7 Ways to Fix VPN Connection Error on iPhone

A variety of factors can prevent you from establishing a connection to a VPN server, from an unstable internet connection to technical issues with your VPN provider . Luckily, you can try the troubleshooting steps below to quickly resolve the issue.

1. Do some preliminary checks

To begin troubleshooting, perform the following preliminary checks to help resolve the issue immediately:

• Force quit your VPN app, then reopen it.
• Restart your iPhone to rule out temporary software issues.
• Make sure your iPhone is connected to the Internet .
• Run a ping test to check the stability of your network connection. If your ping rate is too high or you get an error during the test, your Internet connection may be unstable.
• Only open one VPN app at a time. Also, close any other apps that may interfere with the VPN connection.
• Verify that your VPN app is updated to the latest version.

If the initial check does not work, proceed with the remaining troubleshooting steps.

2. Connect to the alternate server

Sometimes your VPN provider may experience technical issues with servers in a particular region, so if you are unable to connect to a VPN provider's server based in a particular country, try connecting to another available server.

Most VPN providers allow you to connect to a wide range of servers around the world, even if you're on a free plan. If your app doesn't offer this feature or you can't connect to all of its servers, try an alternative.

3. Try other VPN apps

If you are unable to connect to all available servers in different countries, there may be a backend or technical issue with your VPN provider. The easiest way to rule out backend issues is to try a different VPN app, preferably one that is more reliable, and connect to one of its servers.

If the connection is successful, your primary VPN provider is likely the culprit. While you wait for your VPN provider to resolve the issue, you can continue using an alternative app.

However, if you are also unable to connect to the VPN from another app, there might be an issue with your VPN configuration or iPhone settings, so try the remaining fixes.

4. Delete VPN profile

VPN profiles allow your device to securely connect to a private network. When you first connect to a new VPN, the app will ask for permission to create a new VPN profile. When you grant permission, the app will create a profile that allows the VPN to monitor or filter network activity on your iPhone.

A corrupt VPN profile can also hinder your connection. Therefore, you should delete the existing profile and add it again to rule out this possibility. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to General Settings > VPN & Device Management .
3. Click VPN .
4. Identify the VPN profile associated with your primary VPN that is currently not connected.
5. Click the (i) button next to the relevant VPN profile.
6. Tap Remove VPN and then tap Remove in the confirmation pop-up.
7. When you reopen the VPN app, it will ask for permission to recreate the VPN profile. Grant access and see if that fixes the problem.

If deleting and recreating your primary VPN profile doesn't solve the problem, delete all other VPN profiles you see in the VPN settings menu in addition to the one you just created. This may solve the problem.

5. Change VPN protocol

VPN protocols include rules that determine the encryption used for data and how information travels between your iPhone and the VPN server. Almost all VPN providers offer multiple VPN protocols and are configured to automatically connect to the most appropriate protocol based on your use case.

The default automatic mode is generally best, but it can sometimes malfunction and cause connection issues. If you’re also using the default automatic setting, manually switch between available protocols. Depending on your VPN provider, you may need to dig deeper into the app’s settings to change the protocol.

Tip : If changing the protocol manually doesn't solve the problem, revert the change and switch to automatic mode again.

6. Reset network settings for iPhone

If none of the above fixes work, reset your iPhone’s network settings. Resetting network settings clears the network cache and old data records stored on your device, which should fix any network issues. Therefore, resetting settings can also fix VPN connection issues. After resetting the network, reconnect to the VPN to see if you can connect successfully this time.

Warning : Since resetting network settings will erase saved WiFi networks, passwords, VPN profiles, and custom firewall rules, you will have to reconfigure them all. So use this solution as a last resort.

7. Make sure your ISP is not blocking your connection

Although this is rare, ISP restrictions can also prevent your iPhone from connecting to a VPN. If resetting your network settings doesn’t work, you’ll need to rule this out. To do so, connect to a different cellular or WiFi network to see if changing your Internet provider fixes the problem.

If you find that your ISP is the culprit, you may want to try a different VPN app to see if it is blocked. You can also contact your ISP directly to ask them to look into the issue or switch to a different network provider that doesn't block VPNs entirely.