Insights
Getting the “connection blocked after timeout” message in TeamViewer? Learn what causes it and how to restore your connection.
If you’ve encountered the message “TeamViewer connection blocked after timeout”, we understand how disruptive that can be. Whether you were just finishing a task or trying to reconnect to a trusted device, unexpected timeouts are frustrating—especially when you're unsure why they happened.
At TeamViewer, we want to make sure you understand exactly what this message means, why it appears, and what you can do about it. This article breaks down the most common causes behind the timeout block, from license limitations to suspected commercial use, and offers clear next steps based on your situation.
If you're using TeamViewer for personal reasons and feel you’ve been incorrectly flagged, we’ll show you how to restore your connection. If you’re a business user, we’ll help you explore professional options that provide uninterrupted access, stronger security, and full compliance—backed by our trusted support.
Let’s take a closer look at what triggers this message and how you can resolve it quickly and reliably.
The message “TeamViewer connection blocked after timeout” appears when a session is terminated and further access is temporarily restricted. This typically happens after reaching a usage limit, especially on the free version, or when the system detects unusual connection patterns.
These restrictions are part of our security and licensing policy. They help ensure responsible use of remote access and protect the experience for all users. In some cases, technical factors such as outdated software, license mismatches, or firewall settings may also contribute.
This issue primarily affects users with a free TeamViewer license. If you connect to several computers, access work-related devices, or use TeamViewer within a business network, the system may classify your activity as commercial use, even if your intent is personal.
Many users experience this unexpectedly. If you’re seeing the block but using TeamViewer only for non-commercial remote support, there are ways to restore access. And if your use case is genuinely business-related, upgrading to a paid license will unlock longer sessions, prevent future timeouts, and provide enhanced support and security options.
Several factors can lead to the message “TeamViewer connection blocked after timeout”, Understanding the most common triggers can help you resolve the issue quickly and prevent it from happening again.
TeamViewer’s free version is designed for personal use only. If you use the software in a way that resembles professional activity, your connection may be temporarily restricted. This helps ensure the fair and responsible use of remote connections across all users.
Our algorithm monitors usage patterns to identify potential commercial activity. Repeated sessions, connections to multiple computers, or access from corporate networks may trigger a flag. Even if your intent is private, using a free TeamViewer license in a professional context may result in limited access or a blocked session.
All TeamViewer sessions are limited to a maximum duration of 48 hours and will automatically end after that time, regardless of activity or license type. This limit cannot be changed. While session timeouts due to inactivity can be configured manually in the advanced settings, the 48-hour cap is a fixed system behavior designed to ensure stability and resource efficiency.
If you regularly switch between different devices, manage remote access across departments, or work in environments that involve many users, your activity may resemble a commercial setup. This often applies to IT professionals or users in industries like finance, healthcare, or manufacturing—even when they use TeamViewer under a free license.
There are several ways to restore your remote access—depending on whether you are using TeamViewer privately or in a business context.
If you are using the free version for non-commercial purposes, try the following steps:
Close the TeamViewer application on both ends and relaunch it. In many cases, this simple step clears the temporary block and allows you to reconnect.
If your device has been flagged incorrectly, resetting the TeamViewer ID can help. This process involves deleting configuration files and reinstalling the app. Make sure to back up any custom settings before proceeding.
Remove all TeamViewer-related data by deleting the folder in the Program Files directory, then reinstall the application. This helps if corrupted files or old registry entries are interfering with your connection.
Go to the advanced settings menu (accessible via the gear icon) and review your session timeout configurations. By default, session timeouts are turned off. If you want inactive sessions to close automatically, you’ll need to enable and adjust this setting manually.
If you are confident your usage is personal and you still cannot connect, reach out to our support team. We will help verify your activity and, if applicable, remove the commercial use flag from your TeamViewer account.
If you are using TeamViewer in a professional setting or your activity has been correctly flagged as commercial, upgrading to a paid TeamViewer license is the best way forward.
A paid version unlocks:
Unlimited remote sessions
Professional-grade support from our dedicated customer service team
Access for multiple users and the ability to manage hundreds of devices in professional or commercial environments
The Free version allows access to up to three devices, which covers basic personal needs. By switching to a commercial license, you ensure long-term stability, full compliance, and the ability to scale secure remote support across your organization.
Explore all plans and pricing and choose the solution that fits your organization best.
Looking for alternatives? Read our comparison of top TeamViewer competitors—and see how we stack up in terms of features, security, licensing, and support.
In a market full of options, it is important to choose a platform that aligns with your technical requirements, compliance needs, and remote support goals.
Your connection may be blocked if the system detects activity that resembles commercial use on a free license. This often occurs when session time limits are exceeded or connections involve multiple devices in a business-like environment.
TeamViewer sessions for free users can last up to 48 hours. However, if usage appears to be commercial, the session may be limited or interrupted by TeamViewer’s commercial use detection. The Free license is intended for personal, non-commercial use only.
There is no supported way to bypass session timeouts on the free license. However, restarting the TeamViewer application, checking your timeout settings, or resetting your TeamViewer ID may help if you have been flagged incorrectly.
Yes, the free version of TeamViewer remains available for non-commercial use. If your needs grow, upgrading to a paid license provides extended sessions, compliance-ready features, and professional-grade support.