How to prevent Android from killing Proton VPN

Many Android device manufacturers extend the perceived battery life of their devices by aggressively closing apps(новое окно) that run in the background. This can happen with the Proton VPN app, causing your VPN to disconnect from our servers. 

The Proton VPN app runs in the background to ensure your device is protected at all times, which means it can be a victim of such optimization techniques. If it is closed by your Android OS or battery optimization app, it will stop working.

“Stock” Android (for example, as found on Google’s own Pixel phones) appears to have few battery optimization issues. However, many other phone manufacturers (notably Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, and Xiaomi) have tweaked Android on their devices to be more aggressive at saving battery life by closing apps that run in the background.

How to fix the problem

Delete battery saver apps (or exclude Proton VPN)

If you use a third-party battery saver app, it is probably possible to exclude Proton VPN from its optimization routines. Details will vary depending on the app you use.

However, our advice is to simply uninstall such apps, as most experts agree you should leave Android battery management to Android(новое окно).

Change your device battery settings

The example below is from Samsung One UI (tested using One UI 4.1, Android 12). But the instructions will be similar on most Android devices.

You can find detailed guides for other phones on the Don’t kill my app!(новое окно) website.

1. Open the Settings app and go to Apps → Proton VPN.

2. Tap Battery.

3. Select Unrestricted.

 

The Proton VPN will now not be killed as it runs in the background.