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University Information Services
 

Configuring the UIS VPN for iOS

 

Important Information

There is currently a bug which means some users are seeing the error message 'No VPN shared secret was provided'. This prevents connections using the standard VPN profile. It mainly affects iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 but users on other iOS versions have reported the same issue. We've reported it to Apple and hope it will be fixed soon.

In the meantime, please follow our workaround instructions for setting up the VPN if you see the shared secret error message.

Before you start: create a Network Access Token

  1. Visit the UIS Network Access Tokens site.
     
  2. Create a Network Access Token for using the VPN on your device, and keep the window/tab open in readiness for when you'll need to refer to the username and password.
     

1

Using your iPhone or iPad, collect your network access token from the UIS Tokens Service. Tap and hold the token, and then select 'Copy'.

 

2

Use Safari to download the VPN configuration file (other browsers won't work). Select 'Allow' to confirm the download, and tap 'Close' when it's done.

1a. Download Profile   1b. Download Complete

 

3 

Open 'Settings' on your device, then tap 'General', and scroll down to and tap 'Profile'. You'll find the downloaded 'Cambridge VPN' profile there.

2. Profile in Settings

 

4

Tap the profile and then tap 'Install'. You may need to enter your passcode for your device.

3a. Check and Install Profile   3b. Enter Passcode

 

5 

Read the warning and tap 'Install' and then 'Install' again to confirm.

4a. Profile Warning   4b. Install Profile

 

6 

You'll see confirmation that the profile has been installed. Click 'Done'.

5. Install Complete

 

6

Open 'Settings' on your device, then tap 'General' and 'VPN'. Tap on the 'i' next to 'Cambridge VPN'.

6. Settings General VPN Configure

 

7

Tap 'Edit' in the top right corner.

7. Edit VPN Settings

 

8

Enter the username for the Network Access Token you created for this device – for example, CRSid+device@cam.ac.uk – for the 'Account' username, and manually type in the password for this Network Access Token into the field for the 'Password'. Tip: Don't copy and paste the username and password because this can lead to extra spaces being added.

Then tap 'Done'.

 

9

To connect to the VPN, return to the main settings page and slide the VPN slider to the right.

The VPN will connect, and display a VPN icon in the status bar at the top of the screen.

9. Switching VPN on in Settings

To disconnect, return to 'Settings' and slide the VPN slider to the left.