Why Does My VPN Keep Disconnecting? Possible Issues & How to Fix Them

A VPN connection that constantly disconnects can interrupt your internet connection. Without a kill switch, your regular IP address may be exposed while you’re reconnecting. Frequent drops often cause security risks when you’re online and you can spend some effort trying to maintain a stable reconnection each time.

VPN disconnections can have several causes, from an unstable internet connection or congested VPN server to network restrictions, incompatible settings, or an outdated app. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common reasons your VPN keeps disconnecting and walk you through ways to troubleshoot them.

Common Reasons Your VPN Keeps Disconnecting

If your VPN is having connection issues, the problem can originate from anywhere along the connection between your device and the VPN server. A VPN connection depends on several components working together, including the VPN app, your device, local network, internet connection, and VPN server. A problem with any of these can cause the connection to drop. 

1. Issues with the VPN Server

VPN servers can occasionally experience maintenance, outages, or heavy congestion. A congested or distant server can increase latency and reduce connection stability, particularly if the network path between you and the server is experiencing packet loss. If the problem seems limited to one server, try connecting to another location.

2. Too Many Connected Devices

Most VPN providers limit the number of devices you’re allowed to connect at once. If you have the VPN installed on your phone, home computer, work laptop, tablet, Smart TV, or other devices, you might exceed your account’s limit. Depending on the VPN provider, reaching the device limit may prevent the new device from connecting or require you to disconnect an existing device first.

3. Network Blocking VPN Traffic

Shared or regulated Wi-Fi networks can have firewalls or network policies blocking or interfering with VPN traffic. This can happen in places like workplace offices, airports, hotels, or educational institutions. These places often do this for security reasons or to enforce internet usage policies.

Changing your VPN protocol might help, but some networks may block VPN connections regardless of protocol.

4. VPN Protocol Mismatch

VPN protocols use varied methods to establish and maintain the VPN tunnel. Some networks may work better with one protocol than another and changing protocols can sometimes resolve repeated connection failures.

VPNs can use several protocols, though most VPNs support the popular options such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard®. Many VPN apps pick the best protocol for the situation, but you can manually change it and see if that resolves the issue.

5. DNS or IPv6 Issues

Incorrect DNS or IP configuration can sometimes interfere with a VPN connection or cause traffic to bypass the VPN tunnel. A DNS leak occurs when DNS requests slip outside the VPN tunnel and go through your ISP’s DNS server instead.

If your VPN app includes DNS leak protection, make sure it’s enabled. You can also use a DNS leak test to check whether your DNS requests are going through the VPN connection. If you’re still experiencing connection issues, check whether you enabled IPv6 on your device or router as this can cause problems with some VPN configurations.

6. Slow or Unstable Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can interrupt the VPN tunnel. Wi-Fi interference, switching between cellular towers, or network congestion can cause packet loss or brief interruptions that make it difficult for the VPN to maintain a connection.

Try switching between the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz networks to see whether one provides a more stable connection. Other solutions can include switching to a wired Ethernet connection or restarting your modem or router.

7. Conflicts With Other Programs

Sometimes, programs running on the same device can interfere with VPNs. Antivirus software and on-device firewalls sometimes flag VPN traffic as suspicious. If they block or interfere with the VPN’s traffic, they can cause delays or connection failures.

Some mobile devices restrict background activity when you enable battery-saving features. If this restricts your VPN app, it may lose its connection when you lock your screen or switch to another app. The first solution to try is to add your VPN to the allowlist or exception list in your antivirus, firewall, and battery optimization programs.

8. Incorrect MTU and Packet Fragmentation

Your VPN can keep disconnecting because the network can’t handle the packet size. The maximum transmission unit (MTU) represents the largest packet size that a network connection (like a cable or a Wi-Fi connection) can carry in one piece. For example, Ethernet connections typically have an MTU of 1500 bytes. Packets that are too big for your network connection fragment into multiple parts.

VPN encryption adds overhead to network packets, which can occasionally create MTU-related connection problems on certain networks. If your VPN app offers an MTU or packet-size setting, try its smaller packet-size option and test the connection again. On CyberGhost VPN for Windows, for example, you can change the MTU size from Default to Small in the app’s settings.

9. Faulty Auto-Connect or Kill Switch Settings

Some VPN settings can affect what happens when your network connection changes or the VPN tunnel drops. For example, an auto-connect feature may establish a VPN connection when you join a new network.

A kill switch blocks internet traffic when the VPN connection drops, helping to prevent traffic from continuing over your regular connection. This can make an existing connection problem more noticeable because your device may appear to be offline until the VPN reconnects.

