Unfortunately, some users may be unable to connect to our client due to our VPN service being aggressively blocked in regions such as: China, Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka.
While these countries do make it difficult to connect to the VPN we have a few options that may help bypass these regional blocks. However, we cannot guarantee the level of connectivity you may encounter.
OpenVPN
In censored regions, we recommend using PIA through OpenVPN with a Configuration File. OpenVPN is a free, open-source application developed by the OpenVPN project. The OpenVPN Project is the same team that develops the OpenVPN protocol, the encryption protocol used at the core of most modern commercial VPN services.
Below you can find instructions for installing OpenVPN Connect and generating your own configuration file(s):
Installing OpenVPN Connect:
Step 1: Application
Open the Apple App Store and search for OpenVPN Connect
Step 2: Install Application
Select Install to download OpenVPN onto your Device. Be sure to accept any required permissions.
Generating Configuration File:
Step 1: Client Control Panel
Once the application has been installed Open your Browser and Navigate to our website to access your Client Control Panel (CCP) located on the My Account Page here.
Once logged in, tap the three horizontal bars at the top left and select Downloads and scroll to the bottom to locate the generator.
Step 2: Configuration Generator
After you have logged into your CCP, scroll down until you find “OpenVPN Configuration Generator”. Select “Go to OpenVPN Generator”
Here you can configure your own configuration file for any platform with any region and port with the option to connect via an IP address instead of using the server's name.
Note: If you are unable to access our website or login to your CCP Please contact our support team for assistance in creating a configuration file for you or you can navigate to the following page and import our standard OpenVPN Config files.
Step 3: Generating
Within the Config Generator page, do the following:
1. Select what version of OpenVPN Connect you are using
Note: OpenVPN 2.4 or Newer is automatically selected
2. Select iOS from the Platform Options
3. Select the Region and server location that you would like to be connected to.
4. Next Select the Port TCP/ 443. However, you can select whatever port option you would like.
5. Next select to check mark box for Use IP and then press Generate
Step 4: Download Confirmation
Once you have selected Generate a Popup message asking if you wish to download this File, Select Download
Step 5: Import File
Once the file has been downloaded, follow the steps for importing the Config File:
1. Select the Download arrow, located next to the URL.
Select the Downloads.
Select the file.
2. Next you will need to select the Upload icon. This will bring up a list of applications you can upload the file to.
3. Scroll Until you find the OpenVPN Connect Application. Note: you May need to select the More Option.
If you are unable to download a configuration file on your iOS Devices, please try generating a file on a Desktop application and then emailing yourself the file.
Step 6: Add File
Once you have successfully uploaded the file to the OpenVPN Application, Select ADD within the Import Profile Page.
Next you will need to enter in your PIA Username and password. Select Connect.
Note: To enter your PIA Password you will need to select the Save Password Checkbox.
Step 7: Add Configuration
Lastly, you will be prompted to Allow “OpenVPN to Add VPN Configuration” Select Allow.
You now can Connect to your newly imported File by sliding the toggle bar.