Why Your VPN Keeps Disconnecting & How to Stop It (2026)
- Written by Sayb Saad Former Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Your VPN drops at the worst time — right in the middle of a video call, file download, or stream. It’s frustrating, especially when it happens often or without warning. If you’re here, you’ve likely tried the usual “restart” fix, but the problem keeps coming back.
These disconnections aren’t random . They’re usually caused by network settings, unstable servers, firewall rules, or outdated apps. Sometimes it’s your device, other times it’s the VPN itself. The good news is you don’t necessarily need to switch VPNs just yet.
That said, some VPNs are simply better at staying connected. ExpressVPN is our top pick because it has built-in stability tools like auto-reconnect and obfuscation that reduce drops. It also runs smoothly on all major platforms without tweaking any settings. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Stay secure online with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: How to Stop Your VPN From Disconnecting
- Download a reliable VPN. If you want a stable VPN for long sessions, ExpressVPN is my top recommendation because its Lightway protocol is built for speed and stability.
- Connect to a server. A close location reduces latency and lowers the chance of random drops compared to faraway servers.
- Start browsing. That’s it! You can now browse safely even on flaky networks.
How to Stop Your VPN From Disconnecting (Step-by-Step)
Most VPN drops come from simple issues like overloaded servers, weak WiFi, or the wrong protocol. Before you think about switching providers, try these proven fixes. Each step below is quick, practical, and designed to target the most common causes of random disconnections.
1. Run a Speed Test and Check for Fluctuations
If your internet speed dips or spikes a lot, your VPN will likely cut out. Run a test using tools like Speedtest or Fast.com while disconnected from the VPN. Check your ping, download, and upload values — big jumps or drops are a red flag. Restart your modem or contact your ISP if the connection isn’t stable.
2. Switch to a Wired Ethernet Connection
Your WiFi signal can weaken due to interference , especially with thick walls, crowded networks, or old routers. If your device has an Ethernet port, try plugging it in for a faster and more stable connection. This eliminates weak signals and reduces packet loss. VPNs are much more reliable over wired networks.
3. Change VPN Server Location
Overloaded or distant servers are more prone to timeouts and dropped connections. Open your VPN app and connect to a nearby server or one with a low ping. Some apps show server load to help you choose.
If the new server works fine, the problem was likely the old server’s congestion. However, top VPNs normally use 10Gbps lines on each server, which can handle a high volume of traffic, so it’s unlikely to find server congestion on top VPNs.
4. Enable Auto-Connect and Kill Switch
If your VPN disconnects and doesn’t auto-reconnect, you’ll be exposed. Most top VPNs have auto-connect and kill switch features in their settings. Turn both on to keep traffic from leaking if the VPN drops. This won’t stop disconnections, but it gives you a safety net while troubleshooting.
5. Switch VPN Protocols
Some VPN protocols, like OpenVPN (UDP), are fast but not very stable on spotty networks. Go to your VPN’s settings and try a more stable option like TCP or WireGuard. Protocols behave differently depending on your network conditions. Switching can instantly fix repeated drops.
6. Disable Battery Saver and Power Throttling
On laptops and phones, power-saving features can pause background apps, including your VPN . Go to your system settings and turn off battery optimization for the VPN app. Also, disable power throttling or low-power mode when using a VPN. These settings often kill your connection to save battery.
7. Turn Off IPv6 in Your Network Settings
VPNs often aren’t compatible with IPv6 and may disconnect when traffic leaks outside the VPN tunnel. Go to your device’s network adapter settings and manually disable IPv6. A few VPNs, like ExpressVPN, offer an IPv6 leak prevention toggle, which is enabled by default.
This forces all your traffic to use IPv4, which is more stable with most VPNs. Restart your VPN afterward to apply the change.
8. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Firewalls and antivirus tools sometimes block VPN connections or cause sudden drops. Try disabling your firewall temporarily and test the VPN. If that solves it, add your VPN app as an exception or allow specific ports. And don’t forget to re-enable the firewall after testing.
