Introduction: Is the New Proton VPN Update Hurting More Than Helping?
Let’s face it—no update is perfect. The latest Proton VPN update has stirred up some heated debates among users dealing with Proton VPN update issues, and trust me, I’ve been there myself. You’re probably here because you’ve run into some of these Proton VPN update issues, too, right? For me, it was a performance glitch that threw my whole routine off—I couldn’t load my go-to streaming sites without endless buffering. Then there’s the interface; I’ll admit, I’ve spent way too much time clicking around, feeling like I needed a map to navigate it, thanks to the Proton VPN update issues.
And don’t get me started on compatibility headaches—I had to troubleshoot my setup late into the night because of the Proton VPN update issues. But hey, you’re not alone in this mess. We’ve all been there, and there’s no need to panic. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything—from what’s up with this update to the problems it’s causing and, most importantly, how to make the most of your VPN even when things get messy. Let’s figure this out together.
A Quick Recap: What Changed in the Latest Proton VPN Update?
Proton VPN, developed by the team behind ProtonMail, prides itself on top-notch privacy and open-source credibility. The most recent update (April 2025) promised several improvements, including:
- A complete UI redesign for better usability.
- Enhanced VPN Accelerator technology for faster speeds.
- Expanded Secure Core server options.
- Updated WireGuard protocol integration.
- New automation features like split tunneling refinements and auto-connect.
Sounds promising, right? On paper, it does. But real-world usage paints a more complicated picture.
Proton VPN Update Issues: What Users Are Reporting
Despite the promising changelog, a growing wave of user complaints has emerged. Here are the most common Proton VPN update issues reported across Reddit threads, Proton’s official community forum, and tech review sites like TechRadar.
1. Connectivity Instability
Many users report frequent disconnections, especially when using the updated WireGuard protocol. Some even experience the dreaded “connected but no internet” syndrome—an issue Proton VPN has historically minimized.
Real User Experience:
“Before the update, my connection was rock-solid. Now, I get kicked off every 20 minutes without warning,” one Reddit user shared in the Proton VPN subreddit.
2. Slower Speeds Despite VPN Accelerator
Ironically, the feature intended to boost speeds seems to have had the opposite effect for some. International server connections, especially those outside the EU and the U.S., are reportedly slower than before.
3. Split Tunneling Bugs
The revamped split tunneling feature, meant to allow selected apps or websites to bypass the VPN, is malfunctioning. Users report that apps set to bypass the VPN are either fully blocked or still routed through the tunnel, leading to failed connections and app crashes.
4. UI and UX Frustrations
The sleek new design looks modern but sacrifices some intuitive usability:
- Settings are now buried deeper under menus.
- Server search is glitchy and sometimes returns no results.
- New automation features like “Trusted Networks” are confusingly labeled, leading to setup errors.
5. Battery Drain on Mobile
iOS and Android users have noted that Proton VPN’s background activity post-update is draining battery significantly faster, likely due to constant reconnections or the new notification system staying active.
Why Are These Issues Happening? (Key Insights)
A deeper look reveals several underlying causes:
| Issue | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Connectivity Drops | Aggressive WireGuard optimization conflicting with network conditions |
| Slow Speeds | VPN Accelerator’s server-side implementation hiccups |
| Split Tunneling Bugs | Incomplete backward compatibility with older app data |
| UI/UX Frustrations | Prioritization of aesthetics over functionality |
| Mobile Battery Drain | Persistent background processes due to new “auto-connect” features |
Expert Insight:
Cybersecurity analyst Eva Galperin pointed out in a recent interview that “frequent and ambitious updates without sufficient public beta testing can lead to widespread usability breakdowns—even for companies as privacy-conscious as Proton.”
How to Fix or Work Around Proton VPN Update Issues
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, here are some practical steps:
- Reconnect Manually: Switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols to find more stable behavior.
- Use Nearby Servers: Stick to geographically closer servers for better speed and fewer dropouts.
- Reinstall the App: Fully uninstall and reinstall Proton VPN to clear out outdated configurations.
- Manually Adjust Split Tunneling: Reset your split tunneling settings instead of relying on pre-update preferences.
- Disable Auto-Connect: Especially on mobile, disabling auto-connect can dramatically improve battery life.
- Provide Feedback: Proton encourages reporting bugs via the app; adding your voice could help fast-track fixes.
🔗 Bonus Tip: Proton VPN has a status page (Proton VPN Status) where you can check if server outages are causing temporary issues.
Should You Stay or Switch?
If Proton VPN’s ethos of transparency, open-source development, and strong encryption is important to you, it’s worth sticking around, at least through the next hotfixes. Proton has a strong track record of addressing user concerns quickly.
However, if constant disconnects or slow speeds are dealbreakers for your daily workflow, considering a secondary VPN like Mullvad or IVPN—both known for rock-solid stability—might be wise until Proton patches things up.
Conclusion: Moving Forward With Eyes Wide Open
While Proton VPN update issues have caused frustration for many, they don’t erase the company’s long-term commitment to privacy and security. Like any rapidly evolving tech platform, occasional growing pains are part of the journey.
Stay informed, stay critical—and don’t be afraid to adapt your tools to your needs. After all, in the world of cybersecurity, flexibility is a strength, not a weakness.
🚀 What’s Next?
👉 Have you experienced Proton VPN issues yourself? Drop a comment below—sharing your story helps others make better decisions.
👉 Want more VPN reviews and privacy tips? Subscribe to our newsletter and stay ahead of the digital curve!
