Why your VPN keeps disconnecting and how to prevent it

Data packets between your device and the VPN server are probably being lost or blocked if your VPN keeps disconnecting and rejoining. This can be the result of problems with your router, VPN client, or network connection. Update the software on your router or VPN, make changes to your VPN configuration, or turn off power-saving capabilities on your device to remedy this.

As a frequent VPN user, it’s frustrating when the connection turns off or disconnects randomly. Most premium VPNs like PureVPN offer a kill switch feature that automatically disables your internet when the VPN connection drops to prevent IP leakage, but your WiFi will keep switching off until the VPN is stable. 

In this guide, we will take a closer look at some common reasons why your VPN keeps disconnecting and how you can fix it:

1. Your connection latency is too high

When you use VPN software, an encrypted “tunnel” is established between your device and a VPN server.

Your device will communicate with the VPN server once every 10 seconds in order to keep the connection active. The VPN tunnel shuts and your client will disconnect if the server doesn’t answer within 120 seconds.

Therefore, a sluggish or delayed internet connection may lead to your VPN dropping. By taking an internet speed test, you can assess the latency and speed of your internet connection and take the necessary remedial measures.

2. Other network connection problems

Any one of the many interconnected gadgets that make up your internet connection could malfunction, causing your VPN to drop.

Your WiFi network, internet connection, or the router you are using connect to the internet may be having issues. Your VPN connection may stop working if your WiFi network or mobile data connection is weak or unreliable.

Your VPN connection may also be less stable if your network is heavily trafficked by other users and lacks the bandwidth to sustain it.

Most VPNs automatically attempt to reconnect when your internet is restored, which gives the impression that your VPN is randomly disconnecting and reconnecting. 

3. VPN device limit has been reached

The vast majority of VPN services let you use your subscription simultaneously on at least five different devices. A VPN may fail to connect or disconnect altogether if you try to use it on an additional device.

Installing the VPN on your router will get around the device restriction if you have a lot of devices to secure. Alternatively, you can choose a VPN like PureVPN, which supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.

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4. VPN traffic is blocked by your ISP

Some countries have severe laws and rules that prohibit the usage of VPN software. China and Russia have greatly limited the use of VPNs, while North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq have outright banned them.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will detect and block VPN traffic if you try to use a VPN in a highly-censored. In this scenario, your best bet is to use a VPN with obfuscation, as it will disguise your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.

5. Software conflicts are disrupting your VPN

Other software installed on the same device could be affecting your VPN client. If you have used different VPN services in the past and have not uninstalled their apps, they can cause problems.

However, firewalls and antiviruses are more frequently to blame for blocking VPN connections to the internet. Your VPN kill switch can potentially stop functioning properly. Network firewalls can be configured to restrict all the ports a VPN would use, to blacklist specific IP ranges, to terminate persistent connections to a single IP address, and more.

If your network firewall uses deep packet inspection (DPI), it may be set up to terminate any connection running IPSec or OpenVPN.

6. The VPN server you joined is congested

VPNs with crowded or small server networks are not only slower but also less reliable. Your connection may abruptly drop if there are too many people connected to one server. 

A VPN with a large network of servers is less likely to have congested or overloaded servers compared to a VPN with a smaller server network.

PureVPN has more than 6,500 servers worldwide, which is why you always get a fast and stable connection no matter where you are.

7. The power settings of your device 

Some battery-powered gadgets deprioritize applications that don’t seem to be in use in order to save power. VPN apps typically operate in the background, making them a potential for battery-saving techniques.

Your VPN can abruptly disconnect if your operating system is automatically throttling its access to the processor.

How to prevent your VPN from disconnecting

When your VPN keeps disconnecting, there could be an issue with the VPN server and its settings, the network connection between you and the VPN server, or your device’s settings and software. To help prevent these problems and ensure your VPN stays connected, we have compiled the most common solutions for each issue below.

Solution #1: Make changes to your VPN settings

If you are facing problems with your VPN connection, it is recommended to first check your VPN settings. These settings can be found in the VPN app on your device. By using another connection protocol, switching to a more stable VPN server, or changing your DNS settings, you can use your VPN without it disconnecting frequently. 

Use another VPN server

If you are having trouble with frequent disconnections, switching to a different VPN server is a simple way to improve connection reliability. The server you are currently connected to may be overcrowded or experiencing a fault. 