Review your VPN’s auto-connect and kill switch settings if you’re having trouble reconnecting. Don’t disable the kill switch to keep your internet connection active during a dropped connection. Instead, troubleshoot the underlying connection problem.

10. Outdated VPN App

An outdated VPN app might have unresolved bugs or compatibility issues that affect connection stability. Updates can also include fixes for known connection problems. Corrupted installation files or interrupted updates can also lead to problems staying connected. The solution is to check your app store or VPN provider’s site for the latest version. You can also try a complete reinstall to fix the issue.

How to Fix a VPN That Keeps Disconnecting

The best approach is to start with the simplest solutions: switch VPN servers, check your device limit, and restart your router. Then you can work your way down the list of tips for more involved fixes like customizing firewall or power optimization settings.

Switch to Another VPN Server

Switching to a different server is usually the quickest fix if your current server is too far away or overcrowded. Most VPN apps make switching servers easy by opening the server list and picking an alternate server location. Look for servers with a lower load percentage or ping if your app displays them. Generally speaking, connecting to a nearby server can reduce latency and may provide a more stable connection than a distant one.

Some VPNs, CyberGhost VPN included, also have a “quick connect” or “best server” button that selects a recommended server. Use it if you’re not sure which server to choose.

Stabilize Your Internet Connection

If your internet connection is too unstable to support a VPN tunnel, you can try several ways to improve it. On laptops and desktop computers, you can switch from a wireless connection to a wired Ethernet connection. Wired connections tend to be more stable and less susceptible to external interference.

If you can’t use a wired connection, try to get closer to the router. You can also try switching between the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz networks to see whether one provides a more stable connection.

Restart Your Router

Restarting your router can refresh its network connection and resolve temporary connectivity problems. Unplug the router or use its power button, wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the router to reconnect.

Once your Wi-Fi is working again, reconnect your device and test the VPN. If the VPN still disconnects, try another network if one is available. If the VPN works on the second network, your original Wi-Fi network, router, or network settings may be contributing to the problem.

Try a Different VPN Protocol

Changing your VPN protocol can improve connection stability. Most VPN providers support popular protocol options like OpenVPN and WireGuard® and typically offer a protocol option in their connection settings. Look for a label such as “VPN Protocol” or “Connection Type.”

Start with WireGuard® if it’s available. If you’re experiencing disconnects, try another available protocol. OpenVPN UDP can offer good performance, while OpenVPN TCP may work better on some restrictive or unstable networks.

Disconnect Unused Devices

If you’ve reached your VPN provider’s connection limit, disconnect the VPN from devices you’re not using. For CyberGhost VPN, you can connect up to seven devices at the same time. If you have a lot of devices at home, using a VPN-compatible router can help you protect every device connected to your network. 

Modify Antivirus or Firewall Settings

If your antivirus and firewall are interfering with your VPN connection, you can add your VPN app to the exceptions list. Open your security software’s settings and look for a section titled something like “Exceptions” or “Allowlist.” Add your VPN app to this list.

For example, in Windows Security, open Firewall & network protection and look for the option to allow an app through the firewall.

Adjust Power Management Settings

Depending on your mobile device, you may have other optimization options. On Android, check your battery settings to make sure the VPN app can run in the background. On iPhone, check settings related to Background App Refresh and Low Power Mode, although the available controls vary by iOS version.

Desktop devices like Windows and macOS usually don’t have this level of control, but you can still make modifications to their power settings. Depending on the device, you could set its power plan to Balanced performance, turn off Power Saver Mode, or prevent the computer from sleeping when the display is off.

Change Your DNS Settings

If your VPN app offers DNS leak protection, make sure it’s enabled. You can also run a DNS leak test while connected to the VPN to check whether your DNS requests are going through the VPN connection. 

If you’re using CyberGhost VPN and experiencing connection issues, see if you enabled IPv6 on your device or router as this can cause connectivity problems. If you need to change your device’s DNS settings, our Support Center has guides detailing how to do this on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

No Need to Panic If Your VPN Disconnects

VPN disconnections are frustrating, but you can resolve many common causes with a few troubleshooting steps. Start with the simplest fixes, such as switching VPN servers, checking your internet connection, and restarting your router. If the problem persists, try changing your VPN protocol or checking your device’s firewall, power, and network settings.

If you’ve worked through the troubleshooting steps and your connection still disconnects frequently, contact your VPN’s customer support for help identifying the cause.

Of course, picking a reliable VPN provider is also important. CyberGhost VPN maintains server locations across the globe and you can try another location if your current server isn’t working as expected. Our apps are simple to use and feature explanations for most settings, so you’re equipped to change them to find the most stable setup for your connection.

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