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User's Guide to Life With a VPN

VPNs can be cranky for the user. They're impatient, sensitive, and unforgiving. Without some context and critical thought, they'll drive you crazy at times.

But we are committed to living with and advocating for VPNs because they make us invisible online - anonymous, private, confidential, secure, and safe.

Why Are VPNs So Cranky?

In a word; complexity.

A VPN app represents a tangle of combined sciences and technologies that collectively deliver a value proposition that transcends economics, risk, and reward. Which is why we put up with them. They work like magic!

Advanced software, big math, complex device and network technology; all are pushed to their limits when our VPN is in the "On" position. Delivering a good user-experience takes a VPN that like a conductor, leads an orchestra of participants that work together harmoniously and in tune. An unexpected outside influence, like when software updates come fast and furious, or when networks object to anonymity, and when our phones are multi-tasking at extreme levels - for a VPN, these things can be disruptive and more noticeable to the user than the other less obvious apps we use.

There is good news; the science of encryption and VPNs is advancing considerably to make the service secure, yet easier for the user. We should expect more improvements in the coming months and years.

Troubleshooting

The confluence of complex activities on a VPN make troubleshooting difficult. But the basics still apply. 

  1. First, try turning the app off and on.
  2. Then, try restarting the device.
  3. Finally, try uninstall and reinstalling the app. If you are a TDS customer, request a link from support@totaldigitalsecurity.com

*** Always give the VPN app plenty of time to process changes, including the installation, uninstallation, and reinstallation processes.  

Tips for VPN Users

Status Bar

The best way to confirm the VPN's status is with the app itself:

 

F-Secure Mobile Protection iOS installation screenshotsScreenshot 2021-06-13 at 6.20.28 PM.png

On iOS 13.3 and higher, you can also swipe from the upper-right of the corner toward the middle of the screen:

 

screenshot #2 of the Freedome guide to using a vpn

Your device's status bar will sometimes show a "VPN" icon when it's turned on and connected by WiFi. This is an unreliable indicator of the VPN's status. We recommend using the Freedome app itself to check it's ON/OFF status.

screenshot #4 of the Freedome guide to using a vpn

Your device's status bar will sometimes show a "VPN" icon when it's turned on and connected by WiFi. This is an unreliable indicator of the VPN's status. We recommend using the Freedome app itself to check it's ON/OFF status.

The Freedome app holds interesting information, options, and personal settings.

  • Explore the app to see what it can do for you, and which preferences work best for your needs and operating environment. 
  • Try tapping different elements of the screen interface - many features are found by drilling into the next layer.
Settings

In a VPN's app settings, look for an option labeled:

IKEv2

F-Secure Mobile Protection iOS installation screenshotsScreenshot 2021-06-13 at 6.21.44 PM.png

*** Experiment with the IKEv2 setting option when you encounter connection issues and diverse networks.

 

Installation video:

 

Support and FAQ's

If you need to contact us please find the online contact form on the Support page.

A support case starts with the form and email. Include as much information and clarity about your issue as possible.

  • Screenshots are very helpful.

The VPN Support page is rich with information, including FAQ's and regular updates for users.

  • Getting to know your VPN will serve you a lifetime.
  • And using a VPN will ramp your use of encryption and anonymization across all your digital activities as cybersecurity innovation will continue to provide more tools that are better, easier, and cheaper with time.

Click below for the VPN Support page:

Support