How to Configure Per-App VPN in iOS Devices? (2024)

iOS per-app VPN enables devices to establish a Virtual Private Network(VPN) connection when specific managed apps are launched. A VPN ensures all data is transmitted via secured tunnel which means, it strictly requires authentication or a special certificate to establish connectivity. So, every enterprise prefers to configure VPN, to ensure all the corporate data is secured from hackers or unauthentic users. VPN is a necessity, without which users cannot reach the corporate network away from work. Since mobile devices have become a part of productivity, corporate data should be reachable for employees from anywhere or everywhere. As an administrator, you have the need to configure VPN for all the managed mobile devices.

When a VPN is set up, all the data from the devices, including the personal data, is routed through the VPN. Some organizations only require a VPN to be set up only for the corporate apps, in that case the admin can make use of per-app VPN. With per-app VPN, the admin can select the apps for which the VPN is to be set up.

You have to specify the app for which VPN should be turned on. You can add multiple apps in the same profile. The below mentioned table assists you on the inputs which need to be used on the product server to configure VPN for mobile devices

The following VPN connection types are supported by MDM:

  • Cisco AnyConnect Legacy (Device OS is less than iOS 10.3)
  • Cisco AnyConnect New (Device OS is iOS 10.3 or later versions)
  • F5 SSL
  • Juniper SSL
  • Pulse Secure
  • SonicWall Mobile Connect
  • Aruba VIA
  • Check Point Mobile VPN

Pulse Secure VPN, Cisco AnyConnect Legacy, Cisco AnyConnect New and F5 SSL require the corresponding third-party app Pulse Secure, Cisco AnyConnect Legacy, Cisco AnyConnect New and F5 BIG-IP Edge Client respectively, to be installed in the device for setting up the VPN configuration. Click here to know more about App Distribution and click here to know how to install apps silently in iOS devices.

Profile Description

PROFILE SETTINGS DESCRIPTION
Per-App VPN
Add App Specify the name of the apps for which the VPN is to be set up.
Automatically connect to this VPN, when using the selected apps Enable to ensure a VPN is set up automatically, when the apps are being used
Secure network communication using Choose whether to use App Proxy or Packet tunnelling as the means to secure the communication
General VPN settings
Connection Type Connection type to be enabled
Connection Name Specify the name, which needs to be displayed as VPN name on the end user's mobile device
Server Name / IP Address Host name or IP address of the server
Account 'User Authentication to access the VPN' (%username%) will get the appropriate user name, mapped to the device
Realm (Can be configured only if Connection Type is set as Juniper SSL/Pulse VPN) Specify the authentication realm. An authentication realm specifies the criteria users must comply with, to use the VPN service. It is a grouping of authentication resources, including authentication server, authentication policy etc., This is usually done by the network administrators.
Role (Can be configured only if Connection Type is set as Juniper SSL/Pulse VPN) Specify the user role. A user role is an entity defining user session parameters(such as session settings), personalization settings(such as bookmarks) and other enabled access features. For example, a user role may define whether or not a user can perform Web browsing.
Group Name Specify the group name to be used for identifying the group. The group must end with [hybrid] if Hybrid Authentication is enabled
User Authentication Specify user authentication type as password or RSA securID
Password (Can be configured only if User authentication is set as Password) Specify the password to be used for user authentication
Identity Certificate (Can be configured only if User Authentication is set as Certificate) Specify the identity certificate to be used for certificate-based authentication. You can also use SCEP for this.
Configure Proxy
Proxy settings Configure proxy settings for VPN
Server URL (Can be configured only if Proxy is set as Automatic) Specify the URL containing the Proxy PAC.
Server (Can be configured only if Proxy is set as Manual) Proxy server name
Port (Can be configured only if Proxy is set as Manual) Port number to be used
User Name (Can be configured only if Proxy is set as Manual) User name for authentication
Password (Can be configured only if Proxy is set as Manual) Specify the password to be used.

Dynamic Variables :

The below mentioned dynamic variables are retrieved from the data provided while enrolling the device.
%username% - will get the appropriate user name, mapped to the device

How to Configure Per-App VPN in iOS Devices? (2024)

FAQs

How to configure per app VPN iOS? ›

To configure Per App VPN for any connection type,
  1. Log in to your Hexnode console.
  2. Navigate to Policies. ...
  3. Head on to iOS > Network > Per-App VPN > Configure.
  4. Use the +Add button to add the required apps or app groups with which you want to associate the per-app VPN connection.

How to use VPN for specific apps on iPhone? ›

The only way to configure Per-App VPN is by enrolling the device in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system and linking apps that are managed by the MDM system with a VPN configuration. The app's traffic will then be handled by Apple's VPN component.

How do I set up VPN for only one app? ›

Select which apps you want to exclude from your secure VPN connection. Click the cogwheel icon in the bottom-left corner. Scroll down and tap “Split tunneling” in the menu. Choose your split tunneling type based on your preferences.

What is a per-app VPN? ›

This feature is called per-app VPN. When the app is active, it can connect to the VPN, and access resources through the VPN. When the app isn't active, the VPN isn't used. This feature applies to: Android Enterprise.

How to add VPN configuration in iOS? ›

Open iPhone settings and connect to the VPN
  1. Tap on your “Settings” app on the Home Screen of your iPhone.
  2. Choose “General.”
  3. Press “VPN.”
  4. Tap “Add VPN Configuration.”
  5. Press “Type” and pick the type of VPN protocol you're using. ...
  6. Type in a description, remote ID, and a server for the VPN.

What is the iOS app level VPN? ›

iOS per-app VPN enables devices to establish a Virtual Private Network(VPN) connection when specific managed apps are launched. A VPN ensures all data is transmitted via secured tunnel which means, it strictly requires authentication or a special certificate to establish connectivity.

