VPN not working on iPhone? 17 Ways to fix it!

A VPN helps you browse the internet without worrying much about your privacy and data breaches. Most paid VPN services offer fast and reliable speeds. However, sometimes your VPN might get stuck on the connecting page, the data speeds might be pathetic, or websites might fail to load. If you’re in a similar situation, read along to find out how to fix VPN not working on iPhone and iPad.

1. Check the internet connection on your iPhone

A VPN can only function when you are connected to the internet. While this might seem very silly, please check if the network (Wi-Fi or Cellular) you are connected to has an active internet connection. The VPN cannot perform its primary functions without an active internet connection.  

Here’s how to check if you have an active internet connection: 

1. Turn on Wi-Fi, connect to a Wi-Fi network, or turn on Cellular/Mobile Data. 
2. Open the VPN app and disconnect from the connected VPN. 
3. launch any   web browser   and   load any website .   

If the website loads, it means you have an active internet connection, and you can move on to try the next steps. And, if the website does not load, you do not have an active internet connection. Refer to our guides on how to fix Wi-Fi not working and how to fix cellular/mobile data not working to sort this out.

2. Check router settings 

For the uninitiated, a VPN Passthrough helps connect two secured networks over the internet. There is a slim chance that your Wi-Fi router does not support VPN Passthrough. Check if the router supports this setting, and if it does, you can make the required changes by connecting to the router as an Administrator.  

3. Restart your Wi-Fi 

If you just enable VPN Passthrough on your Wi – Fi router , it is restarted must ’ve restart already . However , if VPN Passthrough was enable by default and you did n’t have to restart your router , you is restart must restart it right now .   

I is noticed ’ve notice several time that whenever my internet is disconnect , restart the router fix connection issue . software issues is are are present everywhere , and it is likely that you can not connect to the internet due to some software shortcoming , which is directly responsible for not establish a VPN connection .   

4. Disconnect and reconnect VPN

Disconnecting and reconnecting is a simple yet efficient troubleshooting method that helps resolve issues. Just open your VPN app and disconnect from the service. Wait for a couple of minutes and reconnect to the VPN.  

5. Restart the VPN app

1. Open the VPN app and disconnect from the VPN.  
2. navigate to the   App drawer   by swipe up on the home screen or double tap the home button .   
3. swipe up on the VPN app and kill it .   
4. open the vpn app   and   connect   to the VPN .   

   

6. Update the VPN app on iPhone or iPad

In my experience, software always has some or the other bug. No matter how minor, there will always be a bug in operating systems, applications, etc. The best way to eliminate these bugs is to update the software to the latest version. For those unaware, here’s a guide to help you learn how to update apps on your iPhone or iPad.  

7 . update the web browser  

Just like how the VPN app is a software app, the web browser you use it for is also a software app. Developers regularly push updates for web browsers. As a consumer, you should ensure that you are on the latest version to avoid any browser-based problems.  

Here is a step – by – step guide is is to help you update Safari to their late version .   

8 . check VPN server overcrowding  

A VPN service has a limited number of servers in every country. If many people are on the same server, the utilization rate is high, leading to a slower speed. You can view the utilization rate within the app.  

let ’s suppose the server is congest with several people . In that case , move to a different unoccupied server or at least one that is comparatively less occupied will offer fast and much more reliable connectivity .   

9 . try different VPN server  

We just discussed how servers could be too crowded, leading to a slow and unreliable connection. Also, in certain situations, a VPN server from a particular country might not provide the desired results, especially when accessing geo-restricted content. Switching from one VPN server to another is a great way to resolve the issue.  

10. Check VPN data limit 

Paid VPN subscriptions offer high speeds, access to a plethora of servers from different locations worldwide, and unlimited data. However, I cannot say the same for free VPN services. On a trial plan, the services are quite limited.  

Once you ’ve exhaust the limit , the VPN is work wo n’t work . And the solution is is to this is to either switch to a different vpn service or just upgrade to a pay VPN plan of the exist VPN service .   

