How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone

Setting up a VPN on an iPhone is quick once you have your login details. You install or add the connection listed on your account, approve one prompt from iOS and connect. This guide covers the general process, so it applies whichever connection method your pass offers.

You need an active pass first. If you are not sure where your details are, read getting started with XPASS before you continue.

Before you begin

1. Open My Pass in a browser and confirm that your pass is delivered and has days remaining.
2. Note the app or connection profile listed for iPhone and have your login details ready. Copy and paste them where possible to avoid typing mistakes.
3. Use a stable connection, such as home Wi-Fi, for downloading and sign-in.
4. Check that your iPhone has enough storage for an app download.

Set up using the app on My Pass

1. Open the App Store and install the app named on your My Pass page. Use only the name and source shown there.
2. Open the app and sign in with the details from My Pass.
3. When iOS shows a message saying the app would like to add VPN configurations, read it and choose Allow. You will probably confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
4. Tap the app's connect control.
5. Look for the VPN indicator near the top of the screen to confirm the connection.

The prompt appears because an iPhone does not let any app route your network traffic without your permission. If you tapped Don't Allow by accident, close the app fully, open it again and connect so the prompt returns.

Set up using iPhone's own VPN settings

If My Pass gives you connection details to enter manually, or a profile to install, use the built-in VPN menu.

1. Open Settings and go to General > VPN & Device Management. Menu names can vary slightly between iOS versions, so use the search field at the top of Settings if you cannot find it.
2. Tap VPN, then Add VPN Configuration.
3. Choose the connection type shown on My Pass.
4. Enter the details exactly as shown: a description you will recognise, the server address, and your credentials. Leave other fields as they are unless My Pass tells you otherwise.
5. Tap Done, then switch the new configuration on.

If you were sent a profile file or link, open it as instructed. iOS may ask you to review the profile in Settings and install it. Only install profiles that come from your My Pass page.

Handy habits

• Turn the VPN on before joining a café, airport or hotel network. See VPN on public Wi-Fi for more.
• If you switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data often, glance at the indicator to make sure the VPN is still connected.
• Keep your login details private. Do not post screenshots that show them.

Check that it works

1. With the VPN off, open Safari and search for "what is my IP". Note the address.
2. Turn the VPN on, reload the page and compare. The address should be different.
3. Open a few ordinary websites to confirm they load.

For more tests, including DNS, read the guide to checking your VPN.

If it does not work

• Sign-in fails. Paste the details from My Pass again, check for stray spaces and confirm the pass still has days remaining.
• No permission prompt. Force close the app, reopen it and connect again.
• Connected but nothing loads. Toggle airplane mode on and off, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, then reconnect.
• Disconnects after the screen locks. Check that the app is allowed to run in the background, and reconnect.
• The VPN menu is missing. On a work or school iPhone, management settings may restrict VPN. Try a personal device or ask the administrator.
• Still stuck. Restart the iPhone, then reconnect.

More fixes are in the guide to troubleshooting a VPN on iPhone and iPad.

A VPN protects the traffic between your iPhone and the VPN. It does not make you anonymous or protect you against phishing, malware or every risk.

Summary

Take your details from My Pass, install the listed app or add the connection under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, allow the iOS prompt, connect, and confirm that your IP address changes. Menus differ slightly between iOS versions, so use Settings search when needed. If you need more time later, you can view the pricing page or renew from My Pass.