If you want to know how to install IPVanish but are not sure which file to download, whether router setup is even possible, or why the iOS app seems to be missing the kill switch every other guide mentions — you are in the right place. IPVanish genuinely works differently across platforms, and some of those differences are baked into the operating system itself.

This guide covers every device IPVanish officially supports — Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Linux, Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, routers, and Chromebook. Each section has numbered steps you can follow in order and callout boxes that flag the platform-specific quirks before they surprise you.

One thing worth knowing upfront: IPVanish lets you install and connect on unlimited devices simultaneously with a single subscription. That is not a marketing exaggeration — there is genuinely no device cap. So once you pick your plan, you can set up every device in your house.

For a deeper look at whether IPVanish is worth buying in the first place — pricing, speed test results, the 2016 privacy incident, and who it suits best — read our full IPVanish review. If you already have an account, let’s get right into the setup.

Before You Begin: Create Your IPVanish Account

Before you download IPVanish, you need an active subscription. The app will not let you past the login screen without valid credentials. Here is how to complete your IPVanish account setup in under five minutes.

Step 1: Choose Your Plan (Essential vs. Advanced)

IPVanish has two tiers. Both include unlimited simultaneous connections, the kill switch (on supported platforms), WireGuard, split tunneling, SOCKS5 proxy access, and 24/7 live chat support. The difference is what the Advanced plan adds on top:

FeatureEssentialAdvanced
High-speed VPN (all protocols)YesYes
Kill switch, SOCKS5, split tunnelingYesYes
Unlimited simultaneous devicesYesYes
Threat Protection (DNS-level ad/tracker blocking)YesYes
30-day money-back guarantee (yearly plans)YesYes
eSIM data bonus via aloSIM3 GB5 GB
Threat Protection Pro (malware scanner, works VPN-off)NoYes
Secure Browser (cloud-based disposable browser)NoYes
1 TB Cloud Backup via LivedriveNoYes
Phone support (6 countries, business hours)NoYes

The 2-year Essential plan starts at $2.19/month ($52.56 billed upfront). The 2-year Advanced plan is $3.29/month ($78.96 billed upfront). Both are solid value during the promotional term.

Renewal price warning: The promotional first-term pricing is substantially lower than what you pay at renewal. After the 2-year initial term, both plans renew yearly — not every two years. Essential renews at $89.99/year and Advanced at $109.99/year. That is more than double the introductory rate. Check ipvanish.com/renewal-price before committing, and set a calendar reminder before your renewal date.

Step 2: Sign Up at IPVanish.com

  1. Go to ipvanish.com/pricing.
  2. Select your plan (2-Year gives the best per-month rate).
  3. Enter your email address and create a password.
  4. Enter payment details — credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Google Pay. Note: cryptocurrency is not accepted.
  5. Complete checkout. You will receive a confirmation email immediately.
  6. Verify your email address if prompted. This step is required before the iOS/Android 7-day trial activates.
Free trial tip: If you are on iOS or Android and want to try before paying, IPVanish offers a 7-day free trial on yearly plan sign-ups through the mobile apps. Start the trial in the App Store or Google Play, test the service, and cancel before the 7 days are up if you are not satisfied. For yearly and 2-year plans on all platforms, the 30-day money-back guarantee applies — monthly plans are not covered.

How to Install IPVanish on Windows

The IPVanish Windows app supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. The IPVanish setup on Windows gives you the full feature set: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, kill switch, split tunneling (by app and by domain), Double Hop VPN, and Scramble obfuscation (OpenVPN only). Downloading IPVanish takes under a minute on most connections.

