Internet only works when connected via VPN

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Internet only works when connected via VPN

I've been having problems getting on the internet with my iPhone 4 (with the latest iOS) for a while. The "symptoms" are as follows:

- I get the "3G" symbol that shows me that I'm supposed to be connected to the Internet

- I can check mail and send mail

- I seem to receive some push notifications (but I'm not sure whether all of the ones I should receive get through)

- I can tether using the personal hotspot function - and all services on the computer work (http and others)

- but I can't connect to most other services (Safari, Facebook, BBC News etc.) straight from my iPhone

Once I connect to a VPN server, this restriction is lifted and I have full access to the Internet.

I double-checked all settings (eg. under "cellular data network") and as far as I can tell, they are all as they should be.

I tried re-installing the iOS and restoring from back-up - no change.

I exchanged the SIM-card with one from another provider - same problem.

Any hints as to what I (or the phone) might be doing wrong?

Sebastian

iPhone 4, iOS 6.1.4

Posted on May 9, 2013 8:40 AM

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Answer 1

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sebhoff Author

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May 10, 2013 9:25 AM in response to sebhoff

OK - problem solved by myself....

I reset all network settings and re-entered the (same!) information again under "Cellular Data Network". That did the trick...

Case closed. 🙂

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Answer 2

sebhoff Author

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May 9, 2013 8:58 AM in response to KiltedTim

I don't understand - the VPN connection *solves* my problems. *Without* VPN, I can't get on the internet (apart from email and tethering).

But I can try to delete the VPN profile and see whether that helps.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

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May 9, 2013 8:54 AM in response to sebhoff

Sounds like the problem is being caused by the VPN profile on your phone. If that came from your employer, contact your IT department.

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Answer 4

wjosten

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95,321 points

May 9, 2013 9:00 AM in response to sebhoff

Do you have a Corp. Exchange account? If so, a profile, installed on your phone, can prevent Internet access, except by using the VPN.

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Answer 5

sebhoff Author

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May 9, 2013 9:07 AM in response to wjosten

Not that I know of. I think my university recently introduced some changes related to their mail system (moving over to Exchange, I guess), but I am not aware of having anything Exchange-specific on my phone.

If people think it might be related to something that changed at work, I can go and ask the IT people there tomorrow...

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Answer 6

KiltedTim

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May 9, 2013 9:09 AM in response to sebhoff

Why is the VPN profile there to begin with?

And while we're at it, is this your personal phone or a company owned phone?

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Answer 7

sebhoff Author

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May 9, 2013 9:13 AM in response to KiltedTim

Because I sometimes need/want to access some pages that I can only get to when connected to the VPN.

It's a personal phone.

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Answer 8

KiltedTim

Level 10

194,827 points

May 9, 2013 9:18 AM in response to sebhoff

So you're attempting to bypass blocks on your network, either cellular or WiFi, in order to gain access to prohibited content...

Remove the VPN profile. I'm willing to be that will completely solve your problem.

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Answer 9

sebhoff Author

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May 9, 2013 9:20 AM in response to KiltedTim

No - not prohibited. Licensed.

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Answer 10

KiltedTim

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May 9, 2013 9:32 AM in response to sebhoff

Well, it is still most likely, the VPN profile that is causing the problem. Address the issue with the VPN host.

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Answer 11

sebhoff Author

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May 9, 2013 10:11 AM in response to KiltedTim

Removed VPN profile, restarted phone. Problem persists. (Apart of course from the fact that I can't get on the Internet anymore because I have deleted my VPN profile... 😉 )

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Answer 12

KiltedTim

Level 10

194,827 points

May 9, 2013 10:18 AM in response to sebhoff

Then restore the phone as a new device. Do NOT restore your backup. Sounds like some settings were left behind by the VPN profile. Not uncommon.

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Answer 13

ttsaon3

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10 points

May 10, 2013 1:32 AM in response to sebhoff

You need check your DNS and vpn setup!.

How to Setup PPTP VPN on ipad

Tap Settings > General > Network > VPN > Add VPN Configuration. Then use the VPN settings for your device.

Open the Settings application

Click on General

Click on Network

Click on VPN

Click on Add VPN Configuration

Select PPTP

In the Description field, enter vpntraffic

In the Server field, enter your supplied server (for example: Brazil vpn )

In the Account field, enter your supplied username

In the Password field, enter your supplied password

Ensure that Send All Traffic is set to ON

Ensure that Encryption is set to Auto

Click Save

Press the Home button

Open the Settings application

Click on VPN

Click on vpntraffic

Set VPN to ON

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Answer 14

sebhoff Author

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May 10, 2013 9:03 AM in response to ttsaon3

Thanks - that explains how to get a VPN connection set up. But notice that my VPN connection already works - it's the non-VPN connection that doesn't...

I've now tried to remember when the problem started and I now think it's got to do with the GiffGaff SIM-card that I used when I was last in Britain. I suppose something of that profile was left on the system that now messes things up. But I don't know what...

Restoring the device from scratch is an option - but one I'd like to avoid if possible.

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