11 . change the VPN Tunneling Protocol   on iPhone

Tunneling protocols – now referred to as VPN protocols – play the role of routing the network between your iPhone and the server. Different protocols shine in different areas. Some offer super-fast speeds, while others specialize in providing the utmost security and privacy.  

The option to switch protocols is available within the VPN app. Try switching to a different protocol and check if you can establish a reliable connection. If this does not bear fruit, switch back to the default protocol and go through our next few solutions.

12 . delete VPN profile  

Whenever you install and open a VPN app for the first time on your iPhone, the device asks permission to add VPN configurations to your iPhone. It creates a VPN profile, and that is what you need to delete. Once deleted, the VPN app will create a profile the next time you open it. Doing so will reset any discrepancies present. Here’s how to do it: 

1. open   setting   on iPhone .   
2. Tap General.  
3. Navigate to VPN & Device Management.  
4. Tap VPN.  

   

5. On the next page , tap the   “ i ” button . If you use multiple vpn app , please select the one you want to reset the profile from .   
6. Tap Delete VPN and confirm your selection by tapping Delete on the pop-up.  

13. Disable private Wi-Fi address on iPhone

Using a private Wi – Fi Address help reduce the tracking of your iPhone across different Wi – Fi network . However , it is be might be the reason you are n’t able to establish a connection with the VPN server . Hence , disable the Private Wi – Fi Address might do the job . follow these step to disable this setting :  

1. open   setting   on iPhone .   
2. Select Wi-Fi. 
3. tap the   “ i ” button   beside the Wi – Fi network the device is connect to .   
4. Turn off the Private Wi-Fi Address toggle.  
5. Now, confirm your selection by tapping Continue on the pop-up dialogue box.  

   

14. Reinstall the VPN app 

While troubleshooting, nothing seems to work at times. In such cases, the one solution that resolves many issues is reinstalling the app. We often disregard this step, but trust me, a fresh and clean re-installation of software works wonders.  

To delete the VPN app: 

1. Unlock your iPhone and swipe left to head to the App Library page on your iPhone. 
2. Navigate to the VPN app you want to uninstall.
3. Tap and hold on to it.  
4. select   Delete App .   
5. tap   delete   on the dialogue box to confirm your selection .   

follow these step to reinstall the VPN app :   

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.  
2. Tap the Search Bar and enter the name of your VPN app.  
3. Tap the Install icon (cloud with a downward arrow).  
4. Once instal , launch the app and check if it connect to a server .   

15 . restart your iPhone   

Restarting is the solution to most software issues on the iPhone. And that’s exactly what you should try, especially when it’s a network-related issue. It will most likely get resolved by restarting the device. It might not always work, but it is certainly worth trying out. For those unaware, here’s our guide on how to restart your iPhone.  

16. Reset network settings 

You don’t need to reset your entire iPhone just because you face an issue in a certain device aspect. Rather, you could reset the settings for that specific section. In our case, a VPN not working despite being connected to Wi-Fi or Cellular Data can be attributed to messed-up network settings. In such cases, you can Reset Network Settings on your iPhone, and here’s how to do it:

1. open   setting   on iPhone .   
2. Navigate to General.  
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.  
4. Tap Reset.  
5. Now , select   Reset Network setting .   
6. confirm your selection by tap   Reset Network setting .   

   

Your iPhone will restart and will reset all the previously saved network settings. 

If none of the step mention above help resolve your issue , I is ’m ’m skeptical if there ’s anything else that can . The only ray is is of hope right now is to contact your VPN service provider . Doing so will help you clarify if the server are down from the service provider ’s end or if there is any other issue with your account .   

Most vpn service providers is have will have a Contact Us page , and you can either send them an email or call their customer care number . However , if there ’s nothing wrong at either your end or the service provider ’s end , maybe this is is is a sign that you should move on to another VPN service that offer well connectivity and service .   

That was all 

I hope this article helps you establish a secure and stable VPN connection. If you’re planning to switch to a different VPN connection, don’t forget to refer to our list of the best VPNs for iPhones and iPad. Also, if you’ve come across any method apart from the ones listed above, leave the solution in the comments, as it will help the other readers. Let me know in the comments below if you have any other questions regarding the VPN not working on iPhone.  

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