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Updated · Aug 17, 2023
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An easy way to enjoy the web while keeping your privacy is by using Virtual Private Networks or VPNs. However, the experience isn’t as enjoyable when your VPN keeps disconnecting.
VPN disconnection commonly happens due to network congestion, poor Internet signal, and increased network latency.
If you are experiencing all these, this article offers a complete list of VPN disconnection reasons and their best fix. To make it easy, here is VPN disconnection at a glance.
🔑Key Takeaways
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VPNs act as the “middle man” between users and the Internet, so this tool must work smoothly. However, using VPN slows down Internet speed and often disconnects. Such issues can expose users’ data, online history and activities, and privacy to snooping eyes.
To avoid this, here are the most common reasons why VPNs keep disconnecting and their fixes.
VPN service providers with limited server networks may experience crowded servers and disconnection. Servers may attempt to reconnect, but constant drops can negatively impact client experience and increase online vulnerability.
If disconnection persists, try the following for a quick fix.
It would also be wise to re-examine your VPN service plan to see if it meets your needs. Try to look for providers with a high number of servers available.
Also, ensure you don’t exceed the recommended number of simultaneous device connections. Check the devices using your WiFi and VPN, and remove unnecessary or illegal connections.
👍Helpful Article: Are you trying to find the right VPN fit? Check out TechJury’s McAfee VPN and SurfShark VPN reviews to see if it’s a good fit. |
Aside from choosing a good VPN service provider, clients must maintain a good connection. Having a poor Internet subscription plan can lead to VPN disconnections.
Maximize WiFi adapter performance to improve internet signal quality and optimize PC WiFi sensibility. Devices typically have Medium WiFi performance, but optimizing adapter performance ensures stronger signal strength.
Here is a step-by-step process to update your device’s WiFi adapter performance:
Similarly, WiFi sensitivity looks for better access points in your location and finds a stronger signal. Setting your device’s WiFi sensitivity to maximum pushes the device to see better access points.
If the previous step didn’t work, follow the steps below to maximize your WiFi sensitivity:
Source: The Geek Page
Source: The Geek Page
Source: The Geek Page
Aside from updating your device’s settings, update your router and other ISP hardware. Outdated hardware keeps your Internet from performing to its fullest abilities. Give your ISP a call, and maximize your plan to its fullest.
🎉Fun Fact: Some VPNs have features to combat network congestion and online protection. Watch out for these maximizing features, and keep your VPN experience smooth! |
Sleep Mode is a power-saving state applied to your computer while not in use. By default, devices enter ‘Sleep Mode’ once the user is inactive for a short time. It pauses all actions and activities, and open platforms, software, and documents go to a low-power state.
Sleep Mode temporarily halts computer activities and Internet connection flow, potentially disrupting VPN connections. This can happen abruptly when sleep mode defaults to turn on after inactivity.
To prevent VPN disconnection during quick breaks, set Sleep Mode to activate after 20-30 minutes of inactivity to avoid VPN disconnection while taking a break on your computer.
Update Sleep Mode settings for Windows and MacOS by following the steps below.
Windows is known for its user-friendly interface, and its simple steps in updating Sleep Mode settings prove this.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for changing the Sleep Mode settings on Windows.
MacOS devices are known for their security and as the world’s second most used operating system.
It’s also known for its simple interface reflected in the 2-step process for updating Sleep Mode settings below.
🎉Fun Fact: Devices have two stages of energy-saving mode. Sleep Mode is better for saving energy in shorter breaks. Then, devices will go into Hibernation mode, suited for longer breaks while keeping your work up and running. |
Latency occurs due to the distance between users and servers, with higher possibilities in heavy demands like multimedia content or online video games. To the users, latencies appear as lag or delayed processing.
VPNs have a time limit for ISP servers to respond and send back user requests to keep their client privacy. When users are experiencing latency, the VPN tunnel closes, and the connection between ISP and VPN servers drops.
To avoid VPN disconnections due to high latency, connect your device with an Ethernet cable rather than a WiFi connection. Ethernet cables connect your device to the router or modem and increase speed.
The section below provides a step-by-step guide on using Ethernet cables for PC, laptop, and mobile devices, covering various devices and their usage.
High latency is expected for PCs located far from the router. Ethernet cables are easy-to-manage fixes that eliminate worry about WiFi placement.
Here’s how:
Source: Computermesh.com
Source: Lifewire.com
Source: Make Tech Easier
This step prioritizes an Ethernet connection over a WiFi connection in your device. Don’t forget to save changes to improve latency and prevent VPN disconnection.
📝Note: If your device doesn’t have a LAN port, use Ethernet adapters tailored to your device’s USB 3.0 or USB-C port. Get a hub or build a docking station to save costs on other adapters. |
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Source: Element 14 Alt Tag: USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter |
Source: Amazon Alt Tag: USB-C Type Ethernet Adapter |
Moving closer to the router may be easy for mobile devices, but direct connections under Ethernet still provide stability.
Fortunately, the process is super easy with the step-by-step guide below!
Source: Computermesh.com
📝Note: An Ethernet adapter is required for connecting a mobile device to an Ethernet port, as most devices only support one port. |
After this last step, your phone’s Internet connection will be more robust and stable.
Opt for high bandwidth Internet subscription for data processing, suitable for streaming, gaming, heavy software usage, and multiple platforms simultaneously.
🎉Did you know that CDNs can improve latency? Content Delivery Networks keep caches of content scattered worldwide to bring content closer to users and decrease distance, causing latency. TechJury listed the top 10 best CDN Providers in 2023 to determine the best for you. Check it out! |
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) detect VPN services as threats and automatically block them. Other users turn off their firewalls to combat this.
However, this opens your network to malicious data circulating across networks to steal data or damage your device. Instead, update your router’s DNS settings to unblock your VPN service while keeping your firewall active.
You can follow this step-by-step guide for an easy fix.
Source: Appuals
📝Note: Most VPN providers have a Stealth Mode to bypass firewall or router blocks. Find a VPN service with Stealth Mode, so you have options in case of router configuration issues in the future! |
Keeping your VPN active and connected protects your data and privacy while browsing online.
Remember to resolve issues like network congestion with a different VPN server location or protocol. Meanwhile, you can manage poor signal strength by maximizing the WiFi adapter’s performance and sensibility.
Updated Sleep Mode settings are game changers, while Ethernet cables easily fix latency issues. Don’t worry if your router blocks your VPN since you configure and unblock it.
VPN carries many benefits, so finding the best setup supporting your VPN connection and activities is crucial.
Overcrowded servers are the most common factor affecting VPN connection. Other factors include encryption levels, signal strength, device settings, and ISP configuration settings.
Yes! VPN is dependent on Internet connections. It doesn’t matter if the connection is through WiFi, mobile data, Ethernet, or Optical Fiber connections. VPN cannot connect users to the virtual private server or process requests without some form of Internet.
Your VPNs need Internet speed, depending on what you’re doing. Simple tasks like emailing and regular web browsing won’t need more than 5-10 Mbps. However, heavier tasks like gaming, streaming, and downloading will need at least 20 Mbps.
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