YouTube: Why does my VPN keep disconnecting?

Why is my VPN disconnecting?

VPN disconnections can be tough to diagnose, as it could be a number of things that may be causing problems. Here are several issues that could lead to disconnections:

1. The VPN server or app is experiencing issues

Depending on the VPN server or the software that you’re using, it may be experiencing an outage or the app itself might need to be updated. It’s very important to make sure you keep your VPN service regularly up to date.

If it is, it might be worth uninstalling and reinstalling the software to see if it fixes the problem or try connecting to a different server if the server is experiencing problems.

2. Your internet speed is too slow or unstable

A VPN server requires a stable and decently speedy connection to ensure it works correctly. Depending on the issue, you might find that the VPN will keep cutting out in order to establish a secure connection to your internet.

VPN connections go through a secure tunnel to protect all your internet data, which can lead to slowdowns. With a good VPN, most slowdowns shouldn’t be noticeable, but if your connection isn’t fast enough or keeps cutting out, this could cause problems.

Normally, a router restart could fix the issue or contact your internet service provider, as they could help.

3. You’ve reached your VPN data cap

As many Britons head to scoop up free VPNs, there are many limitations and risks. One of these limitations is a data cap, meaning the VPN will only process so much data before it cuts off.

Streaming on sites like YouTube uses up a lot of data, and free VPNs normally don’t last long before they force you to subscribe or stop working altogether. Most premium VPNs like ExpressVPN have no limits on how much data you use, meaning you can browse and stream without hindrance.

4. You’ve reached the device limit

Free VPNs and even premium VPNs have a limit on the number of devices that households can use. Most free VPNs allow for only one connection per account, and if you use multiple devices, it won’t even work or conflict with each device.

Even some premium VPN plans will only allow for a limited number of devices to be used.

ExpressVPN stands out from the crowd and allows between 10 and 14 devices to be used at the same time, meaning internet users don’t need to worry about being limited to only one Windows 10, Windows 11, iPhone, Mac or Linux device.

What’s the best VPN to use?

If you’re constantly encountering problems with your free VPN or other VPN apps, it’s important to get a reliable and speedy VPN that values your privacy. ExpressVPN has won multiple awards and features a best-in-class VPN service, allowing you to connect to up to 105 countries and up to 14x devices at once.

There’s no need to worry about data caps or VPN problems ever again because ExpressVPN has your back. It comes with a 30-day guarantee and will happily give your money back if you’re not happy whatsoever.

And if you ever experience a problem with their service, they offer 24/7 customer service around the world.

ExpressVPN plans start from as little as £1.99 for its Basic plan, which comes with its award-winning VPN and basic malicious site protection and ad blocking. But for those who want to spend a little more, its £2.79 Advanced plan comes with a lot more options.

Users can enjoy a built-in password manager, a three-day eSIM courtesy of holiday.com and 50% off an Aircove router. There’s also its £4.39 Pro plan, which comes with a dedicated IP that’s exclusive to you, 75% off an Aircove router and a five-day eSIM to be used with iPhone thanks to holiday.com.

Benefits of ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is particularly well-suited for streaming and privacy as it boasts VPN server locations in 105 countries, providing access to global coverage. It offers ultra-fast speeds on a 10-Gbps network, essential for high-quality streaming without buffering.

With military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like split tunnelling and a kill switch, your online activity stays private.

Based in the British Virgin Islands — outside Five Eyes jurisdiction — it avoids mandatory data retention laws, which means that even if the company were collecting data (it's not), law enforcement from the UK and US would be unable to compel ExpressVPN to hand over any information about its subscribers.

ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and routers. There's no limit on the number of ExpressVPN apps that you can download on your devices, and with a single subscription, you can connect to the VPN on eight gadgets at once.

It also has a dedicated team that optimises the service for major streaming platforms. Round-the-clock customer support is available if you encounter any issues during race weekend.

When it comes to buying a cheap VPN, ExpressVPN isn’t one of the cheapest. However, its 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free choice for privacy-conscious users and frequent streamers.

It should also give new customers the confidence to subscribe to one of its longer contracts, which unlock the biggest discounts.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that protects and anonymises everything you do online.

VPNs can conceal your online activities by routing traffic through an encrypted tunnel that connects to secure servers worldwide. The most reliable VPNs employ the same encryption standard as governments in the United Kingdom and the United States, ensuring that even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can't keep tabs on the websites you visit, the duration of your sessions on each site, or your current location.

This protection extends to advertisers, trackers, and hackers, preventing them from monitoring your online behaviour. Furthermore, personal information entered into online forms and sensitive data transmitted to and from your device will be safeguarded from hackers using strong encryption provided by a VPN.