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When ProtonVPN keeps disconnecting, the platform tells you where to look. Proton’s own support pages name two causes outside its control: Android phones that close background apps to save battery, and an iOS bug that drops VPN connections when the screen locks. On computers, the protocol and the server matter more.
This page covers drops after a working connection. If the app never connects, our Proton VPN not connecting guide covers that fault.
Android: Stop the Phone Closing ProtonVPN
Proton explains that many Android makers extend battery life by closing apps that run in the background, and the VPN can be one of them. The fix is in system settings: open Settings, Apps, Proton VPN, then Battery, and choose Unrestricted. If ProtonVPN keeps disconnecting after that, the next suspect is another VPN app.
Next, check for another VPN app with always-on mode. Proton’s support asks you to disable always-on VPN in other apps, since Android allows only one. Users on the GrapheneOS forum add a further step: turn on always-on and Block connections without VPN for Proton itself. Our Android VPN troubleshooting page shows those menus.
iPhone: Why ProtonVPN Keeps Disconnecting When It Sleeps
Proton’s troubleshooting index lists a known issue: a bug in Apple’s iOS stops VPN services from staying connected once you lock an iPhone or iPad. Proton says it is working with Apple on a solution. No setting removes it fully, but keeping the app updated is the first step.
Proton also notes that OpenVPN on iOS drains the battery faster, so leave Smart protocol in charge. Our Proton VPN iPhone guide and iPhone troubleshooting page cover the rest.
Why ProtonVPN Keeps Disconnecting on Computers
If ProtonVPN keeps disconnecting on Windows or Mac, start with the protocol. Proton’s default, Smart protocol, cycles through OpenVPN, WireGuard and Stealth on its own, and Proton recommends leaving it on. If drops continue, try WireGuard or OpenVPN in TCP mode, which hold better on restrictive networks.
Stealth is the option for networks that block VPNs outright, such as some schools and workplaces. Our obfuscation guide explains how it hides VPN traffic, and our WireGuard vs OpenVPN page covers the protocols.
Check the Server and the Router
Proton publishes a status page and a server status list. If one server is down, connect to another. Proton’s Windows article also suggests moving closer to the router and restarting it: switch it off, wait 10 seconds, then switch it back on.
Security software can cut the tunnel too. Proton’s articles mention firewalls, antivirus and other apps that filter traffic. Our Windows VPN troubleshooting page covers the Windows side.
Android TV and the Free Plan
On Android TV, Proton’s support notes a platform bug that can drop the Ethernet link when a VPN connects. Updating the firmware or switching to Wi-Fi solves it, as our Proton VPN Android TV guide explains.
Free users meet one more limit. Proton’s free plan picks a server for you from about ten countries, and busy free servers can drop more often. Also, when a paid plan expires, the account falls back to free servers only. Our Proton VPN free plan guide covers the limits.
Keep the Kill Switch On
While ProtonVPN keeps disconnecting, its kill switch stops apps from falling back to your normal connection in each gap. Our kill switch guide explains the behaviour, and our general VPN drop guide covers causes shared by every provider.
If nothing helps within 30 days of a paid purchase, Proton’s terms allow a full refund, as our Proton VPN refund guide explains. Proton VPN belongs to the Proton Foundation, a Swiss non-profit, and our Proton VPN review covers its audits.
Other VPN Apps on the Same Phone
Proton’s support notes that always-on VPN settings in other VPN apps can interfere. Android allows only one VPN at a time. If another app is set to always-on, it can take over the connection and push Proton VPN off.
Open the phone’s VPN settings, turn off always-on for other VPN apps, and set it for Proton VPN if you want it running all the time.
Battery Drain on iPhone
Proton’s support index includes an article on why OpenVPN on the iOS app drains the battery. If you switched to OpenVPN to fix drops and the battery suffers, try the Smart protocol setting instead.
Contacting Support
If drops continue after these steps, contact Proton’s support with the device model, the protocol and the times of the drops. Proton notes it works with Apple on the iOS sleep issue, so updates may fix it over time.
How We Research
This page draws on Proton’s support articles on Android disconnections, always-on VPN, iOS sleep behaviour, connection problems and protocols, plus a GrapheneOS forum thread. We cross-checked these sources against each other, and where they conflict or something can’t be verified, we say so in the text rather than guessing. We read every source on 5 October 2026. The main source we relied on is Proton’s Android disconnection article. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
Proton VPN Keeps Disconnecting FAQ
Many Android phones close background apps to save battery. Proton’s fix: Settings, Apps, Proton VPN, Battery, then Unrestricted.
Proton’s support blames a bug in Apple’s iOS and says it is working with Apple on a solution.
Proton recommends Smart protocol, which switches automatically. On restrictive networks, try TCP modes or Stealth.
Free servers can be busy, and the free plan picks a server for you. A paid plan gives you the full server list.
Yes. Proton asks Android users to disable always-on VPN in other VPN apps.
The Verdict
Most ProtonVPN drops have a platform cause: battery saving on Android, the sleep bug on iOS, and the protocol or server on computers. Fix the platform cause first, then let Smart protocol handle the rest.