Establishing an OpenVPN connection with iOS devices

It is possible to form an encrypted remote connection from your home computer to the servers of the University of Helsinki. A VPN connection is also useful in unencrypted networks (e.g. visitor networks in libraries, airports, etc. in other public spaces).

OpenVPN in a nutshell

Use the uh-vpn-helsinkifi-only connection when you are in your home network or any other trusted network

Only the necessary traffic goes through the University (e.g. home directories, Efecte, SAP)

Less strain on the University network

Use the uh-vpn-allroute connection when you are in another network, for example, in a hotel or café

All traffic goes through the University securely

More strain on the University network
Use this connection when you want to use the library’s paid e-materials.

Use this connection when you log in to Rapo.

Quick help

1. Go to AppStore and download a program called OpenVPN Connect
2. Use your Safari browser to download files to your mobile device from Download Centre or here:

Open the files with the OpenVPN Connect program.

3. Add the information of your user account. Remember to use your short account name (e.g. rkeskiva)

4. Change in settings Allow Compression (insecure) setting to Full.

4. Launch the OpenVPN program and activate the VPN connection.

Detailed help

Installation
Establishing a connection
Disconnecting

Installation

Install the OpenVPN Connect program from App Store.

After this, you will need to adjust the settings. Follow these steps:

Use your Safari browser to download files from Download Centre or here:

The file is ready for downloading. Select Open in OpenVPN.

If you do not get the download icon, please open Files App and open downloaded file from there.

The settings profile will be added to the OpenVPN Connect program. Select Add.

Fill in your username in its basic format, e.g. rkeskiva (1). Select Connect (2).

The device will ask for permission to install the settings. Select Allow.

Accept the installation of the VPN configuration by entering the PIN code for the device.

Go to the OpenVPN Settings (can be found in menu in top left) and open Advanced settings.

Find the Allow Compression (insecure) setting and select option Full.

Now OpenVPN Connect is ready to use.

Establishing a connection

Use the switch to open a connection.

Enter your password and select OK.

The device will ask if you want to allow the OpenVPN Connect program to establish a VPN connection. Select Yes.

The connection is established, and this page will display statistics on the connection.

You can see the VPN icon on the top bar when VPN is connected.

Disconnecting

Open the OpenVPN program (unless it is already open > double-tap the home button to see all of your open programs).

Slide the switch from green to white to disconnect. You are now disconnected.

Video instruction

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