OpenVPN Setup for iOS
Complete guide to configuring OpenVPN on iPhone and iPad
π Before You Begin
Ensure you have your CodaMail VPN credentials ready. You'll need your VPN username and password (different from your email login) to connect to our secure VPN servers.
Important: All VPN and proxy servers are under the cotse.net domain. The codamail.com domain is exclusively for email services.
π± Step 1: Install OpenVPN Connect
Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
Search for "OpenVPN Connect" (by OpenVPN Inc.)
Tap "Get" to install the official OpenVPN Connect app
Open the app once installation is complete
Allow location access and notifications if prompted (optional but recommended)
π₯ Step 2: Download Configuration Files
Download one or more of the following OpenVPN configuration files to your iOS device:
π¬π§ London Server
πΊπΈ Denver Server
π³π± Amsterdam Server
βοΈ Step 3: Import Configuration File
Method 1: Direct Download (Recommended)
Download the .ovpn file using Safari on your iOS device
When the download completes, tap on the file
iOS will ask "Open in OpenVPN?" - tap "Copy to OpenVPN"
OpenVPN Connect will open automatically with the profile imported
Method 2: Manual Import
Open OpenVPN Connect app
Tap the "+" button to add a profile
Select "File" tab
Choose "Browse" and locate your downloaded .ovpn file
Select the file to import it
π Step 4: Configure Authentication
After importing, you'll see the profile in your list
Tap on the profile to configure it
Enter your CodaMail VPN credentials:
Username: Your VPN username
Password: Your VPN password
Toggle "Save Password" on for convenience (optional)
Tap "Add" to save the profile
π Step 5: Connect to VPN
From the main screen, tap the toggle switch next to your server profile
iOS will ask for permission to add VPN configurations - tap "Allow"
You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
The status will change to "Connected" with a green indicator
You'll see a "VPN" indicator in your status bar when connected
Your internet traffic is now secured through the VPN tunnel
π Choosing the Right Server
Performance Considerations:
London: Optimal for European users, excellent global connectivity
Denver: Best for North American users, central US location
Amsterdam: Great for European users, strong privacy protections
Network Optimization:
Default Port: Config files use port 1194/UDP by default
Alternative Ports Available: If blocked, servers also listen on:
UDP: 20, 123, 31482 (bypasses most firewalls)
TCP: 443, 80, 993 (works on restrictive networks)
You can manually edit the .ovpn file to change
remote server-address 1194 udp to use any alternative portUsage Tips:
Select the server geographically closest to you for optimal speed
Switch servers if you experience connectivity issues or slow performance
Configure multiple server profiles for different use cases
Consider server location when accessing region-specific content
βοΈ iOS Integration Features
On-Demand Connection:
Configure automatic VPN connection on untrusted WiFi networks
Set up rules for specific domains or network conditions
Tap the profile settings and configure "Connect On Demand"
Shortcuts Integration:
Create Siri shortcuts for quick VPN connection/disconnection
Add VPN controls to Control Center for easy access
Set up automation based on location or time
Battery Management:
OpenVPN Connect is optimized for iOS battery efficiency
VPN connection typically uses minimal battery power
Monitor usage in Settings β Battery if needed
π§ Troubleshooting
If you encounter connection issues:
Profile Won't Import: Ensure the .ovpn file downloaded completely and try again
Authentication Failed: Double-check your VPN username and password
Connection Drops: Check WiFi/cellular signal strength and stability
Slow Speeds: Try a different server location or disconnect other apps
Can't Access Internet: Disconnect VPN, test connection, then reconnect
VPN Permission Denied: Check Settings β General β VPN & Device Management
iOS-Specific Issues:
App Keeps Disconnecting: Enable background refresh for OpenVPN Connect
Certificate Warnings: These are normal - tap "Continue" to proceed
Multiple VPN Profiles: Only one VPN can be active at a time
Corporate Network Issues: Some enterprise networks may block VPN traffic
π Need Help?
If you need additional assistance with OpenVPN setup on iOS or encounter any issues not covered in this guide, please contact our support team at helpdesk@codamail.com.
We're here to help ensure your VPN connection works perfectly and keeps your iPhone or iPad browsing secure and private.