Proton VPN Not Working? Common Errors & Fixes

Usually a blocked protocol, a firewall or antivirus, an expired paid plan or a wrong system clock. Switch server and protocol (try Stealth or Smart Protocol), allow Proton VPN through your firewall, then check your plan and clock.

Most slowdowns come from Secure Core, a distant or crowded server, a slow protocol, or busy free servers. Turn off Secure Core, pick a nearby low-load server, use WireGuard and keep VPN Accelerator on.

Netflix has blocked the IP of the server you are on, or cookies are giving away your real location. Switch to another server in the same country, avoid Secure Core and clear your browser cookies and cache.

Android battery management is closing the app in the background, or an Android 16 issue Proton has reported to Google is dropping the tunnel. Set Proton VPN's battery use to Unrestricted, check Always-on VPN settings and try another protocol.

The advanced kill switch (called permanent kill switch in some Windows versions) blocks all internet whenever the VPN is off, even after a restart. Reconnect, or turn it off in Settings > Connection > Kill switch.

Port forwarding only works on P2P servers in the desktop apps, and the port usually changes every time you reconnect. Connect to a P2P server, turn on Port forwarding, disable UPnP/NAT-PMP in your torrent client and enter the current port.

Shared VPN IPs carry a lot of traffic, so Google and other sites challenge them. Use a low-load server, stop hopping between servers, avoid repeated refreshes and clear cookies or disable extensions.

Sign-in usually fails because Proton is blocked on your network, human verification won't load, the 2FA code is rejected because of clock drift, or the app is outdated. Turn on alternative routing, switch verification method, fix your clock and update the app.

The network is blocking standard VPN protocols. Switch to the Stealth protocol (or Smart Protocol), turn on alternative routing and try a different server or country.

Cancel web purchases at account.protonvpn.com > Subscription > Cancel subscription and finish the reason form; App Store and Google Play subscriptions are cancelled in those stores. Paid features last until the period ends, then you drop to Proton Free. Refunds are only within 30 days of the first purchase.