IPHONE & IPAD GUIDE
Your first VPN session, step by step.
Set up ShieldFlow on iPhone or iPad, unlock VPN time with a video ad, and choose a server. Here is what to expect before you connect.
Install, watch, connect
Install from the App Store
Download ShieldFlow using the App Store button on this page, then open the app. Free iOS access does not require an account, a key or a subscription. Read any privacy choices shown at first launch; allowing tracking is not a requirement for using the VPN.
Start a session in ShieldFlow
Tap Connect, then Watch ad. An internet connection is needed to load a video and contact the service. Watch the video to completion and close it with its normal close button. You do not need to tap the advertiser’s links.
Allow the VPN configuration
If iOS asks to add a VPN configuration for ShieldFlow, review the system prompt and allow it to continue. Your device may ask for its passcode. Enter it only in the iOS system prompt; never send it to support.
Check the connection and timer
After the video is credited, ShieldFlow starts the VPN. Wait for Connected and check the session timer. Open a new page in Safari to confirm the selected connection works on your network.
Let Auto choose, or pick a location
Open the server row on the main screen. Select Auto to let the app choose an available server, or choose a location yourself. A low displayed ping is a useful signal, but it does not guarantee that every website will load quickly. Availability and speed can change with your network and the selected server.
Changing the server during a valid session keeps the remaining earned time. Wait for the new connection before checking Safari again.
Understand the session controls
- Remaining time
- The timer shows the access left in your current session. When it expires, return to ShieldFlow to start another session with a video. Manually disconnecting ends the current free session; the next connection requires access again.
- Disconnect
- Use the disconnect button in ShieldFlow when you want to stop. With kill switch off, ordinary internet is used after the VPN disconnects. A VPN switch in iOS Settings does not replace the in-app access flow.
- Kill switch
- Find this optional switch under Settings → Protection. It is off by default and is intended to block internet when the VPN drops or the session expires. If you turn it on, understand that an ended session can leave internet blocked until you disconnect the VPN in the app or renew access.
- Filtering
- The system-wide filter uses the VPN’s DNS while connected. It does not guarantee removal of every advertisement. Safari blocking is a separate extension; follow the system instructions to enable it if you want to use it.
If a video or connection will not start
Check ordinary internet first
Try a new page in Safari. If the VPN session has ended, disconnect it in ShieldFlow before checking ordinary internet. Mobile signal or a Wi-Fi icon alone does not confirm an internet connection.
If Safari works but the ad does not
Return to ShieldFlow and try Watch ad again when a video is available. Advertising availability varies; a working website does not guarantee an ad can be served. Do not repeatedly reset your VPN profile to fix an ad-loading message.
If one location fails
Try Auto or another server and wait for Connected. Some networks can reach one location but not another. A server being listed is not a promise that your provider can reach it.
Send useful details to support
If the issue continues, include your device, iOS and app versions, Wi-Fi or mobile network, selected server and the exact error text. Never send passwords or private access keys.
Ready to try a session?
Download the app, watch an available video, then connect. Sessions have a time limit and can be renewed in the app.