It’s super frustrating when your VPN keeps disconnecting, especially during your binge-watching or gaming sessions. VPNs are an invaluable tool for keeping your online activity private and secure, but they’ve got to stay connected to work their magic.
Luckily, there’s often a simple solution. We’ll break down the top 10 reasons why your VPN is disconnecting and show you how to fix them. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the necessary tools to resolve any issues and keep your VPN running smoothly.
CyberGhost VPN uses the fastest and most stable VPN protocols so you can always enjoy a fast and steady connection. You can also expect optimum connection speed and stability with our 10-Gbps servers.
10 Common Reasons Why Your VPN Keeps Disconnecting
It’s annoying enough when your VPN won’t connect, but it’s even more irritating when it connects initially and then keeps disconnecting every few minutes. If this scenario sounds familiar, it might be due to one of the following reasons.
- You’ve reached your VPN device limit. Many VPNs cap the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.
- Your VPN server is overcrowded. Too many users on the same VPN server can overload it, causing your connection to drop.
- Your VPN or device software is outdated. Check for and install any available updates.
- You need a different VPN protocol. Some VPN protocols are more stable and can help prevent disconnections.
- Your device is in power-saving mode. This mode can automatically disable apps (like your VPN) to save energy.
- You have a weak internet connection. A poor Wi-Fi or mobile data signal can impact your VPN’s performance.
- Your ISP enforces bandwidth limits. High household usage or ISP throttling can slow down your connection, affecting VPN stability.
- Your ISP is blocking your VPN. This is common in countries that ban VPNs.
- Your anti-virus or firewall is interfering with your VPN. Other software (including other VPNs) can disrupt your main VPN’s functionality.
- There are issues with your router. Incorrect settings or outdated firmware may obstruct your VPN connection.
Troubleshooting Guide: How to Fix Your VPN Connection
Follow the steps below to revolve your VPN disconnection issues — we’ve started with the simplest fixes first.
1. Check Your VPN Device Limit
Make sure your VPN isn’t exceeding its device connection limit by checking how many devices are currently connected. For example, CyberGhost VPN supports seven device connections at the same time.
2. Switch to a Different VPN Server
If you’re struggling with an unstable connection, it might be that your current server is overloaded with traffic. Try connecting to another nearby VPN server to see if your luck improves. CyberGhost’s “Best Location” option automatically connects you to the best server for your location.
3. Update Your Software
You can usually solve a disconnecting VPN by ensuring you have the latest updates installed. If updates don’t solve the issue, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the VPN software. You can also check if your operating system needs updating.
4. Disable Power-Saving Mode on Your Device
Your VPN might be disconnecting because your device is cutting down on how much power your VPN can use. When you enable power-saving features, some devices will turn off apps that aren’t actively in use. Since VPN apps usually run quietly in the background, they’re often affected by these energy-saving settings.
5. Check Your Internet Connection
A weak internet connection might be causing your VPN to disconnect. Restart your Wi-Fi router to see if that solves the issue. For wired connections, make sure your Ethernet cable is securely plugged in and undamaged. If problems persist, contact your ISP for further assistance.
If your ISP restricts VPN usage, this could be the root of your connection problems. Consider switching to different servers or using a dedicated IP address to bypass any VPN blocks imposed by your ISP.
6. Adjust Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Software conflicts on your device (like those from firewalls, anti-virus programs, or additional VPNs) can block your VPN connection.
To resolve this, switch your firewall to a port that allows VPN traffic. If that doesn’t work, consider temporarily disabling the firewall. In addition, you can reconfigure your anti-virus settings to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your VPN. Last, remove or disable any other VPN software on your device to prevent conflicts with your current VPN setup.
7. Change Your VPN Protocol
Different VPN protocols offer varying levels of stability, security, and accessibility. If you’re experiencing issues, switching to another protocol might help. Options like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard® are popular for their balance of speed and security.
To change protocols, navigate to the settings in your VPN app and select a new protocol. Reconnect to see if this improves your VPN performance.
8. Change DNS Settings
Consider modifying your DNS settings within the VPN. Many VPNs use proprietary DNS servers to route DNS requests directly, bypassing your ISP’s servers. This could potentially enhance connectivity.
9. Switch VPN Ports
Changing your VPN ports can sometimes resolve connection issues. Many VPNs allow you to switch ports, which is useful if your ISP is blocking a specific one. Typically, VPNs utilize TCP port 443 and UDP port 500, as these ports are reliable and rarely blocked.
