Technology

Install and Connect with the VPN Profile for iOS

Last modified 4/23/2026

Install the VPN profile for your iOS device so you can connect to restricted resources on Illinois State University's network.

The VPN Profile for iOS is a profile that the University makes available to students, faculty, and staff which may be used configure the iOS built-in VPN client to establish a VPN connection with the University from off campus. If you have already installed the VPN profile on your iOS device, you may skip to the section below entitled Connect with VPN on iOS. If you need to install the profile on your iOS device, proceed to the next section.

Note:

If you have already installed the software and simply need to connect to the VPN, scroll down to Connect to the VPN for IOS for instructions on connecting.


  • Request and Install the VPN Profile on iOS

You may connect with the VPN Profile for iOS in order to access restricted electronic resources from an off-campus location on your iOS device. It is not necessary to connect with VPN when you are on campus and connected to ISUNET. Students, faculty, and staff may download and install the VPN Profile for iOS from the University IT Help portal by following the directions below:

  1. Launch the Safari browser and navigate to ISU Downloads page.
  2. Scroll down to VPN Profile and tap on the iPhone link (This profile configuration works on modern iPads as well). (Image 1) 
  3. Login and authenticate if needed to your Central Login account 
  4. Once directed to the SharePoint page, select Download. (Image 2)
    1. If prompted with a "Do you want to download" pop-up, select Download again.
  5. A blue "successful download" pop-up will appear. Select the option to go to your Downloads within your Files folder.
  6. Once in your Files folder. Select the file named vpnprofile_iphone; you will see a notification stating "Profile Downloaded". 
  7. Return to your home screen. Tap Settings then navigate to General > VPN & Device Management
  8. Under the Downloaded Profile section, tap the ISU VPN Profile.

    If you do not see it, return to your Files app, navigate to Downloads, and manually tap the profile to open it. It will then prompt you to view the profile in Settings.

  9. Select Install
    1. Enter your phone passcode if prompted.
  10. Select Install again then select Install one more time from the bottom pop-up. 
  11. when prompted for your ISU Username, enter your ULID (do not include @ilstu.edu). Tap Next in the top-right corner.
  12. Enter your ULID password and tap Next again.
  13. The profile is now installed. Tap Done on the top-right corner to confirm.

Image 1:
VPN Profile window with iPhone link

Image 2: 
SharePoint page with Download link


  • Connect to the VPN on iOS

While you are connected to VPN, a VPN symbol appears at the top of your iOS device. iPhone X and above users will not see the VPN icon in the status bar on the home screen. Pull down Control Center from the top right and your VPN status will now be visible.

  • Disconnect from the VPN on iOS

To disconnect from VPN, do the following:

  1. Tap Settings.
  2. Tap General
  3. Tap VPN & Device Management
  4. Tap the VPN toggle switch to change it from On to Off.


How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:



Feedback

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