Post actualizado el día octubre 25, 2026 by DeiviSanzPlay
Proton VPN works well on most Android phones, but when it fails, it does so in very specific and repetitive ways. If you’ve landed here looking for why the app gets stuck on «Connecting…» or why the power button doesn’t respond, it’s worth knowing that almost all failures of this app on Android fall into four families: system permissions, conflicts with battery saving, VPN tunnel problems, and blocks by the network you’re trying to use.
The most common error: the tunnel won’t establish
The screen shows «Connecting» for several seconds and ends with a generic failure message. Proton’s official documentation acknowledges that this behavior usually comes from the operating system killing the process in the background or from the chosen protocol not matching the network. Two specific settings resolve most cases:
- Switch protocols. Under Settings → Protocol, alternate between WireGuard (UDP), WireGuard (TCP), and OpenVPN. On mobile networks with aggressive CGNAT, TCP often gets through where UDP is blocked.
- Disable battery saving for the app. In System Settings → Battery → Restrictions, mark Proton VPN as «unrestricted.» Manufacturers like Xiaomi, Samsung, or Oppo apply optimization layers that shut down the VPN service when the screen turns off.
A typical case that comes up repeatedly in technical forums: MIUI users with the «Battery saver» option enabled see the VPN disconnect on its own after a few minutes, even though the app remains open. It’s not a Proton bug; it’s the system killing the process.
The VPN connects but there’s no internet
This is the failure that confuses people the most because the key icon appears in the status bar and yet no website loads. Before reinstalling, try this sequence:
1. Check Private DNS
Android 9 and later include Private DNS under Settings → Network & Internet. If you have a third-party private DNS configured (for example, a corporate one), it can conflict with Proton’s tunnel. Set it to «Automatic» or «Off» and reconnect.
2. Check «Always-on VPN»
If you enabled «Always-on VPN» in the network settings and then changed servers or accounts, the system can get stuck trying to bring up a tunnel that no longer exists. Disable it, connect manually, and only then re-enable it if you need it.
3. Try with Kill Switch disabled
Proton’s Kill Switch is useful, but on Android it’s especially aggressive when you switch networks (WiFi to mobile data). If you notice drops while moving around, temporarily disable it to confirm that it’s what’s blocking traffic. It’s not a definitive solution; it’s a diagnostic test.
Subscription and sign-in errors
«We couldn’t verify your account» or «Session expired» are messages that appear even with an active subscription. The usual cause is that the app retains an old token after you change your password on the website. Signing out from the app, force-stopping it in Android Settings, and signing back in resolves most of these warnings. If it persists, check that your phone’s date and time are set to automatic: a discrepancy of a few minutes invalidates TLS verification.
What Proton VPN can’t fix
It’s worth being honest about the limits. If your carrier or your work’s WiFi network blocks VPN ports and protocols at the network level, no app configuration will work. On corporate networks with deep packet inspection, Proton VPN may connect but traffic still gets cut off. In those cases the solution isn’t on the phone. There’s also no guarantee that a specific server will always work: Proton’s free servers get saturated during peak hours, and the connection failure may simply be that—saturation, not a configuration error.
Another nuance: on devices with very old Android (versions 7 or 8 without updates), the app may install but fail when negotiating the tunnel with WireGuard. Proton’s own documentation acknowledges that older Android versions have limited support.
A recurring pattern: reinstalling without cleaning up
When none of the above works, the temptation is to uninstall and reinstall. It works, but only if you first clear the app’s data and, on some manufacturers, revoke the VPN permission under Settings → Apps → Special access. If you reinstall without revoking that permission, Android may keep an orphaned tunnel configuration that prevents creating a new one. It’s a detail that’s often overlooked and that explains why some users still have the app fail after a clean install.
Practical summary to save time
- Check the protocol: try TCP if you’re on a mobile network.
- Remove the app’s battery restrictions.
- Disable Private DNS and Always-on VPN before diagnosing.
- Check that date and time are set to automatic.
- If nothing works, revoke the VPN permission before reinstalling.
None of these steps guarantees a stable connection in every scenario, but they cover most documented failures and the ones that come up repeatedly in practice. If the problem persists, the next logical step is to contact Proton support from within the app, attaching the diagnostic log that the application generates under Settings → Help.
