Fix: Android 13 VPN Issues [8 Fixes] - DevsJournal (2024)

Android 13 is the latest version of Android launched recently. With new updates, features, and lesser bugs, unfortunately, this time it has come up with some issues too. One such issue that is faced by the users is related to the VPN. VPNs ( virtual private networks) are used to encrypt internet traffic and protect user privacy while browsing the web.

This issue can get very annoying, especially for people who rely on VPNs for their online safety and privacy. However, in this article, we will explore different ways to fix this issue.

Why Is VPN Not Working On Android 13?

There can be multiple reasons why the VPN on your Android device is not functioning. The most common issue is that your existing VPN is not compatible with the newly updated Android 13. Make sure you download a VPN that is compatible with the updated version of your software.

Sometimes, your settings prevent you from using the VPN. sometimes, it could be a user error factor that prevents the VPN from starting. Make sure you put in the accurate details including your username and password.

Fix To VPN Not Working On Android 13 Devices

1. Turn Off Wifi Smart Switch

A wifi smart switch is a feature that automatically switches you from wifi mode to mobile data. It will switch between the two to get a faster network of the two. However, this feature can sometimes interfere with your VPN settings. By switching this off and reconnecting your VPN you can solve your issues. Here’s how to turn this feature off:

  • Open the Settings app on your device.
  • Tap on the “Wi-Fi & Network” or “Connections” option.
  • Select “Wi-Fi Preferences” or “Wi-Fi Settings.”
  • Tap on the three dots icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
  • Select “Advanced” from the drop-down menu.
  • Find the “Smart network switch” option and toggle it off.
Fix: Android 13 VPN Issues [8 Fixes] - DevsJournal (1)

2. Disable IPv6 Network

IPv6 is one of the latest involved versions of the internet protocol. This version makes sure that your connection is more secure and efficient. It helps you gain better communication through the internet without worrying bout your safety. However, not all VPNs are compatible with this new technology, thus you must try disabling this feature and reconnecting your VPN to get things running for you again. Here’s how to Disable IPv6 Network:

  • Open the Settings app on your device.
  • Tap on the “Wi-Fi & Network” or “Connections” option.
  • Select “Wi-Fi Preferences” or “Wi-Fi Settings.”
  • Tap on the three dots icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
  • Select “Advanced” from the drop-down menu.
  • Find the “IPv6” option and toggle it off.

3. Clear Cache For VPN App

The cache is the temporary files that get saved in your device or in the app that you use regularly. These temporary files sometimes interrupt the functioning of your application. Thus, you should always clear all the cache stored in the app or the device to ensure the efficient working of your device. Here’s how you can do so:

  • Open the Settings app on your device.
  • Tap on the “Apps & Notifications” or “Application Manager” option.
  • Find the VPN app that you are using and tap on it.
  • Tap on the “Storage & Cache” or “Storage” option.
  • Select “Clear cache.”

4. Update VPN App

Make sure your VPN app is updated to the latest version. After every update, your application gets rid of all the existing bugs and glitches that might be interrupting the user. Thus, updating your VPN app might remove the existing technical issue and thus fix your problem.

5. Uninstall And Reinstall VPN Apps

It is possible that your app has not been installed correctly or there have been some issues that might have crept in during the process of installation. It is also possible that some files of the application have been corrupted. Thus by uninstalling and reinstalling the app you can get rid of all these files and install fresh files of the app.

Fix: Android 13 VPN Issues [8 Fixes] - DevsJournal (3)

6. Reboot The Android 13 Device

Restarting your device will refresh the entire software of your device and allow it to restart again with no interruptions. Sometimes due to overload or other reasons the software of your device may get burdened and start glitching or lagging, thus by allowing it to shut down and refresh it can get rid of the overload and work efficiently after starting again. Here’s how to restart your Android 13:

  • Press and hold the power button on your device until the power menu appears.
  • Tap on the “Restart” option.
  • If prompted, confirm that you want to restart your device.
  • Wait for your device to shut down and start up again.
Fix: Android 13 VPN Issues [8 Fixes] - DevsJournal (4)

Other than resolving the VPN bug, restarting Android 13 can also fix various other bugs associated with the update, such as flickering screens, notification issues, mobile data problems, WiFi glitches, and many more. These bugs were discovered by users after updating to Android 13. Restarting the device can be an effective troubleshooting method to address these issues and restore the overall functionality and performance of the Android 13 system.

7. Check For VPN Compatibility

Compatibility is the most common issue faced when some app in your device is not working efficiently. After the update, your existing application for VPN may be no more supported by the newer software. Thus, you need to make sure that your VPN is supported and compatible with the newer software.

8. Turn Off Battery Saver Mode

Battery saver reduces the device performance and apps running in the background to save more battery. Sometimes it also reduces or turns off certain network connections to save battery. Thus, by disabling the battery saver all your network connection settings are back to normal and your VPN may start working again. Here’s how you can easily turn off the battery saver in your Android device:

  • Open the Settings app on your device.
  • Tap on the “Battery” option.
  • If Battery Saver mode is on, toggle it off.
  • If desired, you can also disable Adaptive Battery, which learns usage patterns to optimize battery life.
Fix: Android 13 VPN Issues [8 Fixes] - DevsJournal (5)

Conclusion

The issue of VPN not working on Android 13 can be frustrating for users seeking secure and private internet access. While the exact causes may vary, it is important to troubleshoot the problem by ensuring the VPN app is compatible with Android 13 and up to date. Additionally, checking network settings, restarting the device, or even reinstalling the VPN app may help resolve the issue.

