VPN not working on iPhone? Here is how to fix it
If you want to keep your information private and secure, using a VPN for your iPhone is a must. However, not all virtual private networks are built equally. Some VPNs might leak your IP address, location, and other important information. Not to mention, some services might not work at all.
Therefore, if you want guaranteed top-tier performance, I recommend getting NordVPN, currently with a 74% discount. Alternatively, you can take a look at (or be wary of) these iPhone VPNs:
| VPNs that work with iPhone | VPNs that do not work with iPhone |
| ✅ NordVPN | ❌ HideMyAss |
| ✅ Surfshark VPN | ❌ HolaVPN |
| ✅ Proton VPN | ❌ Windscribe |
In this article, I discuss the most common issues why your VPN might not work on iPhone phones. Additionally, I provide the most effective ways to solve VPN-related problems. So, keep on reading to finally fix the iPhone VPN not working issue.
Why is the VPN not working on iPhone?
There are a plethora of reasons why your VPN is not working on your iPhone. One of the main issues might be that you’re using a lousy virtual private network that’s incompatible with Apple devices. Therefore, picking the best iPhone VPN is the best way to avoid any problems.
Another reason might be that your ISP or network administrator is blocking virtual private network traffic. However, industry-leading VPNs can bypass strict firewalls and other restrictions. They do it with the help of obfuscated servers or StealthVPN, which hide all tracks of VPN usage. You might have difficulties if your chosen VPN doesn’t have these features.
Lastly, your iPhone VPN is not working due to configuration mishaps. If you don't give the VPN the right permissions, or if something is restricting your device (e.g., parental controls), there are chances that your VPN won’t work correctly. Plus, you must update your virtual private network regularly to function properly.
Best VPNs that still work with iPhone
Are you having issues with your current VPN not working on your iPhone? In that case, you might want to switch to a reliable virtual private network that is proven to work on iOS. Luckily for you, I tested and found the best 3 options that work perfectly on iPhone:
- NordVPN. The best VPN that works flawlessly on iPhones. It offers you loads of features, excellent connectivity, and heaps of servers globally. Plus, it can easily breeze through geo-blocks and bypass even the strictest firewalls. Get it now for 74% off.
- Surfshark VPN. A reliable VPN that offers amazing performance, pocket-friendly prices, and a top-notch security toolkit. Moreover, there’s no device limit, hence you can use it on your iPhone and other devices simultaneously.
- Proton VPN. This safety-first iPhone VPN will protect your device and keep your data absolutely private. It provides loads of servers, and great speeds globally. Apart from that, you'll be able to bypass geo-blocks on various apps and streaming platforms on iPhone.
VPN not working on iPhone: quick fixes
I've covered why your VPN might not work with the iPhone. And now, it’s time to explore the potential fixes.
However, you might need to try them all to see which one works for you. So, let’s see how you can get your VPN to work on an iPhone.
Check your network connection
First, make sure that your Wi-Fi isn't down and you still have mobile data. You can do it by checking if websites load as usual on your mobile when the VPN is disabled. This software doesn't work properly if there's no internet connection or if it's unstable and constantly keeps dropping.
I also advise checking if you haven't accidentally enabled airplane mode. This can make the VPN stop working on iPhones, or all other phones for that matter.
Update your VPN app
It might be that you forgot to keep your VPN app up to date. Outdated software is notoriously unreliable at doing its job, so it's always best to get the latest patches as they are rolled out. Simply head to the Apple App Store and press the Update button. After that, it should work smoothly.
Another way to solve this issue is to reinstall the application if you can't update the VPN from the App Store. That way, you’ll begin anew. However, I only recommend using this method if none of the other methods work.
Restart your iPhone
“Have you tried turning it off and on again?” is sort of a meme now. Nevertheless, it’s one of the easiest ways to fix your VPN issues. Simply turn off your device, wait a few minutes, and switch it on again. Additionally, I recommend checking if you enabled all the required VPN security features, such as leak protection and the kill switch.
Moreover, you can check if there are any new iOS updates. An outdated operating system causes a lot of apps to act funky, so updating to the latest iOS version might fix your VPN problems.
Reinstall the VPN app
Alas, sometimes you have to delete the VPN client completely as it might've been installed incorrectly. Besides uninstalling the app, you should also clear out the cache and any residual junk that is typically left behind after an application is wiped from the system.
Once everything is sorted out, head over to the Apple App Store and install the VPN app anew. Remember to allow the VPN to make configurations and give it all the permissions it requires to work.
Check VPN server status
In some cases, VPN servers might be down, or there are some other unexpected technical difficulties. Additionally, some servers might be overcrowded, especially if you're connected to a popular location. So, the best remedy for that is to hop through different servers.
Moreover, some countries restrict or forbid VPN usage. If you happen to live in such a nation, you need to switch to specialized obfuscated (StealthVPN) servers. That way, you can avoid any VPN blocks and stay anonymous.
Disable IPv6
If your iPhone VPN is not working, there are chances that you're running iOS 13. It’s been a big problem for various users. However, there’s a simple solution. You simply have to disable IPv6 internet protocol.
