Google Pixel 3a and VPNs. Anyone else having VPN issues?

VPN
1

I upgraded from the Pixel XL to the Pixel 3a and it was a great upgrade! However, I’m having issues with VPN staying connected.

My Pixel XL and Pixel 3a are setup with the same VPN connection details, however, the Pixel 3a only stays connected for roughly 90 seconds before disconnecting. The Pixel XL stays connected all day long no issues.

I’ve tested the 3a using a L2TP/IPSec PSK via Ubiquiti vpn from the phone VPN menu and an OpenVPN via PiVPN and OpenVPN app. PiVPN stays connected but eventually it stops responding.

Pixel XL using the same methods above, it runs like a champ all day long. Anyone else having similar issues? Google wants to replace my device, but I feel it’s more of a software issue on the 3a…

2

Sorry to dig up an old post but I came across this when I was researching my VPN issue. I have a Pixel 2 XL running Android Q and I can’t keep the VPN connected for more than about 90 seconds and the throughput is absolute garbage (5mbps on a symmetrical gigabit connection)

3

I have adguard which sets up a VPN and it’s been fine.

4

Mine works fine with both Mullvad and Nord.

5

There are other VPNs like Hoxx VPN, Aloha VPN Browser, TouchVPN, Veepee, Browsec VPN, Keepsolid Private Browser

6

Late response. I’ve had this issue with pixel 3a and pixel 3 on a unifi system at home. I fixed it by switching from l2tp psk to ptpp. Hoping q fixes it.

7

So it’s a known issue since I posted this. It’s all over the official android bugs forums. I ended up installing PiVPN on my rpi and utilizing that instead. If I can find the link again, I’ll edit the comment.

8

This is true, but I’m using the built in VPN connection. Google is replacing my phone via support. Although I suspect it’s more of a software issue vs hardware.

9

Did they replace your phone? Was it a new or previously used device? Is the problem solved?

I’m at the same point in my issues with VPN on a 3XL. Hard to believe how quickly they moved to suggest replacement for me. I expected needing to supply log files or allowing a remote login from tech support, but the few screenshots I voluntarily supplied seemed to be enough for them to decide a replacement was warranted.

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Here’s one link. I know there’s more.

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I opted for sending the 3a in first and get the replacement second since I still had my pixel XL. The replacement arrives Tuesday or Wednesday. They told me it was NIB. I’m suspecting the VPN issue will not be fixed since I believe it’s a software issue.

I did two bug reports for them, screenshots, even remote control with tech support. I showed them that my pixel 3a and pixel XL had the same credentials and only the XL would VPN properly.