I know this is a bit more tech-support oriented, but I was hoping someone might have first or second hand experience fixing this, given what a nightmare it is to research and test.
I’m using a semi-recent Samsung phone, running their skin of Android 14. Currently, I’m using PIA as my vpn (yes, I know I should switch) through the OpenVPN app. I also experience this issue through PIA’s app leading me to think its an Android issue. I also leave both the “Always-on VPN” and “Block Connections without a VPN” enabled.
I’ve tried to do some research, but everything that I find is search engines directing to basic stuff like how to connect to wifi
Edit: I’m currently testing the memory management tweak, and Ill probably try wireguard next.
Try wireguard (which PIA supports). Should be faster as well.
Is it possible that your phone is killing the VPN client to free up memory? Does it reconnect immediately upon reopening OpenVPN?
Have you tried a different vpn to see if the issue is with the app? I use Proton vpn, works like a charm. You could also lock the app from being shut down. Also, check power settings for the app, maybe it is automatically shut down to save power consumption.
Same issue with OpenVPNon Android. It really does not like even changing WiFi APs on the same network.
In my case, its even just if packet loss gets too high - not rare on wifi.
I’m going to try Arne Schwabe’s version of the app and see if that helps.
OpenVPN is a janky mess.