The problem with IPv6 IPs is that not many VPN providers support it since it's relatively new to the game and isn't widely implemented. Because of that, it often gets left outside of encrypted traffic, leading to DNS leaks, which results in your VPN not working.
Go through iPhone settings
When you first launch your VPN, it will ask for various permissions to work correctly. If you don’t allow it, it will start acting up and won’t work. Therefore, for the correct configuration, you have to go to your VPN settings or your iPhone settings and do it manually. The configuration process will depend on your VPN provider.
Clear out the cookies cache
All iPhone applications store some information in the form of cache data. VPNs are no exception. This information is typically harmless, yet sometimes it can get corrupted. Luckily, you can quickly fix this by deleting the cookie cache.
All you have to do is head to Settings and find Storage. Look for your VPN app and press on it. Then tap the Offload App button, and you should be good to go.
Contact support
You also have to consider the fact that the problem might be technical. If you tried all the steps listed above yet the VPN doesn't budge, then get in touch with your provider's customer support agents for advice.
Most premium services offer 24/7 support and knowledgeable people ready to help you out in an instant. And if need be, they give detailed instructions on how to properly configure the VPN and troubleshoot it.
Try a working iPhone VPN service
A VPN is not a ball and chain, and you shouldn’t use a service that underperforms. Therefore, you can always try a different provider. Best of all, the industry-leading VPNs offer loads of great deals, 30-day money-back guarantees, and free trials. So, you can try them without taking major risks.
VPNs that struggle to work with iPhone
Not all VPNs work well on iPhones. That's because some providers focus more on other OS. Additionally, some crucial features might be missing due to violating Apple's App Store guidelines. Not to mention, then there are VPN technical difficulties, like small server fleets, blocked IPs, overcrowded servers, outdated safety features, and so on.
You could spend days testing each VPN and how it works on iOS devices. But you won't have to because I did the heavy lifting for you. Thus, here are the VPNs that don't or struggle to work with iPhone devices:
- HolaVPN. It's the absolutely worst VPN service you can get. It won't connect properly. Moreover, even if it does, it won't protect your phone.
- HideMyAss. You won't get a stable connection. That means your data could leak at any moment. Moreover, it's pretty slow, even when the servers are nearby.
- Windscribe. I had a hard time connecting to servers. Plus, it was missing some crucial features that are usually available on other OS.
- Mullvad VPN. While security is Mullvad's forte, it's not the best option for the iPhone. The connections aren't stable on iPhone, so browsing is almost impossible.
- VyprVPN. Even when trying different tunneling protocols, I had difficulty getting a stable VPN connection. Moreover, sometimes, the app would crash and ask to sign in again.
So, if your VPN is on the list, or you're facing similar problems, chances are you need a new VPN. For this reason, I recommend NordVPN – a simple, stable, and fast VPN for your iPhone. With it, you'll enjoy maximum safety and unlimited streaming possibilities wherever you might be.
Conclusion
There are plenty of reasons why the VPN is not working on iPhones. Most commonly, it’s due to wrong settings, missed updates, or a faulty VPN service. Users can try troubleshooting these issues, although it does take time. Or you can avoid the hassle altogether by getting a reliable VPN that actually works on an iPhone.
Our top iPhone VPN choice is NordVPN as it works flawlessly with iOS devices. It keeps you safe while surfing the web without slowing down your internet speed. This service helps bypass annoying geo-blocks anywhere, so you’ll have access to a plethora of new content.
Do you have frequent VPN problems on your iPhone? How do you fix them? Share your tips and tricks in the comments section.
You may also like to read:
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How to beat Netflix VPN ban
Best VPN for Apple TV
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How to bypass YouTube TV location
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FAQ
Why isn't my VPN working on my iPhone?
Configuration issues, compatibility problems, and forgotten updates are just a few reasons why your VPN is not working with iPhone. If you avoid these unexpected and annoying problems, I suggest you get a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN.
How do you get VPN to work on an iPhone?
The best way to get the VPN to work on your iPhone is by restarting the app. If that doesn’t help, try updating or reinstalling the app. Otherwise, you can find more solutions in our quick fixes section.
How do I reset my VPN on my iPhone?
The ultimate method of resetting your VPN on iPhone is by reinstalling the app. You can do that by heading to your Settings and clicking on Storage. After you find the VPN app, press Delete App. Lastly, head back to the Apple App Store and get the application once again.
Why doesn’t NordVPN work on the iPhone?
There could be several reasons why NordVPN doesn't work on your iOS device. It could be issues with account status, network settings, Ip & DNS leaks, or even app configuration. Make sure you run the latest app, your GPS is disabled, cache cleared, and check for IP or DNS leaks.
Do VPNs actually work on iPhone?
Yes, VPNs work on iPhones. However, if you want an effective solution, you need to invest in a reliable service, such as NordVPN. It offers a streamlined app for iOS users. Additionally, you get the fastest speeds in the market, massive global coverage, geo-block bypassing, security, and more.
