Disclosed is a method for operating a multi-speed vehicle transmission having a plurality of shift elements (A, B, C, D, E) for engaging the gears of the vehicle transmission. The method includes decoupling between an input (AN) and an output (AB) of the vehicle transmission in a neutral gear, and coupling the input (AN) and the output (AB) of the vehicle transmission in a drive gear for propelling the vehicle by closing at least one shift element (B). At least one transmission state is determined when the neutral gear is engaged, where a shift element (D) for a reverse gear of the vehicle transmission is closed at least partially if the transmission is in a state with increased drag losses when the neutral gear is engaged.