Fix: Android 13 VPN Not Working Issue

Have you upgraded to Android 13 recently? You might have noticed a few unexpected glitches and bugs cropping up. Experiencing issues is not unusual after an update.

One notable issue users have reported is the malfunctioning of VPNs on devices running Android 13. A number of users have found that they are unable to use VPN services on their updated devices.

After looking into this matter, our team discovered that, despite being a software glitch, it’s possible to rectify this issue by tweaking a few settings on devices with Android 13. So, if you find yourself facing this VPN error on your updated device, follow the suggested fixes to see if they help in resolving the problem.

How To Fix Android 13 VPN Not Working Issue

Since Android 13 is a newly released operating system, encountering some issues and errors is not uncommon. To address the VPN not working issue on Android 13, please try the following solutions outlined below. Let’s explore them:

Fix 1: Reboot Your Device

Initially, without any further ado, you must reboot your Android device in which you are getting the Android 13 VPN not working issue. We advise you this because possibilities are there that this error may occur on your device just because there are some cache files stored on your device that prevent it from functioning properly. So, you must reboot your device to remove these cache files. 

Fix 1: Make Sure It Is Turned On

On your Android 13 device, open the VPN app and connect to a region server to start using the VPN service. If you’re using Wi-Fi or mobile data, ensure it’s on. The VPN service often gets disabled when a user forgets to enable it and starts roaming.

Fix 2: Update the VPN App

You may also benefit from updating the VPN app on your mobile device if the glitch or bug persists. However, in case you don’t know, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app > Tap the three-dots icon. 
2. Click My apps & games to check for any updates for the VPN app.
3. Once you tap on update next to the VPN app, the update will be automatically installed.
4. After updating the VPN app, launch it and connect to a region server again.

Fix 3: Disable Smart Switch

Smart Switch is a default feature on some Android devices that automatically switches between mobile data and Wi-Fi without any connectivity interference if either of the network connections is slow. To fix the Android 13 VPN Not Working issue, you should always turn off this feature manually. To do so:

1. Tap on the Network option in the Settings menu.
2. Then tap on Wi-Fi > Go to the three dots menu > Select Wi-Fi+. 
3. Turn off the toggle to disable the automatic switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi.
4. To apply the changes, reboot the device after you have finished.

Fix 4: Remove VPN App Cache Files

To resolve the Android 13 system glitch, you can also remove the cache and data of the VPN app. A corrupted app cache or data can affect VPN connectivity, so it’s worth mentioning. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings menu and tap on Apps & Notifications.
2. To see all your installed apps, tap on See all apps.
3. Locate and select the VPN app > Tap on Storage & Cache from the list.
4. To delete the cached data, click Clear cache.
5. You can delete your app storage data by selecting Clear storage and then OK.
6. Go back to App Info once more and choose Force stop.
7. Recheck the VPN app to verify whether or not it starts working on your device. 

Fix 5: Reset Network Settings

The networking settings on your Android 13 device may cause several problems if they are not configured properly. If your network settings have been reset to factory defaults, ensure you do so. Here’s how:

1. On your Android 13 device, go to Settings > System.
2. Click Reset > Reset Network Settings.
3. Upon resetting your network settings, you’ll receive a warning message.
4. Select Reset Network Settings and confirm.
5. To apply the changes, wait for the process to complete and reboot the device.
6. After entering the password, you must connect to the Wi-Fi network and use the VPN app.

Fix 6: Uninstall/Reinstall the VPN App

Still having issues with the VPN on your Android 13 device, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. To do this, follow these steps:

1. While using an iOS device, you must hold down the VPN app icon (home screen/app drawer menu).
2. Once you have selected Uninstall (Delete), you must confirm that the removal process has been completed.
3. Next, go to the Google Play Store app and search for the VPN app.

Fix 7: Delete other VPN Apps 

You may encounter app conflicts or connectivity issues if multiple VPN apps are installed on your Android 13 device. This could cause conflicts with your VPN application and result in connection problems. So, if you’ve installed multiple VPN applications on your phone, simply uninstall the rest.

1. As a first step, decide which VPN app will be your primary.
2. To uninstall all other VPN apps, if you hold down the VPN icon, you can uninstall it or drag it to the trash. 

Fix 8: Check VPN Compatibility

You may also encounter issues if the VPN app you’re using isn’t supported by the browser application you’re using. To avoid making a mistake, it’s always a good idea to check the app’s compatibility with the browser before making a decision. Most popular web browsers, like Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc., support a wide range of VPN apps and services.

Some apps may not support VPN apps because of development support or terms of service. To avoid multiple bugs and compatibility issues, installing the latest version of the browser app is recommended.

Fix 9: Turn Off Battery Saver

There seem to be several issues with the Battery Saver option when it comes to causing problems with app operation or device battery performance.

In such a situation, you can either charge the battery sufficiently or disable the Battery Saver option by following the instructions. You can easily disable the Battery Saver feature on your phone by pulling down the quick settings tile. Alternately, go to Settings > Battery > Turn off the Battery Saver toggle.

Fix 10: Disable Battery Optimization

If you are experiencing connectivity issues while using the VPN app on your Android 13 device, you should disable the battery optimization.

1. To change the battery, go to Settings > Tap on Battery.
2. You can find the VPN app by scrolling down the list of installed apps and tapping on it.
3. Make sure that the VPN app’s battery optimization is disabled.
4. Additionally, disable the Auto Launch and Run in Background option.

After this, check if the VPN is working or not.

Conclusion:

The emergence of issues like VPN not working is not unusual with the rollout of a new operating system like Android 13. While such challenges can be frustrating, they are often rectified with some troubleshooting. By adhering to the suggested fixes, users can usually resolve the VPN issues they encounter, ensuring they can browse safely and access the content they need. It’s pivotal to stay updated on any forthcoming patches or updates from Android that might address this issue more systematically, enhancing user experience and system functionality. In the interim, practicing patience and utilizing available solutions is key to navigating the nuances of a new OS update.