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.
Edit 2: In case anyone ends up here from Google, I’ve swapped VPNand tried removing all restrictions on memory and battery usage with no luck. I have also found a bunch of people complaining about similar issues with other Samsung devices, so it may be related. For example, this threat from Reddit, with all the responses removed: https://old.reddit.com/r/nordvpn/comments/t8t1hf/connectivity_issues_with_new_phone_android/
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.
OpenVPN is a janky mess.
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.