Why your VPN keeps disconnecting on the phone and how to fix it
The VPN turns itself off: when the screen locks, when you switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or just after a few minutes. Causes on iPhone and Android and the settings that fix them.
Quick fix. If the VPN drops every few minutes on any network, the service itself is the problem. Get Surok in Telegram: 3 days free, no card.
- Battery saving. Android kills background apps. Set the VPN app's battery mode to Unrestricted, enable autostart on Xiaomi, Realme, Huawei, Honor and Samsung, and turn on Always-on VPN. On iPhone turn off Low Power Mode and enable Connect On Demand if available.
- Network changes. Moving from Wi-Fi to mobile data breaks the tunnel; Always-on VPN and On Demand bring it back.
- Filters cut the connection. It connects, works briefly, then drops — typical for OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2. Switch to VLESS or change the VPN.
- Overloaded or blocked server. Change server, refresh the subscription.
- Two VPNs or a "protection" app. Only one VPN can run — see two VPNs on one phone.
- iPhone settings. Private Relay and Limit IP Address Tracking conflict with VPNs; delete old profiles.
- Subscription or quota ended.
To test: turn the VPN on, check our IP page, lock the screen for 10 minutes and reload. A kill switch keeps traffic from leaking on drops.
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