# Install and connect VilaNet on iPhone or iPad

This guide takes you from the official App Store download to a working first
connection. VilaNet requires iOS or iPadOS 15.6 or later.

> This guide has been checked against VilaNet 2.12.82 and the current shared
> app interface. It is review-ready, but its screenshots and complete flow have
> not yet been verified on a physical iPhone or iPad.

## Before you start

You need:

- an iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS 15.6 or later;
- a working internet connection; and
- your VilaVPN account email address and password.

If you do not have an active VilaVPN package, sign in to your account on the
VilaVPN website to purchase or renew one before trying to connect.

## 1. Download VilaNet from the App Store

1. Open the official [VilaNet App Store page](https://apps.apple.com/app/vilanet/id6446468411).
2. Confirm that the app is **VilaNet**.
3. Select **Get** or the download button.
4. Complete the App Store confirmation when prompted.
5. Wait for installation to finish, then select **Open**.

You can also start from the [official VilaVPN downloads page](https://vilavpn.com/index.php?rp=/download).
Do not install copies offered through an unofficial download site or message.

## 2. Sign in

1. Open VilaNet.
2. Review the linked EULA and Privacy Policy.
3. If the agreement checkbox is not selected, select it to open the data-consent
   message.
4. Review the message. Select **Allow** if you agree and want to continue.
5. Enter your VilaVPN account email address under **E-mail**.
6. Enter your account password under **Password**.
7. Select **Login**.

VilaNet should open the main screen after a successful login. If the account
does not have an active package, the app may instead show the appropriate
purchase or renewal flow.

## 3. Choose a server

1. Open **Server Nodes**.
2. Choose **Auto Select** for your first connection. It lets VilaNet select an
   available server automatically.
3. If you need a particular location, choose that server instead.
4. Return to the main screen.

Start with **Auto Select** unless a particular website or task requires a
specific location. You can change the selection later.

## 4. Allow the VPN configuration and connect

1. Select **Connect** on the main screen.
2. On the first connection, iOS or iPadOS should display a system request to
   add a VPN configuration. Read the request and approve it if you want VilaNet
   to create the VPN connection.
3. Complete any device authentication requested by iOS or iPadOS.
4. Return to VilaNet if the system dialog takes you away from the app.
5. Wait while the status shows **Connecting**.
6. Continue when VilaNet shows **Connected**.

The permission sheet is controlled by Apple, so its exact wording can differ
by operating-system version. VilaNet cannot connect if the request is denied.

## 5. Confirm that the connection works

Do not rely only on the **Connected** label:

1. Keep VilaNet open for a few seconds and confirm that it remains
   **Connected**.
2. Open Safari and load two familiar HTTPS websites.
3. Return to VilaNet and confirm that it still shows **Connected**.

The connection is working when normal internet traffic loads and VilaNet stays
connected. An IP-check website can be a secondary clue, but browser privacy
features can affect the address it displays.

For the complete check, see [Confirm VilaVPN is working](/en/start-here/confirm-vilavpn-is-working/).

## If something goes wrong

### VilaNet cannot be installed

- Confirm that the device is running iOS or iPadOS 15.6 or later.
- Confirm that there is enough free storage and that App Store downloads work.
- Open the App Store link above again instead of using an old bookmark or an
  unofficial copy.

### Login fails

- Check that the complete email address is entered under **E-mail** with no
  extra spaces.
- Re-enter the password carefully.
- Confirm that the account can sign in on the VilaVPN website and has an active
  package.
- Preserve the exact error message before reinstalling. Never send your
  password to support.
- See [Cannot sign in](/en/troubleshooting/cannot-sign-in/).

### The VPN permission was denied

Select **Connect** again and approve the system request if it reappears. If the
request does not return, open the device's VPN settings and check whether a
VilaNet configuration exists. Record what you find before deleting or
reinstalling anything.

### VilaNet stays on Connecting or disconnects

- Confirm that the device reaches the internet while VilaNet is disconnected.
- Try **Auto Select** once.
- Record the selected server and first visible error.
- Preserve diagnostics before reinstalling or changing advanced settings.
- See [Cannot connect](/en/troubleshooting/cannot-connect/).

### VilaNet says Connected but websites do not load

Disconnect once, confirm the ordinary internet connection works, and try
**Auto Select**. Then follow [Connected but no internet](/en/troubleshooting/connected-but-no-internet/).

## Next steps

- Learn when to use [automatic selection](/en/common-tasks/automatic-selection/).
- Follow the [first-connection overview](/en/start-here/first-connection/) on
  another VilaNet platform.
- If the problem continues, collect the exact error and follow
  [Contact support](/en/troubleshooting/contact-support/).