An Android VPN bug has been breaking VPN connections for seven months, and Google still hasn’t fixed it. Proton VPN went public with the problem in March 2026, calling out Google directly for allowing a critical flaw to persist in Android 16 that strips users of VPN protection at the exact moment they need it most—during app updates.
Key Takeaways
- Android VPN bug in Android 16 causes apps to lose internet access after updates via Google Play.
- Issue tracked in Google’s Issue Tracker (#441315112 and #447433152) remains unresolved after seven months.
- Proton VPN and other third-party VPNs affected; users suddenly exposed without protection.
- Separate bug in VPN by Google beta prevents connection with account error on Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1.
- Proton VPN added “Exclude locations” feature in February 2026 to let users avoid unsafe or slow servers.
The Android VPN Bug That Breaks Your Protection
Google’s Android 16 contains a flaw that causes VPN apps to lose internet connectivity after an update, particularly when the VPN is active during the installation via Google Play. The system enters a corrupted state that prevents the VPN app from reaching the internet, leaving users exposed without protection. This is not a minor inconvenience—it is a security vulnerability that defeats the entire purpose of running a VPN.
The bug was first reported in Google’s Issue Tracker in August 2025 and remains open with no resolution date. A second related tracker issue (#447433152) describes permanent network stack corruption that occurs occasionally on real devices during Google Play updates while connected to the VPN. Multiple VPN apps are affected, not just Proton VPN. When users experience sudden disconnection, they have no way of knowing whether their VPN is still protecting them or whether they are exposed to their ISP and other network observers.
Why Google’s Silence Is Inexcusable
Seven months without a fix is not acceptable for a bug that directly undermines user security. Proton VPN’s CEO publicly called out Google for allowing this flaw to persist, framing it as a Google responsibility, not a VPN app problem. This is a critical distinction. VPN developers cannot fix a bug that exists in the Android operating system itself. They can only work around it or wait for Google to patch it.
Google’s own VPN service, VPN by Google (rebranded from the shut-down Google One VPN), is also experiencing Android 16 issues. Users report that VPN by Google fails to connect with an “isn’t available for this account” error on Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1. The fix requires users to rejoin the Android Beta Program and download a newer beta version—a workaround that most ordinary users will never find. This suggests Google is aware of Android 16’s VPN-related problems but has not prioritized a stable fix across the board.
What Proton VPN Is Doing While Google Stalls
Rather than wait passively, Proton VPN rolled out a new feature in February 2026 called “Exclude locations.” The feature allows Android users to blacklist specific cities or countries when using “Fastest” or “Random” connection modes, giving them control to avoid unsafe or slow servers. While this does not fix the underlying Android bug, it does give users more granular control over their VPN connections.
The Proton VPN Android app continues to accumulate unresolved issues on its GitHub repository, including DNS leaks, kill-switch problems that interfere with system updates, and connection delays. These are separate from the Android 16 bug but compound user frustration. The app has 62 open issues, suggesting the development team is stretched managing both Google’s OS-level problems and their own app-level challenges.
How to Protect Yourself Right Now
Until Google releases a stable fix, users can take steps to minimize exposure. Before updating the Proton VPN app, disconnect from the VPN manually. This prevents the app from being active during the update, which is when the bug most commonly strikes. After the update completes, reconnect to verify your VPN is working properly.
If you are experiencing VPN connection failures, clearing the app’s data and cache can sometimes restore functionality. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage Apps, find Proton VPN, tap App Info, then select Clear Data and Clear Cache. Restart your device and reopen the app. If the problem persists, you may need to clear all data, which requires you to log in again.
Check Google Play Store regularly for Proton VPN updates. Proton and other VPN developers are likely working on workarounds even if Google has not officially patched the underlying bug. An updated app version may include code that avoids triggering the Android 16 flaw.
Is the Android VPN bug affecting all VPN apps?
Yes, the Android VPN bug in Android 16 affects multiple VPN apps, not just Proton VPN. Any VPN app that receives an update via Google Play while active can trigger the bug. However, some VPN developers may release workarounds faster than others.
How long will it take Google to fix the Android VPN bug?
Google has not announced a fix timeline. The bug has been tracked in Google’s Issue Tracker since August 2025 with no resolution date provided. Users should not expect a patch in the near term and should implement the workarounds described above.
Should I switch VPN providers because of the Android VPN bug?
The Android VPN bug is a Google problem, not a Proton VPN problem. Switching providers will not help—any VPN app on Android 16 is vulnerable to the same flaw. Your best strategy is to avoid updating the VPN app while connected and to monitor for patches from your VPN provider.
Google’s failure to fix the Android VPN bug after seven months is a stark reminder that even major tech companies deprioritize security issues that do not affect their own services. Users relying on third-party VPN apps are left to work around an OS-level flaw that should never have made it into a stable Android release. Until Google acts, staying vigilant about when and how you update your VPN app is your best defense against exposure.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
