Is Proton VPN not connecting or displaying VPN Error 86101 when you try to protect your internet connection? Whether the app is stuck on “Connecting,” shows a connection error, or connects without giving you internet access, the problem can be frustrating.
A failed Proton VPN connection can happen because of an unstable internet connection, a busy VPN server, an incompatible protocol, firewall restrictions, another VPN app, or incorrect network settings.
Fortunately, you can usually fix the Proton VPN not working or not connecting problem without advanced technical knowledge.
In this guide, we’ll explain 10 ways to fix Proton VPN not connecting, including solutions for Windows, Android, iPhone, and other common devices.
Why Is Proton VPN Not Connecting?
There isn’t always one single reason why Proton VPN won’t connect. The problem can originate from your device, internet connection, VPN application, or the network you’re using.
Common causes include:
- Poor or unstable internet connection
- Temporary VPN server problems
- Network restrictions
- Incorrect VPN protocol
- Firewall or antivirus interference
- Another VPN or proxy running in the background
- Outdated Proton VPN application
- VPN configuration problems
- Device network settings
- Temporary application glitches
Start with the simplest Proton VPN not connecting fixes and move to more advanced troubleshooting.
Also read: 7 Data Privacy Tips for New VPN Users
How to Fix Proton VPN Not Connecting
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Before troubleshooting Proton VPN not connecting, make sure your internet connection is working properly.
Disconnect Proton VPN and try opening several websites. If pages load slowly or don’t load at all, the VPN may not be the actual problem.
Try these steps:
- Disconnect Proton VPN.
- Open your web browser.
- Visit a few different websites.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router if necessary.
- Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Reconnect Proton VPN.
If your internet works normally without Proton VPN, continue to the next solution.
Why This Works
A VPN still requires an active internet connection to establish a secure tunnel. If your underlying connection is unstable, Proton VPN may remain stuck while trying to connect.
2. Try a Different Proton VPN Server
Sometimes the problem is limited to the particular server you’re trying to use.
If Proton VPN not connecting and is stuck on “Connecting,” disconnect from the current server and select another one.
How to do it:
- Open Proton VPN.
- Disconnect from the current server.
- Open the server or country list.
- Select another server.
- Try connecting again.
If possible, choose a server closer to your physical location.
Why This Works
A particular server can be busy, temporarily unavailable, or experiencing connectivity problems. Switching servers helps determine whether the issue is server-specific.
3. Change the VPN Protocol
The VPN protocol determines how Proton VPN establishes its connection. Some networks may interfere with particular connection methods.
If Proton VPN not connecting after changing servers, switching the protocol is another useful troubleshooting step.
Open Proton VPN’s connection settings and look for the available protocol options. The choices can vary depending on your operating system and application version.
Try another available protocol and then reconnect.
Why This Works
Different protocols can behave differently on restrictive or unstable networks. Switching protocols may allow Proton VPN to establish a connection when the default option cannot.
4. Try Another Wi-Fi or Mobile Network
If Proton VPN works on one network but not another, your current network may be causing the problem.
VPN connections can sometimes behave differently on:
- Public Wi-Fi
- School networks
- Workplace networks
- Hotel Wi-Fi
- ISP networks
- Mobile data
Test It:
- Disconnect from your current network.
- Connect to another Wi-Fi network or mobile hotspot.
- Open Proton VPN.
- Try connecting to a server.
If the Proton VPN connection failed but works on the second network, the original network may be restricting or interfering with VPN traffic.
Quick Tip
Testing another network is one of the easiest ways to determine whether the issue is related to your VPN connection or the network you’re using.
Also read: Mobile Network Not Available on Android? Try These 10 Fixes
5. Check Your Firewall and Antivirus
Firewall and antivirus software can sometimes interfere with VPN applications.
If Proton VPN not connecting started after installing or updating security software, check whether Proton VPN is being blocked.
Look through your firewall or security application’s allowed-app settings and make sure Proton VPN is permitted to access the network.
Important
Don’t permanently disable your firewall or antivirus just to make the VPN work.
