VPN Keeps Disconnecting? All Reasons and Fixes in 2024

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are essential tools for ensuring internet privacy and security. They protect your online activities from prying eyes, and they allow you to access blocked websites and content. However, sometimes VPNs can disconnect unexpectedly, which can be frustrating and even dangerous. In this article, we will discuss the common reasons why VPNs keep disconnecting, and how you can fix the issue.

Reasons Why VPNs Keep Disconnecting

There are several reasons why VPNs may disconnect frequently. Here are some of the most common:

1. Poor Internet Connection

The quality of your internet connection can have a significant impact on the stability of your VPN connection. If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, your VPN may struggle to maintain a stable connection, leading to disconnections. This is because VPNs require a stable and fast internet connection to work effectively.

2. Server Overload

VPNs work by routing your internet traffic through a remote server. If the server is overloaded with too many users, it can become slow and unresponsive, leading to disconnections. This is a common problem with free VPN services that have limited server capacity.

3. VPN Software Issues

VPNs use software to create a secure and private connection between your device and the VPN server. However, if the VPN software is outdated, buggy, or incompatible with your device or operating system, it may cause frequent disconnections.

4. Firewall or Antivirus Interference

Firewalls and antivirus programs are essential tools for protecting your computer from online threats. However, they can sometimes interfere with your VPN connection, leading to disconnections. This is because firewalls and antivirus programs may block certain VPN protocols or traffic, causing the VPN to disconnect.

How to Fix VPN Disconnections

Now that we know why VPNs keep disconnecting, let's look at some ways to fix the issue.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first step in fixing VPN disconnections is to check your internet connection. Make sure that you have a stable and fast internet connection. If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, your VPN may struggle to maintain a stable connection, leading to disconnections. You can try restarting your router or modem to see if that improves your internet connection.

2. Change Your VPN Server

If your VPN server is overloaded with too many users, it can become slow and unresponsive, leading to disconnections. In this case, you can try changing your VPN server to a less crowded one. Most VPNs offer multiple server locations, so you can choose one that is less congested.

3. Update Your VPN Software

If your VPN software is outdated, buggy, or incompatible with your device or operating system, it may cause frequent disconnections. In this case, you can try updating your VPN software to the latest version. Most VPNs offer automatic software updates, so make sure that feature is enabled.

4. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Programs

If your firewall or antivirus program is interfering with your VPN connection, you can try disabling them temporarily to see if that fixes the issue. However, make sure to turn them back on once you're done using the VPN to ensure your computer remains protected.

Best VPNs for Avoiding Disconnections

If you're still experiencing frequent VPN disconnections, you may want to consider switching to a more reliable VPN service. Here are some of the best VPNs for avoiding disconnections:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services on the market, and for good reason. It offers fast and reliable connection speeds, excellent security features, and a wide range of server locations. ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is another excellent VPN service that offers fast and stable connection speeds, top-notch security features, and a vast network of servers worldwide. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without any risk.

3. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is a user-friendly VPN service that offers fast and stable connection speeds, robust security features, and a vast network of servers in over 90 countries. It also offers a 45-day moneyback guarantee, making it a great choice for those who want to try it out without committing to a long-term subscription.

4. Surfshark

Surfshark is a newer VPN service that has quickly gained popularity due to its fast and reliable connection speeds, strong security features, and affordable pricing. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect all your devices at once.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a budget-friendly VPN service that offers fast and stable connection speeds, robust security features, and a vast network of servers in over 70 countries. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.

FAQ

1. Can network congestion or peak usage times affect VPN disconnections?

Yes, network congestion or peak usage times can potentially impact VPN connections and lead to disconnections. During periods of high internet traffic, such as in the evenings or during major events, the network may become congested, causing instability in your VPN connection. This can result in frequent disconnections or slower speeds. To mitigate this, you can try connecting to your VPN during off-peak hours or consider using a VPN server with less traffic. Additionally, choosing a VPN provider with a robust infrastructure and a large number of servers can help minimize the impact of network congestion on your VPN connection.

2. Why does my VPN keep disconnecting frequently?

There can be several reasons why your VPN keeps disconnecting frequently. Some possible causes include:

Unstable internet connection: If your internet connection is unstable or experiencing frequent drops, it can lead to VPN disconnections. Check your internet connection by testing it with other devices or contacting your internet service provider (ISP) to ensure its stability.

VPN server issues: The VPN server you are connecting to may be experiencing technical problems or high traffic, resulting in intermittent disconnections. In such cases, try connecting to a different server or contact your VPN provider's customer support for assistance.

VPN software or settings: Outdated VPN software or incorrect settings can cause frequent disconnections. Ensure that you are using the latest version of the VPN client and review your VPN settings to ensure they are configured correctly.

3. Could VPN connectivity problems be due to network firewall or router settings?

Yes, network firewall or router settings can interfere with VPN connectivity and cause frequent disconnections. Firewalls or router configurations that block or restrict VPN traffic may disrupt the VPN connection and lead to disconnections. To troubleshoot this, check your firewall settings or router configurations to ensure they allow VPN traffic. You may need to configure port forwarding or enable VPN passthrough on your router. If you are unsure about how to adjust these settings, contacting your network administrator or consulting the VPN provider's support team can help you resolve the issue.

Conclusion

VPN disconnections can be frustrating and even dangerous, but there are several ways to fix the issue. By checking your internet connection, changing your VPN server, updating your VPN software, and disabling firewalls or antivirus programs, you can improve the stability of your VPN connection. If you're still experiencing frequent disconnections, consider switching to a more reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Surfshark, or Private Internet Access. With a reliable VPN, you can protect your online privacy and security without worrying about disconnections.