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One good thing about virtual private networks (VPNs) is that when they don't work, the problem is almost always solvable without technical training. Although it's aggravating when your VPN randomly drops your connection, the chances are good that you can handle the issue yourself without getting tech support involved.If your VPN is repeatedly disconnecting from the server, I recommend dealing with the problem immediately. When you have your kill switch on as good cybersecurity habits dictate, VPN drops will kick you off the internet. Without that feature enabled, it'll expose your real identity and location online. Thats not a big deal if youre just aiming to, say, stream an international sporting event, but it could be an existential issue if youre using the VPN as a workaround against government censorship. Either way, you can address the issue by working through the eight troubleshooting steps below and checking whether they've solved your problem.8 reasons your VPN keeps disconnectingI've organized these root causes in ascending order of how much effort the solution takes. Try the easier fixes before moving on to the more complex or expensive ones.1. You're using the VPN on too many devices at onceMost VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect at the same time on a single subscription. Some services, like Surfshark, claim to offer unlimited simultaneous connections, but they'll still cut you off if they see signs of abuse. Generally, you can install the VPN on as many devices as you like; it just can't be actively running on more than the limit.If you're trying to connect to the VPN on a new device and it repeatedly disconnects, check how many other phones, computers or smart TVs it's already running on. Pay attention to devices where you have the VPN set to auto-connect on startup, as you may have missed that it's running. Disconnect from the VPN on one of those devices and try again on the new one.2. Your VPN server is slow or overloadedThe problem often rests with the VPN server you're trying to connect to. Providers regularly shut down servers for routine maintenance. Sometimes, a server is technically online, but it's under such a heavy user load that it can't maintain a connection. It's also possible that the server is so physically far away from you that the connection keeps timing out.In cases like these, the answer is simple: use another server. Pick a different server by disconnecting the VPN and reconnecting to the same location. If the new server has the same problems, try another location, assuming you don't need an IP address in a specific country.3. You're using an unstable VPN protocolAs I explained in my article on how a VPN works, a VPN protocol is the set of instructions at the heart of everything a VPN does. Not all protocols are the same. For example, OpenVPN over TCP prioritizes speed over connection stability, causing more frequent disconnections. It's also possible for certain networks to block some VPN protocols but not others (see #8).If changing servers didn't help your unstable connection, try switching protocols. WireGuard, OpenVPN over UDP and IKEv2 are best for stability. You can almost always find the protocol options in the Settings page of your VPN app.4. Power-save settings are interferingA VPN almost always runs in the background. In some cases, a device's battery saver settings might shut down the VPN to stop the battery from draining. See if turning off power-save mode stops your VPN from disconnecting randomly (and maybe plug in your device while you're at it).5. Your internet connection isn't stableYour VPN needs to pass traffic through an ISP like any other online app it just encrypts that traffic first. If you don't have a good internet connection, you won't have a good VPN connection. When you notice your VPN randomly disconnecting, check whether you have problems with your home internet connection. Resetting your modem by turning it off for at least 10 seconds may solve the problem, but you can also just wait for your internet to improve with time.6. Another program is interfering with the VPNOther security programs are a frequent cause of VPN disruptions. If you connect to an office VPN, for example, you likely won't be able to have a personal VPN running at the same time. Likewise, if you use an antivirus program or have a firewall on your device, it may be blocking your VPN from connecting. See if you can configure the firewall to allow traffic through a port used by a VPN protocol.7. Your software is out of dateIf none of the fixes have worked so far, you can often solve your connection problems by updating all the software involved. For optimal security, you should be installing updates the moment they're available anyway, so this will protect you even if it doesn't directly solve your VPN problem.Update your VPN client and your operating system, then try connecting again. If you're still having problems, try updating your router. You can reach its control panel by entering its default IP address into the URL bar of your browser. Update it as well, then try once more.8. Your network or ISP is blocking VPN trafficThere's a chance that your problem originates with your network or ISP, not on the VPN or any device you own. Some networks, especially at offices and schools, automatically block any VPN traffic they detect. These restrictions can even be imposed by entire countries, most infamously in China.Should this turn out to be your problem, turn on any obfuscation features that may be built into your VPN. Using an obfuscated protocol, connect to a server outside the location being censored, then use the internet as normal. This will be much more difficult if you're in a country where VPNs are illegal or restricted, but there's still hope if you can safely send an email, contact a VPN provider and ask if they'll send you a configuration directly. Proton VPN is one company that's officially willing to do that.If you still find your VPN disconnecting mid-session, you may have a rare problem that doesn't show up on this list. Contact your VPN's support staff and do what they recommend. If possible, chat wih a live support technician so you can tell them what you've already tried.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/why-does-my-vpn-keep-disconnecting-130000620.html?src=rss
