Hello all. I’m new to the whole iCloud+ services. In particular, Private Relay. My phone hasn’t seemed to have any problems but my Macs do. With Private Relay turned on, if I also open and connect through ExpressVPN I get a notification saying Private Relay is incompatible with my software… From my reading I think I should be able to use both correct? Please tell me how!! Thanks a bunch!
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.0
I have this problem too. Worse, recently, besides the incompatibility notification, using ExpressVPN with Private Relay broke iCloud in system settings, such that I got sluggish behavior, unpopulated panels and inability to turn Private Relay off. I contacted ExpressVPN and they weren't much help. However, I was able to resolve the broken iCloud by uninstalling ExpressVPN completely, turning off Private Relay, and then reinstalling ExpressVPN. At least now I can use the VPN with Private Relay off and with iCloud system settings working properly. Current versions of Ventura (13.1) and ExpressVPN (11.15.0) seem to me more incompatible than before, as least from my experience.
I have this problem too. Worse, recently, besides the incompatibility notification, using ExpressVPN with Private Relay broke iCloud in system settings, such that I got sluggish behavior, unpopulated panels and inability to turn Private Relay off. I contacted ExpressVPN and they weren't much help. However, I was able to resolve the broken iCloud by uninstalling ExpressVPN completely, turning off Private Relay, and then reinstalling ExpressVPN. At least now I can use the VPN with Private Relay off and with iCloud system settings working properly. Current versions of Ventura (13.1) and ExpressVPN (11.15.0) seem to me more incompatible than before, as least from my experience.
Andrew, I confirm all that you say! Concerning the broken iCloud settings, that seems to be a recent thing, since macOS 13.1; see https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/warning-for-13-1-users-if-you-have-a-third-party-vpn-app-installed-and-private-relay-enabled-it-will-break-entire-icloud-section-in-system-settings.2373440/
I have also contacted ExpressVPN, to ask them whether an update compatible with Private Relay is imminent. If I get an enlightening answer, I'll re-post it here.
Hi there rothnd,
It sounds like your VPN isn't compatible or supported when using iCloud Private Relay. Have a look at this information:
Private Relay is designed to protect your internet privacy and maintain a high-performance browsing experience. Some websites, networks, or services may need to make updates for Private Relay, including networks that require the ability to audit traffic or perform network-based filtering — such as business or education networks—or services that rely on viewing your browsing activity, like parental controls or some "zero rated" services that don’t count against your data usage.
Have a look at the 'If a website or network doesn't work with Private Relay' section here for more information: About iCloud Private Relay - Apple Support
Take care.
iCloud Private Relay and ExpressVPN
