I know this is a bit more tech-support oriented, but I was hoping someone might have first or second hand experience fixing this, given what a nightmare it is to research and test.
I’m using a semi-recent Samsung phone, running their skin of Android 14. Currently, I’m using PIA as my vpn (yes, I know I should switch) through the OpenVPN app. I also experience this issue through PIA’s app leading me to think its an Android issue. I also leave both the “Always-on VPN” and “Block Connections without a VPN” enabled.
I’ve tried to do some research, but everything that I find is search engines directing to basic stuff like how to connect to wifi
Edit: I’m currently testing the memory management tweak, and Ill probably try wireguard next.
Ahh
Settings > Devicd Care > Memory > Excluded apps > tap “+” add the VPN. This should make sure the system doesn’t kill the VPN when its out of ram.
Then go to app info (just long tap app icon and tap the (i) button), go to battery, tap “Unrestricted”. Also helps prevent app being killed, but this option is for battery reasons as opposed to the other one which is for ram reasons.
Also, if you haven’t already, give permission for notifications so it can stay active.
How much ram do you have anyway?
If its a A1x or weaker device, that could be an issue. I once had an A03s crashing all the time.
I currently have a Galaxy A35 running ProtonVPN (paid tier) all the time, it always stays connected no problems, I always set those settings described above.
bro, thanks for this. never knew you could exclude apps from being killed for memory like that. might keep my headunitreloaded from crashing.
Try wireguard (which PIA supports). Should be faster as well.
Have you tried a different vpn to see if the issue is with the app? I use Proton vpn, works like a charm. You could also lock the app from being shut down. Also, check power settings for the app, maybe it is automatically shut down to save power consumption.
Is it possible that your phone is killing the VPN client to free up memory? Does it reconnect immediately upon reopening OpenVPN?
Same issue with OpenVPNon Android. It really does not like even changing WiFi APs on the same network.
In my case, its even just if packet loss gets too high - not rare on wifi.
I’m going to try Arne Schwabe’s version of the app and see if that helps.
OpenVPN is a janky mess.
first, give a try to other VPNs - see if the problem’s solved.
second - try connecting to a different network or server.
I know I had problems with that, when my ISP would block vpn addresses. so either trying a different server, or connecting to a different network would solve the problem.
Terrible advice. Did you even read what he asked, about having to reconnect manually? Or did you just see “VPN” and had a story to tell?
