Stuck on “Connecting”? Use the quick guide to test the most likely network and Android fixes one at a time.
Start here
Follow one short check at a time. Each step shows exactly what to do, what to look for, and where to go next.
Ready when you are
Start with a quick internet check. Tell us what happened, and the guide will take you to the next useful step.
Do this
Disconnect TuxlerVPN for this test.
Open your browser and load a website you normally use.
If Wi-Fi opens a hotel, airport, school, or café sign-in page, complete it first.
Return to TuxlerVPN and tap Connect.
You should see The website loads before you start the VPN. Afterward, TuxlerVPN shows Connected and Android may show a VPN or key icon.
What happened?
Do this
Open Android Settings → Network & internet → VPN.
On Samsung, open Settings → Connections → More connection settings → VPN.
Disconnect any VPN other than TuxlerVPN.
For that VPN, turn off Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN, then retry TuxlerVPN.
You should see No other VPN is marked connected when you return to TuxlerVPN.
Good to know If these settings are managed by work or school, try a personal device or contact the administrator.
Did removing the VPN conflict fix it?
Do this
Return to TuxlerVPN.
Tap Connect.
If Android shows a Connection request, tap OK or Allow.
Keep TuxlerVPN open while it finishes connecting.
You should see The Android request closes, TuxlerVPN changes to Connected, and a VPN or key icon may appear in the status bar.
Did Android allow the connection?
Do this
If you are on Wi-Fi, turn Wi-Fi off and use mobile data.
If you are on mobile data, join a trusted Wi-Fi network.
Open a website once to confirm the new network works.
Return to TuxlerVPN and connect again.
You should see The website and TuxlerVPN both work on the alternate network.
Did TuxlerVPN connect on the other network?
Do this
Cancel the current connection attempt.
Open the location list in TuxlerVPN.
Select Any or choose another available country.
Tap Connect again.
You should see TuxlerVPN selects another gateway and changes to Connected.
Did another location connect?
Do this
Long-press the TuxlerVPN app icon and open App info.
Open Battery or Battery usage.
Choose Unrestricted, Not optimized, or Allow background activity—the wording varies by phone.
Reopen TuxlerVPN and connect again.
You should see TuxlerVPN remains active instead of pausing or resetting during the connection.
Good to know Can’t find this setting? Continue to the next step; Android menus vary by device.
Did changing the battery setting fix it?
Do this
Swipe TuxlerVPN away from Android’s recent apps.
Reopen it and try connecting once.
If it is still stuck, restart the phone.
Wait until Wi-Fi or mobile data works, then open TuxlerVPN and test again.
You should see The app starts fresh and changes from Connecting to Connected.
Did the fresh start restore the connection?
Connection restored
TuxlerVPN is working, so you can stop here.
Internet connection needed
TuxlerVPN needs a working internet connection. Reconnect Wi-Fi, turn off Airplane mode, or enable mobile data, then load a website before trying the VPN again.
Quick checks complete
You confirmed the internet works, removed VPN conflicts, approved Android’s request, tested another network and location, checked background access, and restarted the connection. The remaining issue may be a restricted network, a stuck Android VPN profile, or outdated software.
For faster support, include your phone model, Android and TuxlerVPN versions, the networks and locations tested, and the exact status or error shown. Never include a password.
If you’re still not connected
Work from the top down. Each check rules out one likely cause, from your network and Android settings to the selected VPN location.
01 · Network
Your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection may be weak, interrupted, or still obtaining an IP address.
Open a trusted website, move closer to the Wi-Fi router, or switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Then connect again.
02 · Network
A company, school, hotel, public Wi-Fi network, or ISP may block VPN traffic or restrict WireGuard connections.
Open your browser and complete any captive-portal sign-in first. If it still fails, test from another network such as mobile data.
03 · Android
Android normally allows only one VPN connection at a time. Another VPN profile can prevent TuxlerVPN Mobile from taking control.
Disconnect the other VPN and review Android’s Always-on VPN settings. Disable the other profile or select TuxlerVPN Mobile.
04 · Android
Some phones limit apps while they run in the background. Setting names vary by device manufacturer and Android version.
Allow background activity or choose Unrestricted battery usage where available. Allow notifications if you want the connection status to remain visible.
05 · Permission
Android shows a system “Connection request” before an app can create a VPN tunnel. A denied or stuck profile stops the connection.
Connect again and choose OK or Allow. If the profile remains stuck, remove the TuxlerVPN profile in Android VPN settings, then reconnect from the app.
06 · Gateway
A particular country or region may have no available gateway for a short time. Availability varies by location and network conditions.
Select Any or choose another country, wait a moment, and try again.
07 · Device
Incorrect device time can prevent a secure connection from being authenticated. Older app or Android versions can also cause connection failures.
Enable automatic date and time, install available Android updates, and use the latest TuxlerVPN Mobile version from Google Play.
Personal help
Wait a few minutes and try once more from a different network. If the issue continues, send support these details so they can diagnose it quickly.
Never send passwords or private browsing information.