Steps to Install IPVanish on Windows

  1. Open your browser and go to ipvanish.com/software (or navigate to Apps from the top menu).
  2. Click Download Windows App. The installer (.exe file) will download to your Downloads folder.
  3. Double-click the .exe file to run the installer.
  4. Follow the installation wizard — the default installation path (Program Files) is fine for most users.
  5. When Windows prompts you to allow the app to make changes to your device, click Yes. IPVanish needs this permission to create a VPN adapter.
  6. Once installation completes, IPVanish will open automatically. Enter your email and password and click Sign In.
  7. On the main dashboard, choose your protocol. Open Settings > Protocol and select WireGuard — it is the fastest option for most users.
  8. Click the large Connect button (or pick a specific country first from the server list on the left).
Protocol note for Windows: The Scramble obfuscation feature (which disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS) is only available when using OpenVPN, not WireGuard. If you need obfuscation — for instance on restrictive networks — go to Settings > Protocol > OpenVPN UDP or TCP, then enable the Scramble toggle. Be aware that IPVanish has confirmed Scramble does not reliably bypass the Great Firewall of China.

Enabling the Kill Switch on Windows

The kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN drops unexpectedly — important if you are torrenting or handling sensitive data. To enable it: go to Settings > General and toggle Kill Switch on. The app will warn you that all internet access stops when the VPN is disconnected. Confirm and save.

How to Install IPVanish on Mac

The IPVanish Mac app requires macOS 12 (Monterey) or later. It includes WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, kill switch, split tunneling by app and domain, and Double Hop.

Steps to Install IPVanish on Mac

  1. Visit ipvanish.com in Safari or your preferred browser. Go to Apps in the navigation.
  2. Click Download Mac App. A .dmg file will download.
  3. Open the .dmg file from your Downloads folder.
  4. Drag the IPVanish icon into your Applications folder.
  5. Open IPVanish from Applications (or Launchpad). macOS will ask if you want to open an app downloaded from the internet — click Open.
  6. When the system asks for permission to add VPN configurations, click Allow and enter your macOS password or use Touch ID if prompted.
  7. Sign in with your IPVanish email and password.
  8. Select your protocol in Settings > Protocol (WireGuard is recommended).
  9. Click Connect.
macOS permission tip: If the app does not open after installation, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security. You may see a message saying IPVanish was blocked. Click Open Anyway to grant permission. This is a standard macOS Gatekeeper prompt for apps downloaded outside the App Store — not a security issue with IPVanish itself.

How to Install IPVanish on iPhone & iPad

The IPVanish iOS app works on iPhone and iPad running iOS 14 or later. The installation process is fast — under two minutes from the App Store to your first connection. If you are comparing mobile VPN options before committing, our guide to mobile VPN apps for iOS and Android covers how IPVanish stacks up against the top alternatives.

Steps to Install IPVanish on iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Search for IPVanish VPN. Tap the official app (developer: IPVanish).
  3. Tap Get, then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password to download.
  4. Once downloaded, tap Open.
  5. Tap Get Started on the welcome screen.
  6. Enter your IPVanish email and password and sign in.
  7. iOS will display a prompt: “IPVanish Would Like to Add VPN Configurations.” Tap Allow and authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID or your device passcode.
  8. You will be asked whether to enable On Demand — this auto-connects the VPN whenever you join an untrusted Wi-Fi network. Enable it if you want automatic protection on public Wi-Fi.
  9. Tap Connect to connect to the best available server, or tap the location name to pick a specific country.
iOS kill switch — important limitation: IPVanish does not include a kill switch on iOS as of June 2026. This is an Apple platform restriction — iOS does not give third-party VPN apps the system-level access needed to block internet traffic when the VPN drops. If a kill switch is a hard requirement for your use case (for example, if you use your iPhone for sensitive work on public Wi-Fi), consider using IPVanish on a router instead, which protects your device at the network level regardless of the app. The kill switch is available on Windows, Mac, and Android.

Protocols on iOS

The iOS app supports WireGuard and IKEv2. IKEv2 is especially good for mobile because it reconnects automatically when you switch between Wi-Fi and cellular. OpenVPN with Scramble obfuscation is not available on iOS.

iOS-Exclusive Feature: Connect On Demand

Found under Settings in the iOS app, Connect On Demand lets you create rules for when the VPN should activate automatically — for example, connect whenever on any Wi-Fi except your home network. This partially compensates for the missing kill switch by ensuring the VPN is always on in public.

