iOS - Installing and Setting Up the PIA App

Learn how to install the Private Internet Access (PIA) app from the Apple App Store and set it up.

Note: If the PIA app is not available in your App Store, you can connect to PIA using its configuration files on a separate VPN client. Our OpenVPN Connect setup guide for iOS shows you how to download those files and connect to PIA on your iPhone or iPad.

Jump To:

• Install the PIA App
• Set up the PIA App
• Connect to PIA
• Disconnect from PIA
• Change VPN Server Location
• Change VPN Protocol
• Enable or Disable the VPN Kill Switch
• Use Leak Protection
• Enable Safari Content Blocker State
• CustomizeNetwork Settings
• Set Up Automation Rules
• Customize Your PIA Home Screen
• Add the PIA Widget
• Uninstall the App

Install the PIA App

1. Find the PIA app in the Apple App Store. Tap Install or click the cloud icon.

   

2. Wait for the installation to finish. Tap Open.

   

Set Up the PIA App

1. Open the PIA app. Tap Login.

   

2. Log into your account. You can log in with your username and password, with a magic email link sent to your email, or with a purchase receipt (this option restores your App Store purchase and logs you in automatically).

   

3. You’ll see a notification pop-up. Decide whether you want to allow notifications.

   

4. Next, you’ll see a configuration screen. Tap OK to allow configurations. Without this, the VPN won’t work.

   

5. Tap Allow on the pop-up. You may need to enter your device passcode.

   

Connect to a VPN Server Location

1. Tap the red power button to connect to a server. The app will choose the best location server for you.

   

2. The power button should turn green once you’re connected to a server. You’ll see the name of the server underneath VPN SERVER.

   

Disconnect from a VPN Server Location

1. Tap the power button to disconnect from a server.

   

2. The power button should turn red once you’re disconnected.

   

Change VPN Server Location

1. In the PIA app, tap where it says VPN SERVER.

   

2. You’ll see a list of countries and locations. Tap any server to connect to it.

   

3. You can also use the search bar to find a specific location.

   

Change VPN Protocol

PIA lets you change protocols to get the best connection for your network. It supports WireGuardⓇ, Open VPN, and IPSec (IKEv2) on iOS. To change the protocol:

1. Tap the burger menu (☰).

   

2. Tap Settings.

   

3. Tap Protocols.

   

4. Tap Protocol Selection.

   

5. Select the protocol you want to use.

   

6. If you’re connected to a server while changing the protocol, you’ll see a pop-up to reconnect to save your changes and reconnect to a server.

Enable or Disable the VPN Kill Switch

The VPN Kill Switch in the PIA app for iOS is enabled by default. It blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly disconnects, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.

If you want to temporarily disable or re-enable it, follow these steps: 

1. Tap the burger menu (☰).

   

2. Tap Settings.

   

3. Tap Privacy Features.

   

4. Toggle the switch next to VPN Kill Switch on or off. 

Privacy note: Disabling the VPN kill switch and leak protection may expose your real IP address and internet traffic if the VPN disconnects.

Use Leak Protection

Leak protection helps prevent DNS leaks by routing your DNS requests through the VPN. It is on by default, but if you want to temporarily disable or re-enable it:

1. Tap the burger menu (☰) and go to Settings > Privacy Features.

   

2. Toggle Leak Protection on or off.

   

Enable Safari Content Blocker State

The Safari Content Blocker state option in the PIA app shows whether Safari's native content blocker is enabled.

Enabling this setting allows PIA MACE to block ads, trackers, and other unwanted website content in Safari. 

To disable or enable Safari Content Blocker state:

1. Open your iOS Settings and tap Apps.

   

2. Find and tap Safari.

   

3. Tap Extensions.

   

4. Tap PIA VPN.

   

5. Tap to turn the toggle on/off next to Allow Extension.

   

Customize Network Settings

PIA lets you choose which DNS resolver the app uses for your VPN connection. Using a different DNS provider may improve connection reliability or speed or provide access to certain services, depending on your network and location. 

To edit your DNS settings: 

1. Tap the burger menu (☰).

   

2. Tap Settings.

   

3. Tap Network.

   

4. Tap DNS.

   

5. Select your DNS setting.

   

   • PIA DNS: Uses PIA's default DNS servers while you're connected to the VPN.
   • Custom: Lets you specify a different DNS resolver by entering its DNS server address.

Note: For the best privacy and simplest configuration, we recommend using PIA DNS. If you choose Custom DNS, make sure you trust the provider and configure its address correctly. 

Set Up Automation Rules

Automation lets you decide whether PIA connects or disconnects when your phone uses mobile data or joins certain Wi-Fi networks.

To turn on automation rules:

1. Tap the burger menu (☰).

   

2. Tap Settings.

   

3. Tap Automation.

   

4. Tap the toggle for Enable Automation.

   

Manage Automation Rules

The pre-set automation rules apply to all networks. For example, you can decide to enable PIA when joining all secure Wi-Fi networks. To do this:

1. Once you’ve enabled automation, tap Manage Automation.

   

2. Select Secure Wi-Fi, Open Wi-Fi, or Mobile Data.

   

3. Select one of the following rules:
   • Always connect VPN: Automatically connects to the VPN whenever you join this network.
   • Always disconnect VPN: Automatically disconnects the VPN whenever you join this network.

   • Retain VPN state: Keeps the VPN in the same state it was in before you joined the network. If the VPN was connected, it stays connected. If it was disconnected, it stays disconnected.

     

Add a New Automation Rule

You can create new automation rules for specific Wi-Fi networks only. For example, you can decide to enable PIA when joining your home network. To do this:

1. Tap Add new rule.

   

2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to add a rule for.

   

3. Select one of the following rules:
   • Always connect VPN: Automatically connects to the VPN whenever you join this network.
   • Always disconnect VPN: Automatically disconnects the VPN whenever you join this network.

   • Retain VPN state: Keeps the VPN in the same state it was in before you joined the network. If the VPN was connected, it stays connected. If it was disconnected, it stays disconnected.

     

For more information on using the PIA VPN iOS app, read our guide on iOS settings and protocols.

Customize Your PIA Home Screen

You can adjust the dashboard to show the features you use most and arrange them for easier access.

1. Tap the rearrange icon in the top-right corner.
2. Customize the dashboard:

   • Eye icon: Show or hide a feature.

     

   • Sandwich icon: Move a feature up or down to change its position.

     

3. Tap Done to save your changes and return to the dashboard.

Add the PIA Widget

The PIA widget lets you connect or disconnect from the VPN without opening the app.

1. Tap and hold an empty area on your iOS home screen until the apps jiggle. Tap Edit.

   

2. Tap Add Widget.

   

3. Search for PIA and tap it.

   

4. Tap Add Widget.

   

5. The widget should appear on your home screen.

   

Uninstall the App

To uninstall PIA from your iOS device, follow the steps below. 

1. On your home screen, tap and hold the PIA app. 

2. Then select the Remove App.

   

3. Tap Delete App.