Proton VPN Keeps Disconnecting on Android
Quick answer
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.
Most likely fix: Stop Android killing the app
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Stop Android killing the app
- Open Android Settings > Apps > Proton VPN > Battery
- Set it to Unrestricted (or turn off battery optimisation for Proton VPN)
- On Xiaomi/Huawei also allow autostart and background activity for the app
Did this fix it?2. Check Always-on VPN and the kill switch
- Open Android Settings > Network & internet > VPN and tap the gear next to Proton VPN
- Try toggling Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN off, then back on, to reset the state
- In Proton VPN, check Settings > Features > Kill switch
Did this fix it?3. Pick a fixed protocol
- Open Proton VPN Settings > Connection > Protocol
- Switch from Smart to WireGuard (or Stealth on restrictive networks) and reconnect
Did this fix it?4. Update and send logs
- Update Proton VPN and Android
- If drops continue, go to Settings > Support > Report an Issue and attach Debug logs
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
The VPN drops when the screen is off or after an app update, and sometimes won't reconnect until you open the app.
Why it happens
- Aggressive battery optimisation on Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei and similar phones
- Android 16 bug causing disconnects after app updates (reported by Proton to Google)
- Unstable Wi-Fi or mobile signal
- Smart Protocol switching on a flaky network
This guide also covers
- proton vpn keeps disconnecting
- proton vpn disconnects android
- proton vpn android 16 disconnect
- proton vpn keeps turning off
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