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/
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.