VPN connected but internet not working on mobile in 2025? Here are 100% working fixes for Android & iPhone. Tested solutions that actually work.
Introduction
You installed a VPN. You connected it successfully. But suddenly — no internet on your mobile?
This is one of the most frustrating VPN issues in 2025, and it happens to thousands of users daily on both Android and iPhone.
But don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll give you 100% working solutions (step-by-step) to fix this issue — even if your VPN shows “Connected” but your mobile has no internet.
✅ Tested on Android, iPhone, Wi-Fi & mobile data.
✅ Fixes for 5+ top VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, etc.
Why VPN Shows “Connected” But Internet Doesn’t Work?
Before we fix it, let’s understand why this happens. Here are the most common reasons:
- DNS Conflicts: VPN overrides DNS settings; sometimes it fails to resolve websites.
- Kill Switch Stuck: VPN’s kill switch may block traffic even after connection.
- IP or Port Blocked by Network: Some mobile carriers or Wi-Fi networks block VPN ports.
- Battery Optimization Kills VPN: On Android, battery saving features kill background apps like VPN.
- Split Tunneling Misconfigured: Apps outside VPN tunnel may not access internet.
- Outdated VPN App: Old apps often have bugs or compatibility issues.
- Server-Side Issues: Sometimes VPN servers go down without notice.
Now, let’s fix each of these step by step.
1: Restart Your VPN App (Clean Restart)
Many times, a simple restart resets the tunnel.
How:
- Disconnect the VPN
- Force close the app
- Open again and reconnect
Pro Tip: Wait 5–10 seconds before reconnecting to refresh all system-level network configurations.
2: Switch VPN Server or Country
Sometimes, the server you’re connected to is overloaded or temporarily down.
Try This:
- Open your VPN app
- Choose a different server or region
- Prefer nearby countries (for better speed)
Example: If US server fails, try Canada or UK.
3: Reset DNS in VPN Settings
Some VPNs allow custom DNS. If misconfigured, it kills internet.
What to Do:
- Go to VPN Settings > DNS
- Select “Use VPN Provider’s DNS” or “Auto DNS”
- Avoid public DNS unless necessary
Best DNS to try (if manual):
- Google DNS:
8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4 - Cloudflare DNS:
1.1.1.1
4: Turn Off Battery Optimization (Android)
Many Android phones kill VPN in the background to save battery.
How:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization
- Find your VPN app
- Set it to “Don’t optimize”
Brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are more aggressive — must do this step.
5: Reinstall the VPN App
If none of the above work, reinstalling the app refreshes cache, permissions, and settings.
How:
- Uninstall VPN app
- Restart your phone
- Reinstall from Play Store or App Store
- Log in and try again
✅ Works especially well if you’re using a free VPN or switching VPN providers.
6: Disable “Always-On VPN” or “Kill Switch”
Some VPNs block internet if the VPN drops — even after it reconnects.
How:
- Go to VPN Settings
- Turn off “Always-On” or “Kill Switch” temporarily
- Reconnect
Then test internet. If it works, the kill switch is likely causing the block.
7: Switch Between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
Sometimes, one network blocks VPN traffic while the other works.
Try:
- If on Wi-Fi → Switch to mobile data
- If on mobile data → Try a different SIM or connect to stable Wi-Fi
Router-level firewall or ISP may block VPN ports on Wi-Fi.
8: Enable Split Tunneling (for Apps That Need Internet)
Some VPNs allow you to select which apps go through VPN. This helps when:
- Your banking app blocks VPN traffic
- You want social media to work without VPN
How:
- Go to VPN Settings > Split Tunneling
- Exclude the apps that are not working
- Save and reconnect VPN
9: Check for VPN App Update
Sometimes, the issue is on the VPN side — and they release a fix in updates.
- Visit Play Store or App Store
- Check for updates
- If available, update immediately
Also, enable Auto-Update for your VPN app.
Bonus: Test If Your VPN is Blocking Internet
Use this simple method:
- Disconnect VPN → Check if internet works
- Reconnect VPN → Check if it stops working again
- Open browser and try:
https://ip.leak.net - If blank or loading fails, your VPN is blocking traffic
Best VPNs That Rarely Cause This Issue (2025)
Based on our tests and user reviews:
| VPN Name | Stability | Speed | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ | Android, iOS, Desktop |
| NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚡⚡⚡⚡ | Mobile + PC |
| Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚡⚡⚡⚡ | Works on all devices |
| ProtonVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚡⚡⚡ | Privacy-first |
| CyberGhost | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⚡⚡⚡ | Great for streaming |
❗ Avoid These Mistakes (Which Cause VPN Internet Issues)
- ❌ Using multiple VPN apps at once
- ❌ VPN app installed from third-party stores
- ❌ Manually changing DNS without understanding
- ❌ Running VPN on outdated OS versions
Read more Aboute best Safe VPNS ; Click here
Final Thoughts: Solve the VPN + No Internet Issue for Good
It’s frustrating when your VPN says connected but your mobile internet doesn’t work. But now you have every solution you need — no tech jargon, no confusion.
Summary of Fixes:
- Restart VPN
- Change server
- Reset DNS
- Turn off battery optimization
- Reinstall app
- Use split tunneling
- Switch between Wi-Fi and data
📢 Still confused? Visit Digimad.online for daily tech fixes and VPN help.
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