Understanding iOS Settings and Protocols

Now that you have the VPN installed on your iOS device, you may be interested in the settings and features available in the Private Internet Access (PIA) application.

To access the iOS settings, select the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner.

1660572639512.png

From here, you can access options such as Region Selection, Account, Settings, and Log out.

1660572639872.png

The Settings menu contains several sections: General, Protocols, Network, Privacy Features, Automation, and Help.

1660572639615.png

General:

1660572640115.png

  • Connect Siri Shortcut: Allows you to record a personalized phrase so Siri can tell the application to connect.

  • Disconnect Siri Shortcut: Allows you to record a personalized phrase so Siri can tell the application to disconnect.

  • Show Service Communication Messages: Enables in-app messages.

  • Show Geo-located Regions: Displays geo-located exit nodes in your server list.

  • Reset settings to default: Resets all the above settings to the default configuration.

Protocols:

1660572640021.png

The PIA app supports three protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec (IKEv2). The protocol you select changes the available settings.

1660572639791.png

Protocol Descriptions

IPsec (IKEv2): An advanced VPN protocol that balances security and speed. It uses the UDP socket and port 500 for lower-latency communication.

1660572640607.png1660572640761.png

OpenVPN: Provides the most flexibility for resolving connection issues through various socket and port combinations.

1660572640854.png1660572640941.png

WireGuard: Optimized for speed and security. It connects over the UDP socket using port 1337.

1660572641024.png1660572641107.png

Connection Settings (OpenVPN Only)

  • Socket: Allows you to choose between UDP and TCP.

  • Remote port: Allows you to select the remote port for the VPN connection.

  • Use Small Packets: Lowers the IP packet size to improve compatibility with some routers and mobile networks.

Encryption Settings (IPsec and OpenVPN Only)

  • Data Encryption: Choose the cipher used to encrypt your traffic.

  • Data Authentication (OpenVPN only): Choose the hash function used to authenticate encrypted traffic.

  • Handshake: Select the handshake used to establish a secure connection with PIA servers.

Network:

1660572639418.png

Use the Network section to change the DNS settings for the app.

Privacy Features:

1660572639318.png

1660572640210.png

  • VPN kill switch: Prevents internet access if the VPN connection is reconnecting. This does not apply if you disconnect manually.

  • Safari Content Blocker state: Toggles the content blocker on or off. Selecting this redirects you to iOS Settings.

  • Refresh block list: Updates content-blocking rules to the most recent version.

Automation:

1660572640288.png

1660572640373.png

Automation allows you to configure how the application behaves when connecting to Wi-Fi or cellular networks. You can set the application to react to:

  • Mobile Data
  • Secure Wi-Fi
  • Open Wi-Fi
  • Specific Wi-Fi Networks

Help:

1660572640445.png

1660572640523.png

  • Send Debug Log to Support: Allows you to send a debug log to the support team for troubleshooting. This is available only when using OpenVPN or WireGuard.

  • Help Improve PIA: Toggles anonymous sharing of VPN connection statistics.

  • Latest News: Provides a synopsis of new client features.

Related articles