VPN connections dropping mid-session are more than annoying. They expose your real IP address and location the moment they fail.
The good news? Most disconnection problems stem from simple causes you can fix yourself. No tech support needed. Plus, working through these troubleshooting steps takes less than 30 minutes in most cases.
Let’s tackle the most common culprits behind unstable VPN connections and get you back online securely.
Too Many Devices Running Simultaneously
Most VPN providers cap how many devices can connect at once on a single subscription. Surfshark claims unlimited connections, but they’ll still cut you off if usage looks suspicious.
Here’s what happens. You install the VPN on your phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV. You set it to auto-connect on startup for convenience. Then you forget it’s running on three devices when you try connecting on a fourth.
The solution is straightforward. Check every device where you’ve installed the VPN. Disconnect from at least one device, then try connecting again on your problem device.
Overloaded or Distant VPN Servers
Sometimes the server you’re connecting to simply can’t handle the load. Providers take servers offline for maintenance. Other times, a server stays online but gets crushed by too many simultaneous users.
Distance matters too. Connecting to a server halfway around the world creates latency issues. Your connection request might time out before completing the handshake.
Try switching servers. Disconnect and reconnect to the same location. Most VPN apps automatically assign you to a different server in that region. If problems persist, pick a completely different location unless you specifically need an IP address from that country.
Wrong VPN Protocol Selected
VPN protocols aren’t created equal. OpenVPN over TCP prioritizes speed over stability, causing more frequent drops. Meanwhile, WireGuard and OpenVPN over UDP maintain more reliable connections.
Some networks also block specific protocols. Your workplace firewall might stop OpenVPN traffic while allowing IKEv2 through.
Switch protocols in your VPN app’s settings. Try WireGuard first, then OpenVPN over UDP, then IKEv2. One of these typically solves connection stability issues.
Power-Saving Features Kill Background Apps
Your device’s battery-saver mode doesn’t discriminate. When power gets low, it shuts down background apps to extend battery life. Unfortunately, your VPN counts as a background app.
Disable power-save mode and plug in your device. Then test whether your VPN maintains a stable connection. If this fixes the problem, you’ll need to either exempt your VPN from power-saving restrictions or accept that you can’t run it while conserving battery.
Unstable Internet Connection Underneath
VPNs encrypt your traffic, but they still rely on your ISP’s connection to function. No amount of VPN optimization can compensate for a terrible internet connection.
Test your base internet speed without the VPN running. If pages load slowly or connections drop, your VPN will exhibit the same behavior.
Reset your modem by unplugging it for at least 10 seconds. If that doesn’t help, contact your ISP or wait for connection quality to improve. There’s nothing wrong with your VPN in cases like this.
Conflicting Security Software
Other security programs frequently interfere with VPN connections. Corporate VPNs almost never play nicely with personal VPN clients. Antivirus software might flag your VPN as suspicious and block its traffic. Firewalls can prevent VPN protocols from accessing necessary ports.
Configure your firewall to allow traffic through ports used by VPN protocols. For OpenVPN, that’s typically port 1194 for UDP and port 443 for TCP. WireGuard uses port 51820 by default. Consult your VPN provider’s support documentation for specific port requirements.
If you’re running a work VPN, disconnect from it before launching your personal VPN. Most networks won’t allow both simultaneously.
Outdated Software Creating Compatibility Issues
Running old software invites problems. Outdated VPN clients contain bugs that newer versions fixed. Old operating systems lack security patches. Ancient router firmware can’t handle modern encryption standards properly.
Update your VPN app first. Then update your device’s operating system. Finally, access your router’s control panel by typing its default IP address into your browser. Install any available firmware updates.
Test your connection after each update. This process solves disconnection issues more often than you’d expect.
Network or ISP Blocking VPN Traffic
Some networks actively block VPN traffic. Schools and offices do this to prevent students and employees from bypassing content filters. Entire countries like China restrict VPN usage through sophisticated deep packet inspection.
Enable obfuscation features in your VPN app. These disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it harder for networks to detect and block. Connect to a server outside the restricted location.
For severe censorship situations, contact your VPN provider directly. Proton VPN and similar services will send configuration files via email to help you establish a connection despite aggressive blocking.
When Nothing Works
Tried everything above and still experiencing random disconnects? You’ve encountered a rare edge case that requires specialized support.
Contact your VPN provider’s support team. Use live chat if available so you can immediately explain what you’ve already attempted. This saves time and helps technicians diagnose unusual problems faster.
Most VPN disconnection issues trace back to one of these eight causes. Work through the list systematically. Start with the easiest fixes like switching servers before moving to more complex solutions like updating firmware.
Your connection should stabilize after addressing the root cause. If it doesn’t, switching to a different VPN provider might be necessary. Some services simply maintain better infrastructure and more reliable connections than others.
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