Apps only work when VPN on?

midorimichi

Sorry in advance if this is dumb, I'm pretty much a luddite but I was able to download Graphene to my Pixel 7 today.

I connected to my mobile network, wifi, and then was able to download Proton VPN which I'd previously used on the Pixel.

Through Aurora Store, I downloaded my usual apps, including email, google maps and uber. However, I realized I had to turn off my VPN so the last two could get my location when in use. That's when I discovered, the apps completely lost connection when I disconnected the VPN. Not just maps, but everything, including Aurora Store, stops working when I disconnect my VPN. It doesn't even work when I'm only connected to my mobile network.

What have I done (or not done? Is there a setting I need to change)? Any insight would be appreciated. I'd love to start enjoying Graphene, but for this geezer it's just been stressful so far.

midorimichi

midorimichi Turns out I had "always on VPN" engaged, and I was able to turn that off. Which solves everything except my location problems! But I'll keep trying to figure it out...

guser39

midorimichi Through Aurora Store, I downloaded my usual apps, including email, google maps and uber. However, I realized I had to turn off my VPN so the last two could get my location when in use.

Are claiming that you needed to disable your VPN for Google Maps and Uber? That does not sound correct.

In fact, location is separate from your VPN. I use Google Maps just fine with a VPN active.

Verify that location services are active and that you've given these apps the location privilege.

Edit to add: yes, some services geolocate by a device's Internet-facing IP addresses. However, apps such as Google Maps should be using GPS (and possibly WiFi/Bluetooth scanning and cell tower triangulation, if enabled).

midorimichi

guser39 Thank you for this! I hadn't realized that, though I'd given the apps permission to access my location, I'd apparently had location services turned off this whole time. Oof, still learning...Thanks!