Oct 9, 2019

Ethernet turns off while connecting to VPN

When connecting to VPN through LAN, Ethernet turns off every time.

Unreliable fix I found is to unplug-plug LAN cable quicky while connecting to VPN server in order to successfully connect.

But, VPN service I PAID doesn't work on my Android TV 9 (Pie) Box at all, it turns off Ethernet everytime. VPN that can work with the "Fix" doesn't suits me so I paid a more reliable and better VPN service.

Just to mention that I received official response from developer of VPN service I paid that this problem is not on their side even after many reports and log data checkings.

This must be bug on Android TV 9 or TV opearator that sold me Android TV Box was messing with files to prevent me using VPN.

Admins, please report this to someone, this problem should be fixed asap!

I have many responses from other people saying that they can't use VPN on LAN as well on Android TV 9.

I beg Google to fix this, this is a serious problem!

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Android TV Software,Android,TCL

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Vijay Sivasubramanian

Diamond Product Expert

PE - GAM, ATV, GTV & FBG.

Apr 1, 2020

Hi All,

Google is aware of the issue and we request to continue upvote the post so that Google can monitor volume of affected users.

Thanks,

Community Manager Zappy Bird recommended this

Helpful?

All Replies (113)

AlexdreOliveira💎

I'm a volunteer Google Product Expert on Portuguese.

Oct 10, 2019

Hello, - Strahinja -! Welcome to the Community Forum - Android Help.

I am sorry to tell you that we unfortunately do not support on possible problems or questions of Android TV. Please suggest that you contact Technical Support at > Get manufacturer help for your Android TV [Android TV Help].

If you have any questions or problems let us know.

Best Regards, Hugs!

User 11526944999544694939

Jan 11, 2021

This is most likely not a bug, and was intentional. As a further intentional assault on our freedom to have access to any information we want. Google cannot monitor and screen the information we gather or have access to, nor can Google control the sites we visit or don't on our Android devices, if we connect to a VPN. Just an ongoing part of Google's long-term plans.

Enej

Jan 12, 2021

I think I found the solution: when connected reconnect ethernet cable. Worked for me.

Baha Bilgin

Jan 12, 2021

When the VPN drops your connection you need to unplug and re-plug the ethnernet cable, it works !

Maurizio M 456

Jan 15, 2021

It has to do with power management of nordvpn, i.e. disabling that solves the issues.

On my Philips TV

TV settings

Android settings

Preferences

Storage

Internal

App

Special access

Energy optimizer

Set NordVPN to OFF

Last edited Jan 16, 2021

Dušan

Jan 18, 2021

wow, this Google is really f*ing up itself big time. on all fronts.... unreal

User 4597617584708033174

Jan 22, 2021

Surfshark vpn... Bypass ... Settings android tv... Vpn connecting and Ethernet doesnt turn off.

User 10116192186254850609

Jan 23, 2021

I also have this issue. The VPN only functions if I connect the TV by WiFi. If I have it use a wired connection it immediately disconnects from the ethernet upon connecting. It's unbelievable that this is still an issue after 2 YEARS. Typical Google though.

Dominique Müller

Jan 23, 2021

Same issues here. Got the Android TV 9 upgrade for my Sony Bravia TV, and when connecting to VPN using ExpressVPN the Ethernet connection suddenly drops.

Many of the workarounds mentioned here did not work for me, except two:

Using WiFi instead of Ethernet (lucky me would have a somewhat solid WiFi connection, but I'd certainly prefer my Ethernet to work)
Only allow certain apps to be tunneled in ExpressVPN (split tunneling)

Crazy to see this issue existing for so long now without a fix in place ...

Richard Goegan

Jan 25, 2021

Thanks Dominique, saved me a lot of typing.

Same issues here. Got the Android TV 9 upgrade for my Sony Bravia TV, and when connecting to VPN using ExpressVPN, the Ethernet connection suddenly drops.

Only the workaround mentioned here did work for me.

Using WiFi instead of Ethernet (also lucky me would have a somewhat solid WiFi connection, but I'd certainly prefer my Ethernet to work)
ExpressVPN had no fix. Recommended using WiFi.

Last edited Jan 25, 2021

User 17665650330981542029

Jan 26, 2021

Richard Goegan

i also have the same problem

this is how I work around it on my sony bravia android tv

settings

network & internet

proxy settings

none

it will pop up saved settings

then automatically go back and you will see it is now connected to ethernet.

unfortunately you will have to do this each time you turn on the tv but hopefully this will help until the issue gets fixed

Last edited Jan 26, 2021

Maurizio M 456

Jan 26, 2021

if you split tunnel, the apps you indicate will NOT use the VPN... so not really the best option. I use that for local network apps only, like Plex, i.e. If you want to make use of VPN ensure the split tunnel is not active for those apps you need VPN for. at leasst this is for NordVPN.

To verify it, use i.e. Analiti app and add/remove it from the split tunnel and then in between check the connection/VPN type used.

User 5733249764091784241

Jan 29, 2021

Ematic Android 9. I used to connect with WiFi then plug cable in. It stopped working a few days ago. I have tried all options listed here, even got previous version of express vpn and factory reset 🤦‍♀️. For express vpn...the solution on my ematic was split tunneling, allow only certain apps like netflix to use the vpn, and change protocol from recommended to lightway udp (or your picture quality is terrible and the app is slow) thanks for all the tips. For my box split tunneling and lightway protocol works.