10. Install a VPN on Your Router
Using a VPN router can help avoid frequent connection issues. With the VPN installed directly on your Wi-Fi router, every device connected to it automatically benefits from VPN protection (without needing individual VPN setups).
Troubleshooting Why Your VPN Keeps Disconnecting
My VPN Keeps Disconnecting on Windows
You can fix VPN connection issues on Windows with these steps:
- Check your VPN device limit. Disconnect any excess devices if you’re connected to more than your VPN provider allows.
- Switch to a different server. If your connection is unstable, try connecting to another nearby server to alleviate traffic congestion.
- Update your software. Keep your VPN software and device operating system updated to the latest versions. This can help to resolve potential bugs or compatibility issues.
- Check your internet connection. Restart your router or ensure your cable is securely connected. You should also use other devices to evaluate whether your internet connection is the problem.
- Change your VPN protocol. Experiment with different VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard®, and with switching between TCP and UDP, to find one that offers better stability and security.
Why Does My VPN Keep Disconnecting on Android?
To tackle VPN connection issues on Android make sure your VPN and device are updated and you have a stable internet connection. Next, check that you don’t have too many devices connected to your VPN if your provider has device limits. Lastly, experiment with different servers, ports, and VPN protocols to find the most stable connection.
Why Does my VPN Keep Turning Off on My iPhone?
This could be due to software bugs or issues with your VPN provider’s app. Update your iPhone software and the VPN app to the latest versions. If the problem persists, contact your VPN provider for specific troubleshooting steps.
How to Prevent VPN Connection Disruptions in the Future
A stable VPN connection is crucial, whether you’re deep into streaming or simply browsing the web. We’ve outlined common issues that can lead to a disconnecting VPN and provided a list of easy fixes.
Is your VPN still disconnecting? It might be time to contact your VPN’s customer support. Unfortunately, persistent problems may indicate that your VPN is unreliable. This is especially common with free or low-cost VPNs, which have limited resources and suffer from connectivity issues.
To avoid future VPN disconnections, consider investing in a high-quality VPN service. A quality VPN not only enhances your digital privacy, but also boosts the performance, stability, and usability of your VPN connection. This small investment can spare you the headache of frequent VPN disconnections, allowing you to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free online experience.
CyberGhost VPN offers top-tier privacy, lightning-fast speeds, and 24/7 support, all designed to ensure an uninterrupted and secure browsing experience. Become a Ghostie today and say goodbye to VPN disconnections forever.
FAQ
The simplest fix is to check if you’ve exceeded the number of devices your VPN allows. Additionally, make sure your VPN and device software are up-to-date. Other common problems include interference from other apps on your device, your ISP throttling your connection, imposing bandwidth limits or blocking VPN connections, and your device being in battery-saving mode.
Lost connections often stem from issues with your device, your internet connection, or the VPN service itself. To solve device-related issues, restart your device, update its software, and check for any apps that might be interfering with your VPN. For internet-related issues, check your connection and router settings. Lastly, check your VPN software is up to date. These steps should help stabilize your VPN connection.
There could be several reasons for this issue. Review your VPN settings and ensure your protocols, ports, and server choices are set up for optimal performance. Stable protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard®, and IKEv2, and common ports (like UDP port 500 and TCP port 443) can help avoid blocks. You can also connect to a server that’s geographically close to you for better performance. If problems continue, contact your VPN provider for help.
First, verify your Wi-Fi connection is stable. Disable your VPN and check your router’s Wi-Fi signal. If your Wi-Fi is functioning properly, try tweaking your VPN settings to prevent interference with your network. A quality VPN provider should automatically optimize settings for your device and internet conditions. However, if your VPN requires manual configuration, you’ll need to adjust your server choices, protocol, and port settings to improve connectivity.
Your VPN is likely configured to connect upon device startup – you can change this in your VPN settings. For example, CyberGhost VPN has an option to Auto-connect on startup. You can even select a location to connect to automatically. Once you deselect this option, your VPN will stop turning on automatically.
Yes! A VPN is essential for enhancing your online privacy and security, especially since the internet is rife with cyber crime. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through private servers, so you’re less vulnerable to cyberattacks. Your browsing activity is also much more private as you can mask your IP from your ISP, advertisers, and other snooping third parties.
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