Persistent bug in Android 16 affects VPN apps and leaves users without protection

A system failure Android 16 can silently interrupt VPN connections without displaying error messages or alerts to users. Provedores of services such as Proton VPN, Mullvad, WireGuard and TunnelBear have reported the issue on a recurring basis. The error mainly arises when the VPN application receives an update via Google Play Store while the connection is active. Isso causes the system to enter a state where the app loses access to the internet, preventing new connections and blocking data traffic.

Affected users notice that the VPN does not establish a connection, but the device still has no access to the network. Reiniciar the application does not resolve the situation in most cases. The only temporary solution involves restarting the device or completely reinstalling the VPN app. The problem occurs intermittently, making it difficult to immediately identify and reproduce consistently in testing.

Network system failure details

The bug affects the network stack of Android 16. Quando an update arrives during an active VPN session, the system may corrupt the connection state. Isso blocks the application from accessing the internet, even for basic reconnection tasks.

Providers observed behavior on real devices and emulators. The failure manifests itself especially with the “Always-on VPN” option activated. Sem the functional VPN, the user is left without privacy protection and can expose data on public networks.

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Google has known about a bug that breaks VPN apps for 7 months, leaving users exposed with no warning or error, just a VPN app that stopped working in the background.

If you’re using ANY VPN on Android, you can help us by getting Google’s attention to fix it.

Details 👇 🧵

—Proton VPN (@ProtonVPN)March 18, 2026

Initial reports and follow-up

Mullvad and WireGuard identified the problem in August 2025. Proton VPN formalized the report in September of the same year on Issue Tracker of Google. TunnelBear confirmed similar impacts to its services.

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User comments on the Google issue tracker reinforce the complaints. Muitos describe identical situations, with failures after automatic updates. Providers emphasize that the error is not limited to a single application.

Follow: all about Android 16 VPN bug

Impact for users of Android 16

Devices running version 16 face increased risk when using VPN for privacy or restricted access. The absence of clear notification confuses users. Eles believe the service is active, but traffic can pass through unencrypted.

The error does not appear in previous versions such as Android 15. Testes show that manually disconnecting the VPN restores normal internet access. However, this defeats the purpose of maintaining a persistent connection.

Google’s answers so far

Google received the reports and forwarded them to the responsible teams. Atualizações in Issue Tracker indicate that the issue was shared internally. Não there is an indication of a fix implemented in recent system updates or security patches.

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Providers await a solution at the platform level. Enquanto That’s why they recommend monitoring the VPN’s behavior after any app update. Usuários may temporarily prevent automatic updates to reduce occurrences.

Suggested temporary measures

Restarting the device restores functionality in most situations. Reinstalar the VPN application eliminates the corrupted state. Desativar automatic updates on Play Store for VPN apps can prevent triggers.

Keeping the Always-on VPN requires extra attention. Verificar connection status periodically helps detect failures. Provedores continues to send logs and details to aid in diagnosis.

Technical context of the problem

The flaw involves the management of VPN services during updates. The system loses the ability to route traffic correctly after packet replacement. Isso results in timeouts in application network calls.

Reports indicate that the bug occurs in a small percentage of updates. Intermittency complicates prioritization. Desenvolvedores of VPNs ask for greater transparency and speed of resolution.