Many Internet networks block conventional VPN protocols (L2TP, PPTP, IPSec) available on iOS and do not allow iPhone/iPad users to bypass local restrictions. OpenVPN may be the solution, but it only works on jailbroken iOS devices. Learn how to use OpenVPN iOS.
Later edit: many iOS VPN apps in the App Store are now offering access to the OpenVPN protocol. For example, take a look at the ibVPN and PIA apps.
Traveling with your iOS device in China or Iran
Suppose that you travel to Iran or you connect to an airport wireless network while waiting for your next flight. You need to check your emails on your iPhone or to see the latest posts on Facebook. You try to set up a VPN (maybe using ibVPN, TunnelBear, VPN Fire iOS apps), but you are not able to connect to the VPN servers. Why? Most probably, the VPN ports are blocked by the network you are connected to. Nothing unusual in specific countries or public networks.
OpenVPN iOS – Solution for jailbroken devices
What to do? If your phone is jailbroken, get to Cydia, install the GuizmoVPN app and start using OpenVPN. If it is not jailbroken, there is not much you can do. Unfortunately, Apple does not allow apps that run OpenVPN in the official store, so GuizmoVPN is not available for you. (Later edit: You may now use the OpenVPN Connect app from the App Store)
How to use GuizmoVPN app
Step 1. Go to Cydia and look for the GuizmoVPN app:
Step 2. Install the app and get it started.
Step 3. Next, you need to download the OpenVPN configuration file for the VPN server you want to connect to. If you already have an account with a VPN provider, search it on the list. Many top VPN providers like HideMyAss, PureVPN, ibVPN, VPNTunnel are there.
If your provider is not listed, you should contact their support and ask for details on how to make their service work on GuizmoVPN.
If you don’t have an account with a VPN provider, you need to set up one to be able to connect to a certain server.
Step 4. After you selected the VPN provider to click on the Download button.
Step 5. Choose the VPN server you want to connect to. The OpenVPN configuration files will be downloaded to your device.
Step 6. Go to the main screen of the app and switch on Connect.
Step 7. You need to enter the username and password to get access to the selected server (they are provided by the VPN service you are subscribed to).
Step 8. You should be now connected to the VPN server and your real IP address changed. Enjoy!
Is GuizmoVPN free?
Yes and no. You can use it with no restrictions for seven days. After this evaluation period, the OpenVPN iOS will disconnect every 5 minutes, with a 5 minutes delay between 2 connections.
You can get the full version for 4.99€, a one-time fee.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are traveling to a country with high Internet restrictions and your regular iOS VPN app does not work, then you may try using GuizmoVPN. It runs OpenVPN, a protocol that more unlikely to be blocked. Thus, you may continue browsing the Internet securely. An important “but”: GuizmoVPN only runs on jailbroken devices.