How to Fix Screen Mirroring Disconnects After VPN Connected

Does VPN stop screen mirroring?

Screen mirroring is widely used for streaming, classes, and presentations, but many users experience screen mirroring disconnects after VPN connected. Without VPN, mirroring works fine, but once the VPN is active, the connection often drops.

This issue happens on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and even Smart TVs. The good news is that it’s not permanent. With the right settings and fixes, you can still enjoy VPN protection and smooth screen mirroring together.

In this guide, we’ll explain why VPN interferes with screen mirroring and share practical solutions to fix it.

Why screen mirroring disconnects after VPN is connected

When you connect to a VPN and try to mirror your screen via a screen mirroring app, the connection may drop due to several reasons:

• Network Conflicts: Screen mirroring relies on a local Wi-Fi connection. VPNs reroute your data through remote servers, which breaks the “local-only” communication between devices. This is often why users see screen mirroring disconnects after VPN connected iPhone or Android.
• Encryption and Latency Issues: VPN encryption is heavy, and when combined with mirroring’s real-time data transfer, it can cause lag and eventual disconnections.
• Device Compatibility Concerns: Not all devices are designed to handle VPN plus screen mirroring simultaneously. Some Smart TVs block VPN connections by default, while certain phones terminate local services when a VPN is active.
• Blocked Multicast Traffic: Mirroring protocols like Chromecast and AirPlay rely on multicast packets to discover devices. VPN tunnels often block these packets, making devices invisible to each other.
• Firewall and Router Restrictions: Routers with strict firewall rules may prevent VPN devices from communicating with local devices.

In short, the VPN disrupts the local network “handshake” that makes screen mirroring possible. Without this handshake, devices cannot find or trust each other, leading to instant disconnection.

Practical fixes for screen mirroring disconnects after VPN is connected

If your VPN keeps breaking screen mirroring, there are practical solutions you can try before giving up:

Solution 1. Enable LAN access in VPN settings

Most VPN apps include a feature called “Allow LAN Traffic” or “Local Network Access.” When enabled, this option ensures your devices on the same Wi-Fi network (like your smartphone and Smart TV) can still detect each other even while the VPN is active.

For example, if you’re streaming from your Android phone to a Chromecast, enabling LAN access prevents the VPN from blocking that local connection, which solves many cases of screen mirroring disconnects after VPN connected Android.

Pro Tip: This setting is sometimes buried under Advanced Settings in the VPN app. Look for phrases like Bypass VPN for local traffic or Intranet Access.

Solution 2. Use split tunneling

Split tunneling is one of the most effective fixes. It allows you to choose which apps or services go through the VPN and which ones don’t.

Example setup:

• Your streaming app (Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu) routes through the VPN to bypass geo-restrictions.
• Your mirroring app (AirPlay, Miracast, or Chromecast) bypasses the VPN, keeping the local network connection intact.

This method ensures you get the best of both worlds—access to blocked content and stable screen mirroring.

Pro Tip: Not all VPNs support split tunneling. Popular VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark include this feature in their apps.

Solution 3. Change VPN protocols

VPNs use different protocols (methods of connecting and encrypting data). Some protocols are better for speed and stability, while others focus on security.

• OpenVPN: Secure but often blocks local traffic.
• IKEv2/IPsec: Great for mobile devices, reconnects quickly, and often supports local connections.
• WireGuard: Lightweight, fast, and usually the best choice for streaming and mirroring.

If your screen mirroring keeps disconnecting, try switching protocols in your VPN app settings. A simple change from OpenVPN to WireGuard may instantly solve the problem.

Solution 4. Adjust firewall or router settings

Sometimes, your router’s firewall is the hidden culprit. Firewalls can block the multicast traffic required for devices like Chromecast or Roku to detect each other.

Step 1. Log in to your router settings.

Step 2. Ensure LAN access is enabled.

Step 3. Allow multicast or enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) for smoother communication.

Example: If you’re using Chromecast and it keeps disappearing when VPN is on, adjusting these settings on your router often resolves the problem.

Solution 5. Try wired connections

Wireless mirroring is convenient but not always reliable when a VPN is in play. If stability is more important than mobility, switch to a wired connection.

• Use an HDMI cable to connect your laptop or phone (via adapter) directly to your TV.
• This bypasses VPN-related wireless issues completely, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

When to use this: Wired connections are perfect for business meetings, presentations, or watching long movies without risking sudden disconnections.

Solution 6. Install VPN on router instead of device

One of the best long-term fixes is setting up your VPN at the router level instead of on individual devices.

Here’s why it works:

• All devices connected to your Wi-Fi (smartphone, TV, laptop, Chromecast) will share the same VPN-protected network.
• This prevents the “isolation” issue that happens when only one device runs VPN locally.

Pro Tip: Installing a VPN on your router can be technical, but many VPN providers (like ExpressVPN and NordVPN) offer detailed step-by-step guides. Some even provide pre-configured VPN routers for hassle-free setup.

AnyViewer: Best third-party screen mirroring app

Native mirroring functions like AirPlay, Miracast, or Chromecast are convenient, but they often struggle when a VPN is active because they rely heavily on local network discovery. To overcome this, third-party screen mirroring apps offer more flexibility. These apps create a secondary connection path or use different protocols, reducing the chances of VPN interference. As a result, you can continue watching geo-restricted shows or sharing content on a bigger screen without constant disconnections.

One of the most reliable third-party screen mirroring apps in this category is AnyViewer. Unlike standard mirroring solutions that are limited to local Wi-Fi, AnyViewer is designed primarily as a remote access and screen-sharing tool. This unique approach makes it much more stable and VPN-friendly.

• Cross-Platform Support: Works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it versatile for both personal and business use.
• VPN-Friendly Connections: Since it doesn’t depend solely on LAN traffic, it remains stable even when VPN changes your IP address or routes traffic through remote servers.
• Low Latency Performance: Optimized for smooth, real-time streaming with minimal lag, ensuring a seamless viewing experience whether you’re watching videos or presenting slides.
• Enhanced Security: End-to-end encryption ensures your mirrored content stays private, which is especially important when using VPN for secure browsing.
• Remote Access Capabilities: Beyond screen mirroring, AnyViewer allows you to remotely control another device, making it a dual-purpose tool for entertainment and productivity.

Use Cases for AnyViewer

• Entertainment: Stream movies, shows, or sports to a larger screen without worrying about VPN interruptions.
• Business: Conduct professional presentations or share your screen in meetings securely.
• Education: Teachers can mirror their devices while still using VPN to access region-restricted resources.
• Remote Support: IT professionals can troubleshoot devices remotely while maintaining VPN protection.

If you frequently encounter disconnections while mirroring your screen with a VPN enabled, AnyViewer is one of the best alternatives to native casting methods. Its flexibility, cross-platform compatibility, and stability make it an excellent choice for users who want both security and convenience.

Conclusion

While VPNs can disrupt traditional screen mirroring, this problem is solvable. Adjusting VPN settings, using split tunneling, changing protocols, tweaking your router, or switching to wired connections can prevent screen mirroring disconnects after VPN connected. For reliable performance across devices, VPN-friendly apps like AnyViewer offer a stable, secure, and smooth mirroring experience.