbers, such as 1723 for PPTP VPNs.
- On the next screen, select Allow the connection and click Next.
- Check all available profiles, Domain, Private, and Public, and click Next.
- Provide a name and a description for the rule, then click Finish.
If you use other more advanced security tools, like Norton, the process may differ slightly, but opening VPN ports should be the same exercise regardless of the app.
Properly Configure Your VPN
The correct VPN configuration can significantly improve your VPN’s connection stability and performance. By picking the right server or protocol and experimenting with a few other settings that can be useful in specific use cases, you can optimize your VPN to eliminate potential disconnects and ensure a quick, secure, and stable connection.
Reconnect or switch to a different server location
If the VPN server you’re connected to is overwhelmed or has technical issues that are causing the connection to drop, simply disconnect and reconnect to the same server location. Alternatively, you can pick a different server location — I recommend connecting to a server location that’s nearby for the most optimal connection.
Change the VPN Protocol
Here are my general recommendations for when to use which protocol — the right choice varies depending on the circumstances.
- OpenVPN (TCP/UDP). Good for restrictive networks, such as public Wi-Fi or corporate firewalls, and need a stable and secure connection.
- WireGuard. WireGuard is optimal if you want faster speeds and modern encryption, and your device and network support it.
- IPSec/IKEv2. This protocol is for stable connections on mobile devices, especially when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
- L2TP/IPSec. Good when you need compatibility on networks with basic restrictions or when other protocols aren’t supported.
- PPTP. It’s only ideal if you’re using an old device that doesn’t support newer protocols and need a quick setup (it’s not recommended due to security risks).
If you’re using a VPN that gives you an option for the VPN app to automatically choose which VPN is the best for the detected network, pick that option. ExpressVPN has an Automatic option, but you can also choose its proprietary “Lightway” protocol that works on many networks.
Avoid connecting too many devices to a VPN at once
Enable obfuscation (only in restrictive countries)
In countries with heavy internet censorship or VPN restrictions, such as China, Russia, or Iran, you’ll have to enable your VPN’s obfuscation feature to hide the VPN traffic from ISP monitors. Otherwise, your VPN will struggle to connect to a server, and even if it does, you may not be able to access anything online with it.
Just note that obfuscation slows down your traffic, so it’s normal to wait for pages to load (or for the VPN to connect when obfuscation is on).
Contact your VPN provider for support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your VPN still keeps disconnecting, reach out to your VPN provider’s support team. Many premium VPN services offer 24/7 live chat, email support, and detailed troubleshooting guides to help resolve connectivity issues. Before contacting support, though, it’s useful to gather relevant information about your issue to expedite the troubleshooting process.
When reaching out to your VPN, providing detailed information about your problem will help support agents diagnose and fix the issue faster. Be ready to share the following details:
- Description of the issue — Explain whether the VPN disconnects randomly, after a certain period, or when performing specific tasks.
- Your operating system & device — Mention whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or another platform.
- VPN version & protocol used — List the current version of your VPN app and the protocol you were using.
- Server locations you’ve tried — Mention if the issue persists across multiple servers or only on specific ones.
- Network type & ISP — Specify whether you’re using Wi-Fi, mobile data, or Ethernet and whether your ISP is known for VPN throttling.
- Error messages received — If you’ve seen any error messages or logs, include them in your report.
- Troubleshooting steps taken — Outline the fixes you’ve already tried, such as switching servers, changing protocols, or restarting your router
By preparing this information beforehand, you can reduce back-and-forth communication and get a solution more quickly. While waiting for the support team to respond, you can also check your VPN’s status page or community forums (if available) to find out if there’s a wider problem with the service or if someone has had similar issues and can help you out.
Contacting VPN support is often the last step when trying to troubleshoot your connection, but with detailed information and a bit of patience, most issues can be resolved quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my VPN disconnect every few minutes?
The most common reasons your VPN keeps disconnecting include weak internet, VPN server issues, or interference from a firewall or security software. If your internet connection fluctuates, your VPN may struggle to maintain a stable link.
Additionally, overloaded or distant VPN servers can lead to dropouts. Security software or network restrictions (such as corporate or ISP-level blocks) can also interfere with VPN stability. You can check all the ways to fix your VPN connection issues here.
How can I stop my VPN from disconnecting on my phone?
If your VPN keeps disconnecting on your phone, try switching to a different server to see if the issue is location-based. Changing VPN protocols (e.g., from WireGuard to OpenVPN) may also improve stability.
Many phones have battery-saving features that restrict background apps, which can cause VPNs to disconnect — disabling these settings for your VPN app can help. Additionally, ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection, whether on Wi-Fi or mobile data, as weak signals can disrupt VPN performance.
Does using a free VPN cause more disconnections?
Yes, free VPNs tend to have limited server capacity, slower speeds, and weaker infrastructure, making disconnections more common. Many free VPN services impose bandwidth limits, meaning your connection may be cut off after reaching a certain data threshold.
Additionally, free VPNs often have overloaded servers due to high demand, leading to instability and frequent dropouts. Paid VPNs offer better server networks, stronger security, and more reliable connections, making them a superior choice for uninterrupted service. For a better VPN experience, try one of our recommended paid VPN solutions.
Can my ISP block my VPN connection?
Yes, some ISPs actively block or throttle VPN traffic, especially in regions where VPN use is restricted. They do this by detecting and filtering VPN protocols, preventing your connection from working correctly.
To bypass this, you can try switching VPN protocols. Some VPN providers offer obfuscated servers, which disguise VPN traffic as regular internet activity.
What’s the best VPN protocol for a stable connection?
The best choice depends on your needs. WireGuard and OpenVPN are generally considered the most stable protocols. OpenVPN is highly secure and flexible, supporting both TCP (better reliability) and UDP (faster speeds). WireGuard is designed for efficiency and speed, offering lower latency and improved stability on modern networks.
IKEv2/IPsec is particularly useful for mobile users because it can quickly re-establish a VPN connection when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