How do I give an app VPN permission? ›

Go to Settings → Connections → More connection settings → VPN (or follow the Go to Android VPN Settings link in the error warning above).

Does VPN work on iOS apps? ›

No, iPhones don't have a built-in VPN service, but they do have built-in VPN support. In other words, the iOS platform allows you to configure and connect to a VPN service through its settings. To do so, you have to choose a VPN provider, download its VPN app from the App Store, and set up the connection.

How do I use VPN on any app? ›

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet. VPN. If you can't find it, search for "VPN." If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
  3. Tap the VPN you want.
  4. Enter your username and password.
  5. Tap Connect. If you use a VPN app, the app opens.

Can you have two VPNs on an iPhone? ›

Instead of working together, the apps will fight over your traffic and settings. The most likely outcome is the second VPN won't connect, and you'll only be able to use the first. But it's also possible that one or both apps will crash, or your internet connection will fail until you close them down.

How do I change the location of my apps using VPN? ›

Download and install a VPN app on your device. Open the Locations settings. Select a VPN server location that works for you. There it is – your IP address and location are changed.

What is split tunneling on iOS? ›

Split tunneling provides a flexible VPN experience when connecting to an organization's networks. In addition, the Network Extension framework allows third-party developers to create a custom VPN solution for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

How do I turn my VPN off for certain apps? ›

Go to VPN > Settings. Tap Split tunneling and switch on the toggle in the upper corner to turn on the feature. To find an app for which you want to disable VPN, tap the search icon and start typing the name of the app in the search bar. Tap the toggle to disable the VPN connection for this app.

What is the difference between a split VPN and a full VPN? ›

Main differences between split tunnel and full tunnel VPNs

full tunnel VPN is that a full tunnel VPN shields all your online traffic with VPN encryption, while a split tunnel VPN allows you to divide your traffic, routing a portion of it through a VPN server while the rest of it travels the internet directly.

Can I use a VPN for specific apps? ›

You can choose which apps are allowed to use the VPN using an allowed list. If you allow one or more apps, then only the apps in the list use the VPN. All other apps (that aren't in the list) use the system networks as if the VPN isn't running.

How do I choose a VPN app? ›

When considering VPN server networks, look at the overall number of servers, as well as the individual country locations. For instance, one virtual private network company may have twice the total number of servers as a competitor but half the different country locations, meaning you've got fewer international choices.

How to configure per app VPN on Intune? ›

For more information on the built-in roles, go to Role-based access control for Microsoft Intune.
  1. Step 1 - Create a group for your VPN users. ...
  2. Step 2 - Create a trusted certificate profile. ...
  3. Step 3 - Create a SCEP or PKCS certificate profile. ...
  4. Step 4 - Create a per-app VPN profile.
Jan 17, 2024

Does Apple have built-in VPN? ›

The iPhone does not have a built-in VPN. You have to find or build one and install it on your phone.

How do I find VPN settings on my iPhone? ›

Apple iPhone - Turn Virtual Private Network On / Off
  1. From a Home screen, navigate: Settings. General. . If unavailable, swipe left to access the App Library.
  2. VPN & Device Management. . If unavailable, tap. VPN. .
  3. VPN. then from the 'VPN Configurations' section, tap the. Status switch. to turn on or off .

How do I manually add VPN configuration? ›

You can also set up a new VPN connection manually by following these instructions:
  1. Select “Start,” then “Settings,” then “Network & Internet,” then “VPN,” and “Add VPN”.
  2. Choose Windows as your VPN provider.
  3. Enter a name you will recognize for future use in the “Connection Name” box.
Oct 16, 2023

How to configure VPN in iOS? ›

Once you've got this information, here's a general guide on what you need to do:
  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Navigate to General and then VPN.
  3. Tap on Add VPN Configuration.
  4. Choose the specific VPN protocol from the “Type” section (IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP).
Mar 25, 2024

What is the best VPN to use for iOS? ›

NordVPN is the best VPN for iPads and iPhones, thanks to a comprehensive package that comes with a built-in antivirus, ad-blocking, a data breach scanner, and a password manager. With more servers than ExpressVPN and Surfshark and world-class unblocking capabilities, Nord is the best streaming VPN I've tested.

What is secret in iOS VPN? ›

The shared secret is a kind of password. It's defined by the VPN server, so that would be the place to start looking.

How do I make my apps use VPN? ›

To add a VPN service to your app, create an Android service inheriting from VpnService . Declare the VPN service in your app manifest file with the following additions: Protect the service with the BIND_VPN_SERVICE permission so that only the system can bind to your service. Advertise the service with the "android.

How do I create a VPN app for my iPhone? ›

Method 1: Install a VPN app on your iPhone
  1. Sign up for ExpressVPN.
  2. Download the ExpressVPN app from the App Store.
  3. Open the ExpressVPN app and sign into your account.
  4. Pick a VPN server location. ...
  5. Simply tap the big “On” button, and ExpressVPN will connect you to the chosen VPN server, encrypting your internet traffic.
Mar 25, 2024

How do I setup two simultaneous VPN connections? ›

We will explore four methods for connecting to multiple VPNs and private networks.
  1. Method 1: Using Virtual Machines. ...
  2. Method 2: Using a VPN Client with Multi-Hop Capability. ...
  3. Method 3: Using VPN Split Tunneling and an extra VPN client. ...
  4. Method 4: Use Remote.It to Connect to Many Private Networks. ...
  5. Conclusion.
Feb 3, 2024

How can I use two VPN at the same time iOS? ›

Yes you can use but not simultaneously. You can add more than one vpn to your iPhone but can only use one at a time. Other way to use both VPN at the same time is that you can have an additional router to connect both the VPN at the same time.

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