How to Install IPVanish on Android

The IPVanish Android app works on Android 5.1 and above. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN (with Scramble obfuscation), and IKEv2. Unlike iOS, Android gets the full kill switch and split tunneling by app.

Method 1: Install from Google Play (Recommended)

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. Search for IPVanish VPN. Tap the official app.
  3. Tap Install.
  4. Once installed, open the app and tap Sign In.
  5. Enter your IPVanish email and password.
  6. Accept the VPN connection request when Android prompts you.
  7. Tap Quick Connect to connect immediately, or browse the server list to pick a specific location.

Method 2: Sideload the APK (Advanced Users)

If the Google Play Store is unavailable in your country or region, you can install IPVanish directly via APK download from the IPVanish website.

  1. On your Android device, go to Settings > Security (or Settings > Apps > Special App Access > Install Unknown Apps depending on your Android version) and enable Install from Unknown Sources for your browser.
  2. Visit ipvanish.com in your device browser and navigate to the Android download section.
  3. Download the Direct APK file.
  4. Tap the downloaded APK in your notifications or file manager to install it.
  5. Follow the installation prompts, then sign in as normal.
APK security note: Only download the APK directly from ipvanish.com. Third-party APK sites can distribute modified or malicious versions of VPN apps. If your device warns you that the APK is from an unknown source, that is normal — it refers to the fact that it is not from Google Play, not that the file itself is untrustworthy.

Android-Exclusive Features

  • Split tunneling by app — choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which connect directly. Find it under Settings > Split Tunneling.
  • Scramble obfuscation — available under Settings > Protocol > OpenVPN. Makes VPN traffic look like normal HTTPS on restrictive networks.
  • Kill switch — available and fully functional on Android (unlike iOS).

How to Install IPVanish on Linux

IPVanish offers a native Linux app for Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions. For Fedora and other distros, you can configure WireGuard or OpenVPN manually using credentials from your IPVanish account.

Method 1: Native App (Ubuntu / Debian)

  1. Open a terminal window.
  2. Update your package list:
    sudo apt update
  3. Download the IPVanish repository setup script from the IPVanish support page (check support.ipvanish.com for the current command — the exact repo URL may update over time).
  4. Add the IPVanish repository and install the app:
    sudo apt install ipvanish-vpn
  5. Launch IPVanish from your application menu or via terminal:
    ipvanish
  6. Sign in with your IPVanish credentials and connect.
Linux app note: The native IPVanish Linux app supports WireGuard and OpenVPN. The kill switch and split tunneling are available. For the most up-to-date installation command, visit the IPVanish setup guides at support.ipvanish.com — the Linux installation steps are maintained there and updated when the repository changes.

Method 2: Manual WireGuard Setup (All Distros)

For Fedora, Arch, openSUSE, or any Linux distro without a native IPVanish package, use WireGuard manually:

  1. Install WireGuard on your distro. For Fedora: sudo dnf install wireguard-tools. For Arch: sudo pacman -S wireguard-tools.
  2. Log into your IPVanish account at account.ipvanish.com.
  3. Navigate to the WireGuard Configuration Generator in your account settings.
  4. Select your desired server location and generate a configuration file (.conf).
  5. Save the config file to /etc/wireguard/ipvanish.conf.
  6. Bring up the tunnel: sudo wg-quick up ipvanish.
  7. To disconnect: sudo wg-quick down ipvanish.
  8. To auto-start on boot: sudo systemctl enable wg-quick@ipvanish.

Method 3: Manual OpenVPN Setup

  1. Install OpenVPN: sudo apt install openvpn (Debian/Ubuntu) or the equivalent for your distro.
  2. Download the OpenVPN configuration files from your IPVanish account dashboard.
  3. Run: sudo openvpn --config /path/to/ipvanish-server.ovpn
  4. Enter your IPVanish username and password when prompted.

