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Connect to WireGuard VPN on iPhone/iOS

Step-by-step guide to setting up WireGuard VPN on your iPhone or iPad

iOS Native

Official WireGuard app for iOS

Easy Setup

Quick configuration with QR code

Secure

End-to-end encryption on iOS

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.0 or later
  • WireGuard VPN server already set up (see our server setup guide)
  • Server configuration file or QR code from your VPN server
  • App Store access to download WireGuard app

1. Install WireGuard App

Download the official WireGuard app from the App Store:

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone/iPad
  2. Search for "WireGuard"
  3. Install the official app by WireGuard Development Team
  4. Open the WireGuard app after installation

App Store Link: WireGuard on App Store

2. Add VPN Configuration

You have two options to add your VPN configuration:

Option A: Scan QR Code (Recommended)

  1. Open the WireGuard app
  2. Tap the "+" button in the top right
  3. Select "Create from QR code"
  4. Point your camera at the QR code from your server
  5. The configuration will be automatically imported

Option B: Import Configuration File

  1. Get your client configuration file from your server
  2. Open the WireGuard app
  3. Tap the "+" button
  4. Select "Create from file or archive"
  5. Choose the configuration file (usually ends in .conf)

3. Configure Connection Settings

After importing, you can customize the connection:

  • Name: Give your VPN connection a friendly name
  • Private Key: Automatically generated (keep this secure)
  • Public Key: Share this with your server administrator
  • Address: Your VPN IP address (e.g., 10.8.0.2/24)
  • DNS Servers: DNS servers to use when connected

4. Add Server Peer Information

In the WireGuard app, add your server as a peer:

  • Public Key: Your server's public key
  • Endpoint: Your server's IP address and port (e.g., example.com:51820)
  • Allowed IPs:
    • Use 0.0.0.0/0 to route all traffic through VPN
    • Use 10.8.0.0/24 to only route VPN network traffic
  • Persistent Keepalive: Set to 25 seconds (important for mobile connections behind NAT)

5. Connect to VPN

To connect to your VPN:

  1. Open the WireGuard app
  2. Find your VPN configuration in the list
  3. Toggle the switch to connect
  4. You may be prompted to allow VPN configuration - tap "Allow"
  5. Enter your device passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID

The status indicator will show "Connected" when successfully connected.

6. Verify Connection

Verify your VPN is working correctly:

  1. Check the connection status in WireGuard app (should show "Connected")
  2. Visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com - it should show your server's IP address
  3. Check the data transfer statistics in the app

7. iOS-Specific Tips

  • Background Connection: WireGuard can stay connected in the background
  • Auto-Connect: Enable "On-Demand" to automatically connect when on untrusted networks
  • Battery Usage: WireGuard is very efficient and has minimal battery impact
  • Split Tunneling: Configure AllowedIPs to exclude certain apps or websites
  • Notifications: Enable notifications to see connection status changes

8. Troubleshooting iOS Connection Issues

If you're having trouble connecting:

  • Check server status: Ensure your VPN server is running
  • Verify configuration: Double-check server IP, port, and keys
  • Check network: Try connecting from a different network (WiFi vs cellular)
  • Restart app: Force close and reopen the WireGuard app
  • Update app: Make sure you have the latest version from App Store
  • Check firewall: Ensure your server firewall allows UDP port 51820

For more help, see our troubleshooting guide.

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