If Kaspersky VPN has been stuck on “Connecting…” for you in October 2026, you are not alone. Kaspersky has published a support notice saying it is carrying out technical maintenance that may temporarily affect VPN performance, and its first recommendation is simple: update the VPN app to the latest version on every device. This guide summarizes the notice and walks through the fixes in a sensible order.
What Kaspersky Says
According to Kaspersky's notice, the maintenance affects the standalone Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection subscription and the VPN included in Kaspersky Plus and Kaspersky Premium. While it is underway, users may see:
- Short periods when the VPN is unavailable or cannot connect,
- Reduced speed,
- Some server locations missing or hard to reach,
- The app switching to Free mode even though the subscription is active.
The notice gives no start or end date. It says missing locations should return after the work is complete, and that less-used locations may take longer.
Quick Diagnosis
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Stuck on “Connecting…” | Outdated app or a network that restricts WireGuard | Update the app, then test on another network |
| Free mode despite a paid plan | Temporary licence display issue during the migration | Update, check the My Kaspersky account, sign out and back in |
| Your usual country is missing | Location temporarily unavailable | Pick another location for now |
| Connects but is very slow | Load and interruptions during maintenance | Choose a closer location; make sure the app is current |
| Works on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data (or the reverse) | Protocol restriction on one network | Use the network that works; ask the provider about WireGuard |
Step 1: Update the App on Every Device
| Platform | How to update |
|---|---|
| Windows | The VPN is a separate app from the security suite. Download the latest Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection installer from Kaspersky’s site; you do not need to uninstall the old version. The link in the notice points to version 21.23.6.614. |
| Android | The Kaspersky apps are not on Google Play. Update from Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi GetApps or the official APK from Kaspersky’s website. |
| iPhone and iPad | Update from the App Store. |
| Mac | Update the VPN app from the Mac App Store. |
| Small Office Security | Download the latest version from Kaspersky’s website. |
On Android, download the APK only from Kaspersky’s own website. Outages like this are a common lure for fake “updated VPN” apps that carry malware. After installing, turn the “install unknown apps” permission off again for the browser you used.
Step 2: Fix the Free Mode Problem
Kaspersky says the Free mode display during the migration is not related to billing. Its suggested fix:
- Update the app on all devices.
- Check in the profile settings that the app is signed in to My Kaspersky.
- Make sure the account email matches the one used to buy the subscription.
- Restart the app, or sign out and sign back in.
If you have forgotten the password, reset it at my.kaspersky.com by typing the address yourself rather than following links in emails.
Step 3: Test Another Network
Kaspersky VPN uses the WireGuard protocol, which runs over UDP. Kaspersky notes that some home and mobile networks restrict it. Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or the other way round, and try again. If the VPN connects on one network but not the other, the restriction is on the network, not in the app, and Kaspersky suggests asking that provider whether it supports the protocol. Corporate, school and hotel networks are the most likely to block VPN traffic.
Step 4: General VPN Checks
- Choose a different server location.
- Close any other VPN or proxy app; two VPNs rarely work side by side.
- Restart the device.
- Once connected, confirm that traffic really leaves through the VPN: the IP address and country shown by our IP location tool should match the server you chose. Keep in mind that location databases are not perfect; see how accurate IP geolocation is.
- If the VPN connects but sites do not load, test basic reachability with our ping and traceroute tools.
While the VPN Is Down
If you rely on the VPN to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, avoid logging in to banking or email on those networks until it works again, or use mobile data instead. For an interruption that may only last days, switching to an unknown free VPN app usually adds more risk than it removes: many free services fund themselves by collecting and selling usage data.
Source: Kaspersky support notice on VPN maintenance, accessed October 13, 2026. This guide will be updated when Kaspersky announces that the work is complete.
Common Questions
Why is Kaspersky VPN not connecting?
Kaspersky says it is performing technical maintenance that can temporarily cause outages, slow speeds and missing locations. Outdated app versions and networks that restrict WireGuard can also stop it connecting.
Why does Kaspersky VPN show Free mode when I have a subscription?
Kaspersky says this can happen temporarily during the migration and is not a billing problem. Update the app and sign in with the My Kaspersky account that matches your purchase email.
When will the Kaspersky VPN problem be fixed?
The notice gives no end date. Locations should return once the maintenance is complete; less-used ones may take longer.
How do I update Kaspersky VPN on Android without Google Play?
Use Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi GetApps or the official APK from Kaspersky’s website. Avoid APK files from any other source.