iphone upgrade + VPN

OK, you asked for it! Here’s my VPN lecture:

VPN frequently creates more problems than it solves. But one important fact is that when you install VPN it configures itself to the specific hardware, iOS version and network that the phone uses. If any of those change it can break the VPN. So any time you change any of these you may need to delete the VPN app and profile, restart your phone then add them back (if you still want to use VPN) so it can configure itself to the new environment.

Here's Apple's advice on VPN→

Check VPN (Virtual Private Network) and third-party software to help resolve network connectivity issues - Apple Support

Something to think about→Don't use VPN - GITHUB

There are two legitimate purposes for using VPN:

• To allow access to a private network such as a school or business when you are not on site. 
• To allow access outside of a country with a repressive government that has restricted Internet access. (This has suddenly become more important)

Any other use is risky, and can lead to problems like the one discussed in this thread. VPN disguises your location by making you appear to be somewhere else in the world. But you usually can’t control that “somewhere else”, and if it is in a location that an app isn’t approved for the app won’t work. Plus the fact that the provider of the VPN knows everything about you and your location, as well as what sites you access through the VPN. So you are totally dependent on the VPN provider’s honesty. As a start, if the VPN is free, DON’T USE IT. The provider has to make money somehow, and if you aren’t paying them then they are selling your private data to make money. 

But even those that charge can’t necessarily be trusted. For example, a few years ago Avast was caught selling user browsing data. They claim they have stopped doing so, however, they lied 🤥→ FTC Order Will Ban Avast from Selling Browsing Data for Advertising Purposes

You don’t really need VPN when using public Wi-Fi, because all communications between your device and the servers it accesses are end-to-end encrypted.

If you want VPN for privacy about the sites you visit, that’s not a good choice as discussed; instead you should download and use the TOR browser.

The other use for VPN is to “steal” content that is not available in your area. I leave this question to your personal ethics.

With iOS 15.2 and later for iOS/iPadOS and MacOS Monterey 12.2 and later Apple now has iCloud+ Private Relay, which is not VPN, but provides a safer browsing environment than VPN, and it doesn't spy on you→About iCloud Private Relay - Apple Support

If you truly need it, then what you should do is completely remove the VPN configurations/profiles/apps from the phone.

Do the update.

Then re-install/reconfigure the VPN(s).

That is what KiltedTim said but you didn't read it.

Why on earth you think two VPNs is a good idea is a complete mystery

VPN and VPN-based blockers can cause havoc with iphones and mostly unnecessary. Even worse when used together.

Unless you live in a country run by a despotic dictator I recommend you uninstall your VPN and use ka-block open source blocker which does not use VPN.

To perform an update procedure wirelessly, you need to connect your device to a reliable and fast Wifi Network with internet access (no cellular data, unless you use a 5G network, no personal hotspot on your device, no VPN connections, no low power mode are admitted). AND I suggest that you keep the device plugged into power during the whole update process.

If you don't have a wifi network with Internet access, "borrow" one from your relatives/friends/neighbors, or ask for help at an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider or Authorized Reseller.

Do not forget to create a full backup of your device, before any updates.

Regards

Giulio

Do not use a VPN it will block any cancelled subscriptions you’ve requested delete them switch off VPN and do a network reset it’s the only way to get rid of them I’ve been charged for app purchases I’ve cancelled and they won’t refund apps that you have cancelled and then been charged for

iPhones do not need VPN they tend to interfere with WIFI so in order to uninstall them you need to remove them turn VPN off and RESET NETWORK SETTINGS It will fix the problem for you remember to copy your wifi password so it can be pasted after the reset it will save time re typing it back in

PGPetty wrote:

But what KiltedTim said is what to do ... not whether or not this was a known issue. I was very literally asking if this was a known issue, not asking how to address the issue ...

Anyway, this is useless, I'm guessing by now the answer is it's not or wasn't at the time a known issue. And if it's puzzling that someone might use or install more than 1 VPN app you're also probably not going to be of much help; but appreciate the feedback.

What KiltedTim and everyone else has been saying is that the VPNs are causing the problem and you generally don't need them. They will interfere with your phone's ability to connect to networks and sites. Even if you did need one, you don't need two.

See here for more information:

Don't use VPN services

PGPetty wrote:

Right, VPNs are probably overused & not always needed. Contrary to that article, though, they are required in some use cases (like accessing a corporate network) and can be useful in some use cases. But I'm not here to debate the validity of VPN or the expertise of generous posters here. Again, I wanted to find out if the issue I ran into was a known issue.

To be even clearer, I don't care what the popular opinion is here; I want to and sometimes have to use a VPN and iOS and macOS readily support this use case. It's irrelevant if some people are against or choose not to use a VPN, as that's not unrelated to my original question.

If you ask why you're having a problem walking when you wear stilts and roller-skates at the same time, don't be surprised if people's response is "That's a bad idea. Don't do that."

All advice is subjective, take it or leave it, but we see so much devastation caused by app store VPN that the advice stands.

I use cellular whenever possible.