Selecting a server nearest to your physical location typically provides the fastest speeds and a more reliable connection. If your VPN service has an ‘automatic connection’ option, use it as it will connect you to the most ideal server based on your location.

If you want to access geo-restricted content on Netflix, try selecting a different server in the country you want to access. If your VPN is unable to unblock Netflix, changing servers is often the best course of action.

Switch your VPN protocol

VPN protocols are a set of guidelines used to establish an encrypted connection between you and the VPN server. Some VPN providers allow you to choose from a variety of protocols, while others do not provide this option at all.

If you are using a high-quality VPN, a secure and reliable VPN protocol will be chosen by default. However, switching protocols can improve connection reliability and prevent future disconnections.

Here are the recommended protocol options to try, where available, if you are having connection issues:

• WireGuard: WireGuard is a fast and secure protocol that uses state-of-the-art cryptography, ideal for mobile devices and low-powered devices.

• OpenVPN TCP: OpenVPN TCP is a secure protocol known for its reliability and ability to bypass firewalls.

• OpenVPN UDP: OpenVPN UDP is a faster and more efficient version of OpenVPN suitable for streaming and gaming.

• IKEv2: IKEv2 is a safe and high-speed protocol often used for mobile devices due to its ability to quickly reconnect when the connection is lost.

Try different DNS settings

VPN providers often run their own DNS servers to stop your ISP from viewing your DNS requests. If you don’t know what these servers do, they basically translate a website’s domain name into an IP address.

If your VPN has the ability to use custom DNS servers, you can try changing them to improve the stability of your VPN. However, it is worth nothing that this may offer weaker security than your VPN’s default settings.

Activate obfuscation

If you are in a country with strict internet regulations such as China or Russia, VPN traffic can be blocked or even illegal. Government firewalls and censors can easily identify and block VPN traffic, causing disconnections.

However, some VPN services offer a feature called obfuscation that hides VPN traffic and makes it look like HTTPS traffic, reducing the chances of it being blocked. If you don’t want your VPN to disconnect in censored countries, turn on the obfuscation feature.

Turn off Double VPN

Double VPN is an advanced security measure that sends your VPN traffic through two servers, offering added privacy and security, but potentially compromising speed and reliability. 

Also known as multi-hop, double VPN is usually not enabled by default and is recommended only for users handling highly sensitive information or facing targeted attacks. 

For regular users, a standard VPN connection is sufficient for improved security and privacy, and enabling Double VPN may result in VPN disconnections.

Deactivate Trusted Networks

Trusted Networks is a feature offered by some VPNs, which disconnects the VPN automatically when you connect to a network you have specified as safe. 

If you forget about this feature and are within the range of a trusted network, the VPN will disconnect without warning. Simply turn off the Trusted Networks feature in the settings of your VPN app to avoid this.

Solution #2: Fix network connection issues

If any part of your internet connection is problematic, your VPN may disconnect and reconnect intermittently. It may also seem like your VPN is switching off your WiFi if your VPN has a kill switch enabled.

To determine if network issues are causing your VPN to disconnect, you can:

• Try to connect with another device on the same network: If the VPN disconnects on the other device as well, the issue may be with your network and not the VPN. However, if the other device works fine, your device might be causing the VPN to disconnect.

• Try to connect using a different network. If you are using a mobile device, use a cellular connection instead of Wi-Fi. If you are using a laptop, switch between WiFi and Ethernet. If your VPN is working fine on one network but not on the other, the issue may be with the network you are trying to connect from.

• Try to connect using a new Ethernet cable: If you are connected to your router via Ethernet, try a new cable. A faulty cable can result in network connection problems.

Here are some common solutions to fix network problems if you have confirmed that your VPN connection keeps dropping due to a network issue:

Change your port

By changing the port that your device uses to access the internet, you can potentially improve your connection’s reliability. Some VPN providers will give you the ability to change ports, allowing you to choose the one that works best for your network configuration.

Restart your router

One of the simplest ways to fix an unstable connection is by restarting your router. This basic troubleshooting step involves turning off your router, waiting for a few minutes, and then turning it back on again.

Update the firmware of your router

Modern routers will automatically update their firmware to improve connection stability. However, if your router does not update automatically, you may be able to force a manual update by logging in to its dashboard. This can be done by entering your router’s IP address in a web browser’s address bar.

Solution #3: Fix device connection issues 

If your VPN still continues to disconnect, it is possible that your device or the software installed on it is causing the issue. Here is how you can fix VPN disconnection issues on devices like macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows.

