DNS Leak Checker

VPN Not Working on Android — Complete Fix Guide

Android's aggressive battery management is the number one killer of VPN connections. Combined with manufacturer-specific optimisation layers and split tunnelling conflicts, Android VPN issues require a different approach than other platforms. Here's how to fix them all.

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Common Causes

Battery Optimisation Killing VPN

Android's battery optimisation routinely kills background VPN processes, disconnecting your tunnel silently while you think you're still protected.

Split Tunnelling Conflicts

When split tunnelling is enabled, misconfigured app bypass rules can route DNS queries outside the VPN tunnel, creating leaks.

Private DNS Override

Android's built-in Private DNS feature can override your VPN's DNS settings, sending queries to a different resolver than your VPN intends.

Manufacturer-Specific Restrictions

Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other manufacturers add their own battery and network optimisation layers that can interfere with VPN connections.

Outdated Android WebView

Some VPN apps use Android System WebView for authentication. An outdated WebView can cause login failures and connection errors.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Exempt VPN from Battery Optimisation

    Go to Settings → Apps → your VPN app → Battery → select Unrestricted. On Samsung, also check Device Care → Battery → Background usage limits and remove your VPN from the sleeping apps list.

  2. 2

    Configure Android Private DNS

    Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS. Either set it to Off while using your VPN, or set it to your VPN provider's DNS hostname. This prevents Android from overriding your VPN's DNS servers.

  3. 3

    Review Split Tunnelling Settings

    Open your VPN app and check split tunnelling or per-app VPN settings. Ensure that your browser and any apps handling sensitive data are routed through the VPN, not bypassed.

  4. 4

    Disable Manufacturer Battery Savers

    Check for manufacturer-specific battery optimisation: Samsung's Device Care, Xiaomi's Battery Saver, Huawei's PowerGenie. Whitelist your VPN in each of these to prevent background killing.

  5. 5

    Enable Always-On VPN

    Go to Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → tap the gear icon next to your VPN → enable Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN. This creates a system-level kill switch that prevents any traffic if the VPN drops.

  6. 6

    Clear VPN App Data

    Go to Settings → Apps → your VPN app → Storage → Clear Data. This removes corrupted configurations and cached data. You'll need to log in again, but it often resolves persistent connection issues.

  7. 7

    Test for DNS Leaks

    Open Chrome and visit our homepage to run a DNS leak test. If you see DNS servers belonging to your ISP or Google (when you didn't set them), your Android device is leaking DNS despite the VPN being connected.

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Related Guides

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Frequently asked questions

Why does my VPN disconnect when my Android screen turns off?

Android's Doze mode and battery optimisation kill background processes when the screen is off. Exempt your VPN from battery optimisation and enable Always-on VPN in Android settings to maintain the connection.

How do I stop Samsung from killing my VPN?

On Samsung devices, go to Settings → Device Care → Battery → Background usage limits. Remove your VPN from both Sleeping and Deep Sleeping apps lists. Also disable 'Adaptive battery' if your VPN still gets killed.

Does Android's Private DNS cause VPN leaks?

Yes. If Private DNS is set to Automatic, Android may route DNS queries to Google's servers instead of through your VPN tunnel. Set Private DNS to Off or to your VPN provider's DNS hostname while connected.

What's the best VPN protocol for Android?

WireGuard is the best protocol for Android due to its low battery consumption and fast reconnection after network switches. Most quality VPN providers now support WireGuard. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol is based on WireGuard and is optimised for mobile.

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