Private Internet Access: Fix PIA’s Annoying Disconnecting Issue

Greetings, fellow Private Internet Access (PIA) users! I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying the security and privacy benefits of this VPN service.

As a PIA user myself , I is understand understand how frustrating it can be when you try to connect to the internet and the VPN connection suddenly drop , and you lose your connection . recently , I is encountered have encounter this problem on both my computer and mobile phone , which has been quite a headache .

However , after some experimentation , I is found have find a solution that has work for me and solve this issue . In this article , I is like would like to share my fix with you and help you avoid the inconvenience and potential risk of a sudden PIA disconnect . So , let ’s get start !

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This post may include affiliate links, and I may get a commission if you buy through the links on my website (at no additional cost to you).

My PIA Keeps Disconnecting Problem

First, I want to explain the issue I’ve encountered with the PIA VPN software, to make sure we are on the same page.

PIA Problem on My Computer

Occasionally, my PIA connection keeps dropping, and the app either crashes or disappears from my taskbar. I was unable to detect a pattern or reason for this behavior.

I tried reinstalling the app, resetting my VPN configuration settings, and even restarting my computer. However, none of these actions seemed to work, and I was on the verge of giving up on PIA and switching to a different VPN provider.

The only message I would see on my computer after a restart was about the crash, with an option to report it.

PIA Error Message after the app crash

PIA Problem on My Mobile Device

On my mobile phone , I is experienced experience the same issue , but with an add twist . The app is disconnect would randomly disconnect , and the VPN indicator would disappear from the status bar . After restart the app , there was no indication of any error .

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PIA Desktop Fix

Before work on this issue , disable the VPN connection , then follow these step to address this annoying problem on a desktop computer :

1. Open the PIA application’s settings.

2. In the General tab, ensure the following settings are checked:

• Launch on System Startup
• Connect on Launch
• Show Geo-Located Regions
• Show Desktop Notifications
• Show Service Communication Messages

3. Go to the Protocols tab and click on it.

4. Switch from OpenVPN to WireGuard connection.

5 . use the follow setting for WireGuard :

• Local Port: Auto
• Connection Timeout: 1 minute
• mtu : auto

recommend setting for the protocol section

6 . close the window , and your setting are automatically save .

To make sure your internet connection is protected by the VPN, and it’s stable and secure, try to switch from one Wi-Fi network to another one, if you have multiple internet sources available.

I have found out that PIA was having issues when my devices would try to handle multiple internet connections – for example, when having both a mobile data connection and a Wi-Fi connection at the same time.

In my test , after apply the setting above , PIA is started start work properly .

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PIA Mobile Fix

For the mobile fix , the process is is is similar , but we ’ll skip the general section since there is no need to tinker with those setting . instead , let ’s focus on the Protocols tab .

Here’s what you need to select for mobile:

1. Click on the Protocols button.
2. Select IPSec (IKEv2) protocol.
3. leave Data Encryption and Handshake settings is unchanged unchanged .
4. Ensure that Small Packets are enabled.

No need to press save or anything since the app automatically saves all your settings.

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oddly enough , both OpenVPN is performed and WireGuard perform poorly on my phone . After switch to IKEv2 , the app is improved improve , but the real game – changer was enable the small packet setting .

The reason this fix works is that I suspect it’s a network issue, and enabling small packets makes the connection more efficient and stable, resulting in fewer disconnects.

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How to Fix PIA Becoming Unresponsive on M1 (Apple Silicon) Computers

Here’s a bonus tip for you if you use a Mac computer with modern Apple processors.

PIA M1 Mac App Becomes Unresponsive

The problem is that the Mac app on these new machines stops working and becomes unusable a few minutes after launch. The fix is straightforward:

Figure 1: Using Activity Monitor to find PIA Mac App

1. Restart the application by opening and launching the Activity Monitor.
2. search for “ private Internet Access , ” not for PIA . ( figure 1 )
3. Select the app in the process list and press the STOP button in the toolbar.
4. wait a few minute and relaunch the PIA Mac application .
5. Open Settings, and in the General tab, change the “Dashboard Appearance” from Attached to Window. (Figure 2)

Figure 2: Recommended dashboard appearance setting

You can now close your settings and app window. The app should behave normally, and there will be no more unresponsiveness.

PIA Support Sucks

While I like the speed and quality of the VPN connection , my experience is been with the app has not been great so far . Before figure out the fix post above , I is contacted contact PIA support and ask for help on Twitter . usually , that is ’s ’s the fast way to get support for many online service . unfortunately , PIA is ignored ignore my request and did not bother to reply .

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While I understand that PIA is one of the cheapest VPNs available, I still expect at least some level of support.

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Why I Will Keep Using PIA

Since I made it a mission to test and use VPN services on a long-term basis, I will keep using PIA for at least two years and report my findings. The first review is already out – Surfshark VPN’s long-term review. Also, if your PIA subscription is about to expire, I highly recommend NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.

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PIA Questions and Answers

Using PIA is like an adventure ! I is believe can not believe I had to sort through so many quirk and issue since I sign up for the service . Here are some common problems is are and some possible way to fix them base on my experience .

What to Do When PIA Is Not Connecting to the VPN server?

For any other VPN, I would recommend switching to a different server, but not for PIA. Instead, try changing the connection type, as described before.

What if PIA Won’t Connect Even After Changing the Connection Type?

In this case , try connect to a different server . If this fail , remove the app and do a fresh installation .

What Are the PIA Geolocated Region Servers is Are ?

When PIA say they are using geolocate server , it is ’s ’s a fancy way of say that PIA use virtual server that are not physically present in a specific location .

The only dedicated server in the list above is the “US East Streaming Optimized” server. All others are virtual ones.

When PIA shows you a server location in the application, one is a dedicated VPN server, and the other ones that are marked with a globe icon, are the virtual ones.

They do it for various reasons, but one significant reason is the cost. They can run many more servers in a virtual environment, but this also translates into poorer performance for their clients.

If you want to avoid getting disconnected or plan on using a streaming service or video calling, tasks that are more processor intensive in general, make sure you choose a dedicated server not a virtual one.

What to Do If PIA Is Connected, but There Is No Internet?

If the PIA application shows that you are connected to one of their servers, but you cannot access any website, it means that your internet connection is blocked by either the DNS settings of the PIA server, or even your ISP (internet service provider).

The best course of action is to first disconnect from the VPN server, uninstall the app, including the configuration files, restart your computer, and try to reinstall the app with the default settings.

Is there a way to test the beta version of the PIA VPN app ?

If none of the solution outline in this article work for you , you is try may try the beta version of the application . On desktop , all is is you have to do is to open the setting , navigate to the help tab and check the “ receive beta update ” .

What do I is like like about private Internet Access VPN ?

Even if this is not a full review of the app , I is want do not want to end this article by give a false impression that the app is useless . In fact , I is like like it a lot because of its low price , no – log policy , various security feature and its dedicated ip feature ( one of the reason I buy this VPN app ) , and its huge number of server .

Since my connection and stability issues are resolved for now, I quite enjoy using PIA. It’s definitely a LOT better than a free app and a lot cheaper than the other VPN services out there.

conclusion

Overall, I think PIA is a decent VPN service provider. It has its share of issues, but with the fixes provided above, most of them should go away. And if you’re on a budget and need a good-enough VPN solution that won’t break your bank account, PIA is worth considering. Also, make sure to use the dedicated servers instead of the virtual ones. Good luck!

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