9. Update Your VPN App to the Latest Version
Older VPN versions can have bugs that cause random disconnections. Open the VPN app and check for updates — most providers fix stability issues regularly. You can also reinstall the app to clear corrupted files. Always download updates directly from the official VPN site or app store.
Best VPNs to Stop Disconnects in 2026
Not all VPNs handle connection stability the same way. Some invest in stronger protocols, larger server networks, and better auto-reconnect features, which makes them far less likely to drop. These are the top 3 services we found that consistently keep your VPN running without interruptions:
| Server Network | Obfuscation | Avg. Dips on Distant Servers | Simultaneous Devices | Money-Back Guarantee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | ✔ (built into all servers) | 9% | 14 | 30* days |
| CyberGhost | 11,690+ servers in 100 countries | ✘ | 17% | 7 | 45 days |
| PIA | 29,650+ servers in 91 countries | ✔ (Shadowsocks/SOCKS5) | 18% | unlimited | 30 days |
1. ExpressVPN — Lightway Protocol Keeps You Secure on Unstable Networks
ExpressVPN is the best choice if you want a VPN that stays connected . Its custom Lightway protocol is built for stability, using lightweight code that resists drops even on shaky WiFi or mobile networks. That means fewer interruptions when you’re on calls, streaming, or gaming.
You also get Network Lock, ExpressVPN’s kill switch, which kicks in instantly if the connection drops. Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t freeze your apps or leave gaps — it just locks traffic until the VPN reconnects. With servers in 105 countries, I rarely hit the kind of congestion that causes sudden disconnects.
The only drawback is the price. ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than its rivals — but its excellent all-around performance in terms of speed, security, and stability makes it a worthwhile investment. You can test it out yourself as it comes with a 30*-day money-back guarantee for first-time users.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
2. CyberGhost — Smart Rules Automate Connections for Consistent Reliability
CyberGhost makes it easier to avoid disconnections by automating how and when your VPN connects. Its Smart Rules let you set conditions like “auto-connect when I launch Netflix” or “always start with my PC.” That way, you don’t risk being exposed during brief drops or forgetting to turn it on.
It also helps that CyberGhost offers optimized servers for streaming and torrenting , which are tested for stable performance. In my experience, the “Best Location” feature often picked servers that held steady even when others nearby were overloaded. On mobile, its WireGuard support handled switching between WiFi and data without hiccups.
Where CyberGhost struggles is on long-distance connections, which sometimes stutter or disconnect during peak hours. But if you mostly connect to nearby servers, the automation and server variety make it a very dependable choice. You can try CyberGhost risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee .
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
3. Private Internet Access — Advanced Customization Lets You Adapt Connections to Any Network
PIA gives you more manual control over connection stability than most VPNs. You can fine-tune settings like encryption strength, port forwarding, or MTU size — useful if your disconnections are linked to ISP restrictions or unusual network setups. This level of control is rare at PIA’s budget price, even as an affordable month-on-month VPN .
Another reason it rarely disconnects is sheer network size. With 29,650+ servers worldwide, you almost never hit overcrowding. We tested in high-traffic hubs like London and New York, and still found stable connections around most servers. Add to that unlimited device connections, and you won’t face drops from exceeding limits.
All this customization comes with a slight learning curve, which can overwhelm beginners. However, PIA’s default settings work fine . If they don’t, you can consult its extensive knowledge base and learn how to tweak encryption, protocols, and ports. You can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee and try it out risk-free.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
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Our Methodology for Testing VPNs That Remain Stable
To find out which VPNs actually stay connected, we tested them across real-world conditions and measured how they handled stress points like overloaded servers and mobile switches.
- Protocol reliability — We checked how each VPN performed on OpenVPN TCP, WireGuard, IKEv2, and Lightway and saw which ones held steady on unstable networks.
- Server stability — Each VPN was tested on local, mid-range, and long-distance servers. We measured how often connections dropped when server load was high.
