iOS disconnects from Wi-Fi after enabling VPN

VPN
1

I recently switched from my Android phone to an iPhone 14 Plus and noticed that when I connect to Mullvad VPN, after about 15-20 seconds, the phone loses internet access.

My iPhone is running iOS 16.6. I have cellular data turned off (as I don’t use it at home.)

I found a workaround that seems to fix the issue:

  1. Open the Mullvad VPN app.
  2. Choose a server/country you’d like to connect to.
  3. Tap “Secure connection.”
  4. Wait 15-30 seconds until your phone disconnects from Wi-Fi. The app will try to reconnect automatically, you’ll need to stop it by tapping on “Disconnect.”
  5. Close the app and open Settings.
  6. Enable the toggle next to the “VPN” setting.

Enabling the VPN trough the settings fixes the issue.

If anyone else is having this issue, can you please try these steps? I’m not sure if this is actually working or it’s just dumb luck :sweat_smile:.

2

I don’t have an iPhone, but have experienced this issue over the past 2 or 3 versions of the Mullvad iOS app on my iPad. It happens whenever I’ve updated the app or after I add credit to my account.

My solution is to disconnect, kill the app, go to Settings and delete the Mullvad/Wireguard VPN profile, and then launch the app again and allow it to add a fresh WireGuard profile/configuration. Seems to fix it until the day I add credit to my account again, then I just repeat the process.

3

I had the same problem ,This is how my problem was solved, maybe it will work for you too
in wifi settings turn off private wifi address

4

There is no “Secure Connection” setting in version 2024.11 of Mullvads iPhone app!

5

I’ve had this issue on my 14 Pro Max. Fixed it by reconnecting ~3 times after initial connection

6

Whoever I use Mullvad, and encounter this issue. I disconnect Mullvad in the app, then a soft reset of my iPhone fixes the issue.

7

Honestly I haven’t really looked into it since I made this post. I’ve always been using the Settings app to connect to Mullvad. It’s possible that this issue has been fixed though.

8

I understand and I realise anything is “possible”.

However, when I paying for a privacy product, I expect to have the necessary testing to determine if in deed the product is working as required.

If Mullvad does not have the ability to ensure that traffic using their product remains reliable (the product’s integrity), then customers need to know so they can make informed decisions.

Otherwise, what’s the point of selling a privacy product that does not deliver?