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A few days ago, a Redditor posted in the community for DoorDash drivers that they received an offer to close a Waymo vehicles door. The job paid a guaranteed fee of $6.25 with a $5 extra on top of it after the DoorDasher verifies that it has been completed. Waymo has confirmed to 404Media and TechCrunch that, yes, it is indeed paying Dashers to shut the doors of its self-driving cars. And it makes sense because, well, theres nobody to do it otherwise if a passenger accidentally leaves it open. The Alphabet subsidiary and DoorDash told the publications that its currently running a pilot program in Atlanta, wherein if one of its vehicles doors is left ajar, nearby Dashers are notified. Waymos self-driving vehicles cant leave if one of its doors remains open, so the company is framing the program as a way to enhance its fleets efficiency. Waymo told 404Media that the program started earlier this year and that payments are structured to ensure competitive and fair compensation for Dashers.To note, this isnt the first time the two companies have teamed up. In October 2025, Waymos self-driving cars became a delivery option for DoorDash customers in Phoenix, Arizona. To get a Waymo delivery, customers will have to choose opt in to autonomous delivery during checkout and to physically retrieve their order from the cars trunk when it arrives. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/doordashers-are-getting-paid-to-close-waymos-self-driving-car-doors-122711640.html?src=rss
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Threads users have complained about its recommendation algorithm since the dawn of time 2023. Users even started writing posts addressed to the algorithm, specifying the topics they wanted to see more of. Now, thats part of the system: Users can write a post that begins with dear algo to adjust their preferences, officially.For example, you could write: Dear algo, show me more posts about sous vide recipes. You can also ask to see fewer posts about topics you dont want to see, like Dear algo, stop showing me posts about air fryers. You can even retweet other users dear algo posts to have those topics reflected in your feed. Dear algo posts will work for Threads users in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand, with more countries coming soon. Mat SmithThe biggest stories in tech you might have missed.The first Control Resonant gameplay trailer shows a sideways NYC Apples Siri relaunch is reportedly behind schedule The next Metal Gear Solid remaster collection arrives this summerElon Musks latest scheme is a satellite catapult on the MoonI think thats a Drag Race song.With a bigger focus on the Moon, Elon Musk is making some wild new plans. According to audio heard by The New York Times, Musk said xAI needed to build an AI satellite factory on the Moon with a gigantic catapult to launch the satellites into space. Sometimes you just want to be the Bond villain.You have to go to the Moon to build the required AI capabilities, Musk told employees. Its difficult to imagine what an intelligence of that scale would think about, but its going to be incredibly exciting to see it happen. Such a catapult would certainly need to be powerful though the Moon has only one-sixth Earths gravity, the minimum escape velocity required for orbit is still around 3,800 mph, or five times the speed of sound. Thats currently possible with electromagnetic railguns, but the satellites would have to withstand that force.Continue reading.Pokémon Pokopia is cosy AFStardew Valley + Animal Crossing X Pokémon.TMANintendoIn a bid to distract from a lot of things, Nintendos new Pokémon game is a gently paced game where, instead of playing as a generic trainer, you take control of a sole Ditto. As a Ditto, you can transform into other Pokémon, though the process is sort of incomplete, meaning you can only learn one skill from the monsters you befriend. Instead of using tools, you can transform into other Pokémon (like Lapras or Dragonite) to use their abilities to traverse obstacles or shape the world around you.Continue reading.Sony WF-1000XM6 headphones reviewFacing tougher competition.TMAEngadgetSony unveiled the latest entry in its best wireless earbud series, the WF-1000XM6, featuring yet another redesign, both inside and out. Once again, strong features and audio performance remain, but competition from all sides is tougher than ever. As Billy Steele explains in his review, if you want the strongest active noise cancellation, that will be Boses QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. If the best sound quality is your goal, the Technics AZ100 is your best bet in this price range. Ill also mention Sennheisers Momentum True Wireless 4, which offers great sound quality, respectable ANC and a comfier fit than the M6. The WF-1000XM6 is available now for $330.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-meta-turned-threads-algorithm-complaints-into-an-official-feature-121500663.html?src=rss
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