How to Install IPVanish on Fire Stick & Fire TV

IPVanish has one of the best Fire TV integrations of any VPN. The app is available directly from the Amazon Appstore — no sideloading needed — and the interface is built specifically for TV navigation with a remote. The TV Kill Switch App is a separate companion download that blocks internet access on Fire TV if the VPN drops, which is unusual for a VPN to offer at the TV level.

Steps to Install IPVanish on Fire Stick (Gen 2 and Later)

  1. From your Fire Stick home screen, navigate to the Search icon (magnifying glass) at the top.
  2. Type IPVanish and select it from the results.
  3. On the IPVanish app page, click Get or Download.
  4. Wait for the download and installation to complete (usually under 30 seconds on most home connections).
  5. Click Open when it finishes.
  6. Enter your IPVanish email and password. Use the remote’s D-pad to navigate the on-screen keyboard, or pair a Bluetooth keyboard for faster input.
  7. Tap Connect to connect to the fastest available server, or browse locations by country.
Fire TV tip: Once connected, use VPN Shortcuts to pair specific server locations with individual streaming apps (up to 3 shortcuts). For example, set Netflix to always use a US server and BBC iPlayer to always use a UK server. This saves time if you switch regions regularly. Find it in the IPVanish Fire TV app under Settings.

Optional: Install the TV Kill Switch App

Search for IPVanish TV Kill Switch in the Amazon Appstore and install it separately. Once installed and configured, it monitors your VPN connection and cuts internet access if IPVanish disconnects — preventing accidental IP exposure while streaming.

How to Install IPVanish on Apple TV

IPVanish supports Apple TV via the native tvOS app (requires tvOS 17 or later). Older Apple TV models that cannot run tvOS 17 will need to use a router instead.

Method 1: Native App (tvOS 17+)

  1. On your Apple TV, open the App Store.
  2. Search for IPVanish VPN.
  3. Select the app and click Get to install it.
  4. Open IPVanish once installation completes.
  5. Enter your IPVanish email and password. You can use the Siri Remote or pair a Bluetooth keyboard for easier text input.
  6. Accept the VPN configuration permission when tvOS prompts you.
  7. Select a server location and tap Connect.
Protocol on Apple TV: The IPVanish tvOS app uses IKEv2. This is a solid protocol for TV use — it maintains stable connections and reconnects automatically. WireGuard support on tvOS may come in a future app update; check release notes at support.ipvanish.com.

Method 2: Router Setup (Older Apple TV Models)

For Apple TV 4th generation or older models that cannot run tvOS 17, you cannot install IPVanish directly. Instead, configure IPVanish on your router (see the router section below). Any device connected to that router — including your Apple TV — will then route all traffic through IPVanish automatically, without needing an app on the TV itself.

How to Install IPVanish on Android TV

IPVanish works on Android TV devices including NVIDIA Shield, ONN 4K, Nokia Streaming Box, and any Android TV running Android 5.1 or later. The app is available directly from Google Play.

Steps to Install on Android TV

  1. From your Android TV home screen, open the Google Play Store.
  2. Search for IPVanish VPN.
  3. Select the official app and click Install.
  4. Once installed, open IPVanish.
  5. Sign in with your IPVanish email and password (use a Bluetooth keyboard if available — it is much faster than the on-screen keyboard).
  6. Accept the VPN permission request.
  7. Select a server or tap Quick Connect to connect to the fastest available location.
NVIDIA Shield tip: The IPVanish app runs natively on NVIDIA Shield without any workaround. For the best streaming performance, select a server geographically close to you and use the WireGuard or OpenVPN UDP protocol (go to Settings > Protocol in the app). The split tunneling feature is also available, which means you can route only specific streaming apps through the VPN.

How to Install IPVanish on a Router

Setting up IPVanish on a router protects every device on your home network — smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart home devices, older Apple TVs — without needing an app on each one. All devices connected to that router’s Wi-Fi or ethernet get IPVanish protection automatically.

IPVanish supports manual OpenVPN and WireGuard configuration on several router types: ASUS (stock firmware), DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT, and Merlin routers.