Fix: Android 13 VPN Issues [8 Fixes] - DevsJournal (2024)

FAQs

Does Android 13 support VPN? ›

Android 13 does not support L2TP VPNs anymore. It is usually not possible to downgrade, your institution needs to upgrade their VPN. Google's response in unacceptable. I have an older router that has a VPN server built in and I will not buy a new router just to make it easier for Google.

How to fix VPN not working on Android? ›

How to fix VPN connection issues
  1. Test your internet connection. ...
  2. Check your VPN credentials. ...
  3. Restart your VPN software. ...
  4. Clear old VPN software from your device. ...
  5. Check your VPN settings. ...
  6. Keep your VPN up-to-date. ...
  7. Reinstall the VPN app. ...
  8. Change the VPN server.

How do I fix a broken VPN connection? ›

How to fix a VPN that's not working
  1. Check your internet connection.
  2. Check your firewall settings.
  3. Try a different VPN protocol.
  4. Check the VPN server status.
  5. Give your VPN more time to connect.
  6. Update your VPN app.
  7. Restart your VPN app.
  8. Reinstall your VPN app.
Nov 9, 2023

How do I fix VPN glitch? ›

If your VPN is not connecting, you can try a few ways to fix the issue:
  1. Check your internet connection. ...
  2. Check your credentials. ...
  3. Check your VPN server status. ...
  4. Check your VPN protocol and ports. ...
  5. Look for VPN software issues. ...
  6. Check the firewall blocking. ...
  7. Restart your VPN app. ...
  8. Reinstall the latest version of your VPN app.

Why is VPN not working in Android 13? ›

Android 13 has a bug that can cause your VPN connection to fail. Even worse, your Android device may show that you are still connected to our servers when you aren't. If you switch between a WiFi connection and a mobile (cellular) connection when connected to a VPN, you may become disconnected from the VPN server.

How to enable VPN in Android 13? ›

To force all network traffic through an always-on VPN, follow these steps on the device:
  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet. Advanced. VPN.
  3. Next to the VPN that you want to change, tap Settings.
  4. Switch Block connections without VPN to on.

What is blocking my VPN connection? ›

VPNs typically get blocked due to government censorship, copyright concerns, streaming location restrictions, or school and workplace restrictions.

How to reset VPN on Android? ›

Try resetting your network settings:
  1. Open the Settings app on your Android.
  2. Scroll to and tap either "General management" or "System," depending on what device you have.
  3. Tap either "Reset" or "Reset options."
  4. Tap on "Reset network settings."
  5. You'll have to confirm that you want to reset your network settings. Do so.

Why does my VPN keep disconnecting and reconnecting? ›

Why does my VPN keep disconnecting and reconnecting? Various factors can cause VPN disconnection. These primarily include an unstable internet connection, outdated VPN software, slow internet connection or obstructions from other applications, such as firewalls or antivirus programs.

Why wont my VPN stay connected? ›

One of the most common causes of why your VPN connection keeps disconnecting is that you possibly have reached the device limit allowed by your VPN provider. Most commonly, you get 5-10 simultaneous connections per subscription. If you exceed this number, then your VPN may start randomly disconnecting.

How to ensure VPN service is running? ›

Test a VPN for IP address leaks
  1. Check your original IP address. Ensure your VPN is turned off and head to “What is my IP address?” page, which will show your IP.
  2. Turn on your VPN and connect to a server. ...
  3. Compare your virtual IP address against your actual IP.
Dec 3, 2023

Why won't my VPN stay connected? ›

One of the primary causes of VPN disconnections is a poor internet connection. A VPN creates a secure tunnel through your existing internet connection. If that internet connection is weak, unstable, or slow, the VPN won't be able to maintain a connection.

How to get a free VPN on Android? ›

Best Free VPN for Android: Quick Recap
  1. ProtonVPN – the most secure free VPN.
  2. Hide.me – best free no-log VPN for Android.
  3. TunnelBear – servers in almost 50 countries.
  4. Hotspot Shield – applications for all platforms.
  5. Windscribe – offers advanced security features.

How to add VPN configuration? ›

Set Up a VPN on an Android Device

Go to “Settings” and from there click “Network & Internet” then “Advanced” and, finally, “VPN.” Click “Add VPN.” Fill out your VPN's “Name” and “Server” and hit save. Click on your newly added VPN profile and fill out the “Account” and “Password” fields then click “Connect.”

Can wifi block VPN? ›

Some Wi-Fi networks do not allow VPN connections and restrict VPN access using network or firewall settings. If this error appears when you connect to Secure VPN for the first time, it could be due to the network or firewall settings.

What VPN type is Android 13? ›

In your Android 13 choose VPN client (IKEv2/IPSec RSA) and provide data especially including imported certificates. You cannot save configuration without providing IPSec Identifier - any string here will work, but you need to make changes as in point 2 also.

Does Android support VPN? ›

Android includes a built-in (PPTP and L2TP/IPSec) VPN client, which is sometimes called legacy VPN. Android 4.0 (API Level 14) introduced APIs so that app developers could provide their own VPN solutions. You package your VPN solution into an app that people install onto the device.

How secure is Android 13? ›

Security remains a paramount concern in the digital age, and Android 13 addresses this concern by providing users with more control over the information that apps can access. Users can now specify which photos, videos, and clipboard history an app can access, thereby protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

How to setup IKEv2 VPN on Android 13? ›

Configuration Steps:
  1. Start your Controller and access the Organization, choose the site.
  2. Go to Settings > VPN > Create New VPN Policy > Client-to-Site VPN > VPN Server - IPsec. Set up your VPN server as Responder in Advanced Settings. ...
  3. Go to Advanced Settings. ...
  4. Click Create.
  5. Set up the Android IKEv2 IPsec client now.

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