- Device and OS support — We ran VPNs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and checked for features like Always-On VPN, auto-reconnect, and kill switches.
- Network transitions — We tested how well VPNs handled switching between WiFi and mobile data. WireGuard and IKEv2 generally did better here.
- Kill switch — Finally, we forced sudden disconnections to see how quickly VPNs reconnected. We also checked if each VPN could stop leaks effectively .
How To Fix VPN Disconnects on Specific Devices
Android
Android phones often kill VPN apps in the background to save battery. You can fix this by turning off battery optimization for your VPN in the system’s battery settings. It also helps to allow the app unrestricted data access, so it won’t be cut off by data saver modes. These changes stop Android from shutting down your VPN when the screen is off.
You should also enable the “Always-on VPN” option in the network settings. This forces Android to keep the VPN active at all times, even after restarts. If you switch often between WiFi and mobile data, use a protocol like WireGuard, which handles roaming better than OpenVPN. This prevents most dropouts when moving around.
iPhone and iPad
On iOS, features like Low Power Mode can interfere with VPN apps . Turn this mode off if you plan to stay connected for long sessions. You should also keep Background App Refresh enabled for your VPN so it doesn’t get paused when you switch to other apps. These small changes can stop the tunnel from dropping in the background.
If you see frequent disconnects when moving between WiFi and cellular, try switching protocols in your VPN settings. WireGuard or IKEv2 generally works better for these transitions. You can also reset your network settings if the problem persists, but keep in mind you’ll need to reconnect to your WiFi networks afterward.
Windows 10 and 11
Windows can cut off VPN adapters because of outdated drivers or power settings. Open Device Manager and update your network adapter drivers to ensure compatibility with the latest updates. In the adapter’s properties, disable the option that allows Windows to turn off the device to save power. These fixes resolve many random drops on laptops.
If your VPN still disconnects, reset your network settings using the built-in netsh command. You can also reinstall the VPN’s TAP or TUN adapter from within the app or Device Manager. Disabling IPv6 in your network properties sometimes helps, too, since many VPNs only route IPv4 traffic correctly.
MacOS
On macOS, VPN drops often come from conflicts with system permissions or firewall rules . Make sure your VPN client is updated and allowed through the built-in firewall. If you have multiple VPN profiles saved, delete the old ones so they don’t interfere with the active connection. Keeping only your current VPN’s profile reduces errors.
If the tunnel still disconnects, check your network service order in System Preferences. Move your VPN higher in the priority list so traffic routes correctly through it. As a last step, you can reset your keychain entries related to the VPN and re-add them. This clears out corrupted credentials that sometimes cause repeated failures.
Why Your VPN Disconnects on Certain Networks
VPN drops often aren’t caused by the app itself but by the network you’re on. Different environments like public WiFi, mobile data, or home broadband have their own quirks that interrupt encrypted tunnels. Here are the most common scenarios and what’s really happening:
- Public WiFi — Captive portals block VPN handshakes until you log in. Join the WiFi without the VPN, open a plain HTTP site like neverssl.com to trigger the portal, then reconnect your VPN. If deep packet inspection is in play, use OpenVPN TCP/443 or enable obfuscation.
- Home ISP shaping or throttling — Some providers interfere with VPN traffic, making it drop even when WiFi looks fine. Test with a mobile hotspot; if that works, the ISP path is the issue. Switching ports to TCP/443 or using stealth mode usually bypasses shaping.
- Mobile data and tower switching — Phones constantly hop between towers and bands, breaking fragile protocols like OpenVPN UDP. Use Lightway or WireGuard for fast handshakes, or IKEv2 for smoother WiFi–LTE transitions. On Android, disable battery optimization for your VPN to stop Doze from killing it.
- Corporate or school networks — Enterprise firewalls use SSL inspection or idle timeouts that can drop VPN sessions mid-task. These policies are intentional, so workarounds are limited. You can try TCP/443 or obfuscation, but the safest route is to request an approved VPN profile from IT.
*Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
Summary — The Best VPNs for Stable Connections in 2026
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
