Question 1

Why can't I connect to ProtonVPN servers when I'm in China?

Accepted Answer

ProtonVPN users in China report consistent failure to connect to servers, with many stating the service simply does not work in the region. Reviewers cite blocked connections, lack of server availability, and no clear communication from customer support about the issue.

Connection Failure: Reviewers report that ProtonVPN fails to connect entirely when used in China, with one stating outright, 'Does not work in China!!' and another confirming, 'it doesn’t work, it is not even able to connect to the server!' These reports suggest the service is blocked or inaccessible in the region.

Server Unavailability: Multiple users mention that ProtonVPN's servers are either unavailable or unreliable in China, with some noting that even paid versions do not resolve the issue. One reviewer points out that the app frequently drops connections or fails to establish a stable link, especially when trying to connect to specific countries.

No Support or Updates: There is no indication from Proton that they are actively working on solutions for China users. Reviewers express frustration over the lack of communication, with one stating, 'Zero communication for when they have issues with servers or their app,' and another noting that the problem has persisted for months without a fix timeline.

Question 2

Why does ProtonVPN keep dropping connections even when I'm using a paid plan?

Accepted Answer

ProtonVPN users report frequent connection drops even on paid plans, with some attributing the issue to unreliable server connections, poor app performance, and unresponsive customer support. Many reviewers express frustration with the app's instability, especially when trying to access specific regions or services like streaming platforms.

Connection Instability: Reviewers report that ProtonVPN frequently drops connections despite having a paid subscription, particularly when trying to connect to specific countries or services like Netflix and HBO Max. Some users note that the app fails to maintain stable connections even after selecting a preferred server location.

App Performance Issues: Several users mention that the app struggles to connect reliably, with one stating that the connection cycle continues even after relogging. Others highlight that the issue persists across multiple platforms and that the problem is not limited to free users.

Poor Support Response: Customers also express frustration with slow response times from customer support, with some waiting days or weeks for replies. This lack of timely assistance compounds the frustration when connection problems persist.

Question 3

Why does ProtonVPN fail to connect when I try to use it abroad?

Accepted Answer

ProtonVPN may fail to connect abroad due to server limitations, regional restrictions, or technical issues, and users report poor customer support in resolving these problems.

Connection Failures Abroad: Reviewers report that ProtonVPN frequently fails to connect while abroad, especially when using free servers, which are limited to German locations. Some users say the app disconnects repeatedly or won’t establish a connection at all, even with paid plans.

Unreliable Performance: Several users mention that the app behaves unpredictably overseas, with issues like constant reconnection loops, inability to access certain services, and poor performance on streaming platforms despite having a paid subscription.

Poor Support Response: When issues arise, customer support is often unresponsive or ineffective. Users report long wait times, no escalation, and unresolved problems, making it difficult to get help with connection failures abroad.

Question 4

Why does ProtonVPN disconnect from servers after a few minutes of use?

Accepted Answer

ProtonVPN users report frequent disconnections after a few minutes of use, with some experiencing complete loss of access to servers and no response from customer support. The issue appears to be linked to both technical instability and poor support handling.

Connection Drops: Reviewers report that ProtonVPN frequently drops connections after just a few minutes, with some stating the app reconnects repeatedly for no apparent reason. One user noted that restarting their device did not fix the issue, suggesting a deeper technical problem.

Server Access Failure: Multiple users describe being unable to reconnect to any server after initial access, with some reporting they were blocked from using the service entirely. One reviewer said they paid for the service but could only use it once before being locked out.

Poor Support Response: Customer service responses are consistently criticized as slow or nonexistent. Several users reported waiting days for replies, with no escalation or resolution, even after repeated attempts. One user said they were told they couldn't revert their account despite paying for a service.

Question 5

Are Proton's free servers only available in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Proton's free servers are only available in Germany, according to user reports.

Server Limitation: Reviewers confirm that the free tier of Proton's services, particularly the VPN, is limited to German servers only. This restriction is noted as a significant limitation for users seeking access to servers in other countries.

User Frustration: Several users express frustration with this restriction, especially those who rely on the free service for international access. The lack of server variety is seen as a major drawback, particularly when compared to paid plans that offer broader server availability.

Mixed Experience: Despite the limitation, some users acknowledge that the free German servers still perform well, though they note that the overall experience is hampered by poor customer support and technical issues.

Question 6

Why does ProtonVPN keep flagging my connection as suspicious activity?

Accepted Answer

ProtonVPN may flag your connection as suspicious activity due to automated detection of unusual behavior, such as rapid server switching, use of certain platforms, or IP patterns that resemble malicious traffic. Some users report being blocked even when using legitimate, paid accounts, especially when connecting from regions with strict internet controls or through Google Play Services.

Suspicious Activity Flags: Reviewers report that ProtonVPN's systems sometimes flag connections as suspicious without clear explanation, particularly when using the app through Google Play Services or switching servers rapidly. Some users believe this is due to automated detection of behavior that mimics malicious activity, even when they are legitimate users.

Geographic & Platform Triggers: Several users mention being blocked or dropped from servers despite having paid subscriptions, with no clear reason provided. One reviewer notes that servers in certain regions like the U.S., U.K., or Japan are more likely to trigger these flags, suggesting geographic targeting by Proton's detection systems.

Poor Support Response: Users also report that Proton's customer support fails to address these issues effectively, often repeating generic instructions without resolving the root cause. This lack of communication adds to frustration, especially when users are locked out of their accounts or services.

Proton: Server locations & availability (Customer service)

What customers praise

Common complaints

How it has changed over time

Practical takeaways

Customer voices