Instead, check the security software’s configuration and create an appropriate exception if necessary.
If you’re using a work or school device, security settings may be controlled by an administrator.
6. Disable Other VPNs and Proxies
Running another VPN, proxy, or network-management application at the same time can cause connection conflicts.
If you have multiple VPN applications installed, disconnect or close the other VPN before launching Proton VPN.
Try This:
- Close other VPN applications.
- Disable any unnecessary proxy.
- Restart Proton VPN.
- Choose a server.
- Try connecting again.
Why This Works
Different VPN applications can install their own network adapters and routing rules. These configurations can sometimes conflict with each other.
7. Check Proton VPN Kill Switch Settings
Proton VPN’s Kill Switch is designed to prevent internet traffic from escaping outside the VPN connection under certain conditions.
If the VPN disconnects or fails to establish a connection, you may notice that your internet access is also unavailable.
If Proton VPN not connecting appears to leave you without internet access, check your Kill Switch settings.
What to Try:
- Disconnect Proton VPN.
- Open the application’s connection settings.
- Review the Kill Switch configuration.
- If appropriate, temporarily disable it for troubleshooting.
- Reconnect to Proton VPN.
If disabling the setting resolves the issue, review your VPN configuration rather than leaving security protections disabled unnecessarily.
8. Restart and Update Proton VPN
A temporary application problem can sometimes prevent Proton VPN from connecting correctly.
Completely close the app and reopen it. You should also check whether you’re running the latest version of Proton VPN available for your device.
Follow These Steps:
- Close Proton VPN completely.
- Reopen the application.
- Check for available updates.
- Install an update if one is available.
- Restart your device.
- Try connecting again.
Keeping the application updated can help avoid bugs and compatibility problems.
9. Check Your Device’s Date and Time
Incorrect system date or time settings can cause problems with secure connections and certificates.
If your device’s clock is significantly incorrect, make sure automatic date and time settings are enabled.
On Your Device:
- Open Date & Time settings.
- Enable automatic date and time.
- Make sure your time zone is correct.
- Restart Proton VPN.
- Try connecting again.
This is a simple check, but it’s worth trying if the usual troubleshooting steps haven’t fixed the Proton VPN not connecting issue.
Also read: Are Cracked VPNs Safe? The Truth You Need to Know in 2025
10. Reinstall Proton VPN
If you’ve tried everything above but Proton VPN not connecting, reinstalling the application may help. A clean installation can resolve corrupted application files or problematic local configuration.
Before reinstalling, make sure you know your Proton account credentials so you can sign in again.
General Steps:
- Close Proton VPN.
- Uninstall the application.
- Restart your device.
- Install the latest version from Proton’s official source.
- Open Proton VPN.
- Sign in.
- Try connecting to a VPN server.
If the problem was caused by damaged application files or a corrupted configuration, a fresh installation may resolve it.
Final Thoughts
Still facing Proton VPN not connecting problems? Don’t worry—most issues can be fixed with a few simple changes. Check your internet, switch servers, change the VPN protocol, and review firewall settings first. If nothing works, updating or reinstalling Proton VPN can help. Follow these proven fixes to get back online quickly and enjoy a reliable, secure VPN connection.
FAQs About Proton VPN Not Connecting
Why is Proton VPN stuck on Connecting?
Proton VPN can get stuck on Connecting because of network restrictions, server problems, or protocol issues. Try another server, switch protocols, restart the app, and test a different internet connection.
What is Proton VPN Error 86101?
Proton VPN Error 86101 is associated with a VPN connection problem. Start by checking your internet connection, switching servers, changing the available protocol, and testing Proton VPN on another network.
Why is Proton VPN not connecting on Android?
Android VPN connection problems can result from network issues, outdated apps, another active VPN, or incorrect configuration. Restart Proton VPN, try another server or network, update the app, and reinstall it if necessary.
Should I reinstall Proton VPN if it won't connect?
Yes, if basic troubleshooting doesn't work. Reinstalling Proton VPN can help resolve corrupted application files or configuration problems. Before reinstalling, make sure you have your Proton account login details available.
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