My internet is slow when using a VPN on an Android

Problem

Your internet is slow when connected to a VPN server on NordVPN’s Android app. 

Common symptoms

• Download and upload speed test results are lower than usual.
• Websites and streaming videos take longer than usual to load.

Troubleshooting steps

NOTE: Check your connection speed on speedtest.net after each step.
NOTE: If you connect to a far country, the ping delay might increase.

• If you used the “Quick Connect” button to connect to the VPN, try manually selecting and connecting to the closest countries instead.
• Turn off Threat Protection:
  
  
  1. Tap the shield button on the bottom middle, next to the globe icon.
  2. Tap on “Use Threat Protection” to turn it off.
     
     
• Change the VPN protocol:
  
  
  1. Open the NordVPN app and tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
  2. Scroll down and tap “Settings.”
  3. Tap “VPN protocol.”
  4. Try connecting with all available protocols.
     
     
• Disable post-quantum encryption:
  
  
  1. Open the NordVPN app and tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
  2. Scroll down and tap “Settings.”
  3. Toggle the “Post-quantum encryption” off.
• Reset your network settings:
  NOTE: This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN, and APN settings you’ve used before.
  
  
  1. Open “Settings” on your device.
  2. Tap “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth” (or “Reset network settings”).
  3. Tap the “Reset settings” button.
  4. Restart your device.
     
     
• Uninstall NordVPN and install the version from our website:
  
  
  1. Open “Settings” on your device.
  2. Tap “Apps.”
  3. Tap “NordVPN.”
  4. Tap the trash bin at the bottom of your screen.
  5. After NordVPN is uninstalled, restart your phone.
  6. Install NordVPN from this link by tapping the “Get APK version” button.
     
     
• Alternate internet connection types; for example, try Wi-Fi if you use mobile data.

Additional tips

• Check if the issue persists on a different device.
• Make sure that your internet connection is active.