Update your VPN

macOS

Just follow these steps:

1. Open the App Store on your macOS device.
2. Click Updates.
3. Find your VPN app and click Update. If you cannot find it in the list, you are already using the latest version.
4. Launch your VPN app and check if the connection issue is fixed.

iOS

Just follow these steps:

1. Open the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Tap your account icon.
3. Find your VPN app and click Update. If you cannot find it in the list, you are already using the latest version.
4. Launch your VPN app and check if the connection issue is fixed.

Android

Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Play Store on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon.
3. Tap the Manage apps and device option.
4. Find your VPN app. If an update is available, tap Update.
5. Launch your VPN app and check if the connection issue is fixed.

Windows

Just follow these steps:

1. Open your VPN app and check for updates.
2. If there is an update available, download the latest version of the VPN app from the VPN provider’s website.
3. Save the downloaded file to a location on your computer.
4. Exit your VPN app.
5. Locate the downloaded file and double-click it to begin the installation process.
6. Follow the prompts to install the updated VPN app.
7. Once the installation is complete, open the VPN app and check if the connection issue is fixed.

Reinstall your VPN

macOS

Just follow these steps:

1. Uninstall the VPN app by dragging the app icon to the trash can or using an uninstaller tool.
2. Open the App Store.
3. Search for the VPN app you just deleted.
4. Click the Get or Download button to reinstall the app.
5. Once the app is installed, launch it and check if the connection issue is fixed.

iOS

Just follow these steps:

1. Tap and hold the app icon of your VPN.
2. Tap the small x icon in the corner of the app.
3. Confirm that you want to delete the app.
4. Go to the App Store and search for the VPN app that you just deleted.
5. Tap the Download or Get button to reinstall the app.
6. Once the app is installed, launch it and check if the connection issue is fixed.

Android

Just follow these steps:

1. Tap and hold on the app icon of your VPN.
2. Tap App Info or Info.
3. Tap Uninstall or Uninstall Updates.
4. Confirm that you want to uninstall the app.
5. Go to the Google Play Store and search for the VPN app that you just uninstalled.
6. Tap the Install button to reinstall the app.
7. Once the app is installed, launch it and check if the connection issue is resolved.

Windows

Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Start menu and click Settings.
2. Click Apps or Apps & Features depending on your version of Windows.
3. Find the VPN app that you want to reinstall and click it.
4. Click the Uninstall button and confirm that you want to uninstall the app.
5. Once the app is uninstalled, go to the VPN provider’s website and download the latest version of the app.
6. Run the installation file for the app and follow the prompts to install the app.
7. Once the installation is complete, launch the app and check if the connection issue is resolved.

Disable power saving settings 

macOS

Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Apple Menu.
2. Click System Preferences.
3. Select Battery and disable the Low Power Mode option.
4. Select Energy Saver and then Power Adapter.
5. Set the Energy Mode to High Power.
6. Launch your VPN app and check if the connection issue is resolved.

iOS

Just follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.on your iOS device.
2. Choose Battery from the list of options.
3. Disable Low Power Mode by toggling off the switch.
4. Go back to Settings and select General.
5. Tap Background App Refresh and turn it off.
6. Launch your VPN app and check if the connection issue is resolved.

Android

Just follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Select Battery or Device Maintenance depending on your Android version.
3. Tap Battery Usage or Battery Optimization.
4. Select All Apps or Apps.
5. Find your VPN app and select it.
6. Choose Don’t Optimize or Don’t Save Power.
7. Launch your VPN app and check if the connection issue is resolved.

Windows 

Just follow these steps:

1. Click the battery icon located in the taskbar.
2. Select Battery settings.
3. Scroll down to find the Battery saver section.
4. Look for the option that says “Turn battery saver on automatically…” and uncheck the box.
5. Launch your VPN app and check if the connection issue is resolved.

Solution #4: Change your VPN service or get in touch with support

If you are having trouble resolving the issue on your own, we recommend reaching out to your VPN’s support team to see if there are any known issues with the service. Most top-quality VPN services provide customer support through live chat or email, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

Another possibility is that your VPN service is simply not reliable. Some inexpensive or free VPNs operate with limited resources, which can result in an inconsistent connection.

If you are having trouble maintaining a stable VPN connection, you are better off switching to a premium VPN service such as PureVPN – we have a proven track record of delivering reliable performance!

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