How do I get my VPN back after upgrading to IOS26 on my iPad Pro?

Question

Level 1

8 points

How do I get my VPN back after upgrading to IOS26 on my iPad Pro?

It seems my VPN is no longer working after the latest iOS 26 update on my iPad Pro. When I go to order from my usual supermarket here in Australia it now won’t let me sign in and tells me it thinks I am a bot? I also do surveys and when I go to enter those it says “this project has forbidden the use of vpn’s”! When I go to VPN and Device Management on my iPad it says it is “not connected”. When I tap that, it says “add VPN configuration” but there is no list or anything! I don’t know what the settings were before all of this as I had no reason to look. Can anyone tell me pls if this is normal or it needs to be fixed and if so how? I am only moderately tech savvy!

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Nov 3, 2025 1:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 3, 2025 3:43 AM in response to lejay5

Prior to updating to iPadOS 26, were you knowingly using a VPN or VPN App?

If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security App such as Norton, these may be interfering with your network connection. The resolution is usually simple; if installed, you may only need to temporarily disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN - and perform a forced-restart of your iPad.

Force restart iPad - Apple Support

If this resolves your issue, you might consider reinstalling the VPN and/or security App - although you consider the need carefully. Unless accessing a corporate/business/educational network remotely, or seeking additional protection when using public WiFi networks, these Apps often cause more difficulties than benefits.

If some Apps are working as expected, while others are not - you may find that a restart of your WiFi Router, followed by a restart of your iPad will clear the problem….

To restart your router, disconnect power from the router for at least 30 seconds - then reconnect power to restart. After your router reboots (which may take several minutes), force restart your iPad.

Reply

Answer 2

Nov 3, 2025 5:10 PM in response to lejay5

If you have enabled the iCloud Private Relay function (strongly recommended), some poorly designed websites may incorrectly identify your connection as via a VPN.

Settings > [Your Name / Apple Account] > iCloud > [iCloud+ Features] Private Relay

Reply

Answer 3

Nov 4, 2025 3:42 AM in response to lejay5

Does disabling the Private Relay function resolve the problem of specific websites complaining of access via VPN?

You should note that disabling Private Relay removes a significant element of your privacy protection.

Reply

Answer 4

lejay5 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 3, 2025 1:00 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you very much for answering my query. I don’t have a security app like Norton etc and I am inclined to think I never had a VPN in the first place on my iPad Pro despite the messages from a couple of sites. I checked my iPhone as I haven’t upgraded it to IOS 26 yet (and now probably won’t), it is still on IOS18. It is not connected to a VPN and there is no list. If there wasn’t a VPN originally on my iPad Pro, this update has changed something for some websites. On trying to fix this problem earlier, I did clear Safari’s history etc. and turned off the router and ipad for a couple of minutes then restarted everything but the problem remained. My banking app and other apps seem to be working okay but the supermarket app and the survey app will not open. I hope you have a further solution. Thank you so much for your information so far.

Reply

Answer 5

lejay5 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 4, 2025 5:26 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you so much for your helpful solution! Yes disabling Private Relay did solve the problem of being able to do the surveys but I am concerned that I am making my iPad unsafe so will enable it straight after the survey. Thank you once again.

Reply

Answer 6

lejay5 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 4, 2025 3:36 AM in response to LotusPilot

I checked and private relay is on. Thank you for all your information.

Reply

Answer 7

Nov 4, 2025 5:55 AM in response to lejay5

You're very welcome. I'm delighted that the problem was easily identified - and that you have a workaround.

Reply