What IPVanish does not offer: Unlike ExpressVPN, IPVanish does not sell a pre-configured dedicated router. However, IPVanish has partnered with FlashRouters — you can purchase a pre-configured router from FlashRouters.com with IPVanish already set up. If you want to avoid manual configuration, that is the easiest path. If you are comfortable with router settings, manual setup is free.

Method 1: WireGuard on ASUS Router (Stock Firmware)

  1. Log into your ASUS router admin panel (typically at 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com).
  2. Navigate to VPN > VPN Client.
  3. Select WireGuard as the VPN type.
  4. Log into your IPVanish account at account.ipvanish.com.
  5. Go to Account > WireGuard Configuration Generator. Select your preferred server location and download the .conf file.
  6. In the ASUS router interface, import the .conf file.
  7. Enable the VPN client and select which devices or all devices to route through it.
  8. Save and apply. The router will connect to IPVanish automatically.

Method 2: OpenVPN on DD-WRT Router

  1. Access your DD-WRT router admin panel (typically at 192.168.1.1).
  2. Go to Services > VPN > OpenVPN Client.
  3. Enable the OpenVPN client.
  4. Download an OpenVPN configuration file (.ovpn) for your chosen IPVanish server from your account dashboard at account.ipvanish.com.
  5. Open the .ovpn file in a text editor. Copy the contents of the CA certificate, client certificate, and client key sections into the corresponding fields in the DD-WRT interface.
  6. Enter your IPVanish username and password in the username/password fields.
  7. Set the server IP and port from the .ovpn file.
  8. Click Save and then Apply Settings.
  9. The DD-WRT status page will show “CONNECTED” once the tunnel is established.
Router setup caveat: Router-level VPN configuration varies significantly by firmware version and router model. The steps above are a general guide. For model-specific instructions, visit support.ipvanish.com — IPVanish maintains detailed guides for ASUS, DD-WRT, Tomato, and OpenWRT. If you run into issues, IPVanish’s 24/7 live chat support can walk you through the specific steps for your router model.

How to Install IPVanish on Chromebook

Most modern Chromebooks support Android apps through the Google Play Store, making IPVanish installation straightforward. If your Chromebook does not support Android apps, you can configure IPVanish manually through Chrome OS network settings using OpenVPN or WireGuard.

Method 1: Android App via Google Play (Recommended)

  1. On your Chromebook, open the Google Play Store from the launcher.
  2. Search for IPVanish VPN and install the app.
  3. Once installed, open IPVanish from the launcher.
  4. Sign in with your IPVanish credentials.
  5. Accept the VPN configuration permission when prompted.
  6. Connect to your preferred server location.
Chromebook compatibility check: To confirm your Chromebook supports Android apps, go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store. If the option exists, you are good to go. Chromebooks released after 2017 generally support Google Play. On older models without Play Store support, use the manual OpenVPN method below.

Method 2: Manual OpenVPN via Chrome OS Network Settings

  1. Download an OpenVPN configuration file (.ovpn) from your IPVanish account dashboard.
  2. Go to Chrome OS Settings > Network > Add connection > Add OpenVPN/L2TP.
  3. Enter the server hostname from your .ovpn file.
  4. Set the authentication type to Password and enter your IPVanish username and password.
  5. Import the CA certificate from the .ovpn file.
  6. Click Connect.

Troubleshooting IPVanish Installation Issues

Most installation problems fall into a small set of categories. Here are the common ones and how to fix them.

Login Error After Install (“Invalid Credentials”)

This is almost always a password issue. Check that:

  • You are using the password you set at ipvanish.com, not your device’s password or Apple ID password.
  • Caps Lock is off.
  • You have verified your email address (check your inbox for a confirmation email from IPVanish).
  • If you signed up via the iOS App Store, note that your App Store password and your IPVanish account password are different things. Sign in with the credentials you created on the IPVanish website.

If you cannot remember your password, use the Forgot Password link on the sign-in screen to reset it via email.

Scramble Obfuscation Is Not Available

Scramble only works with OpenVPN. If you are using WireGuard or IKEv2, the Scramble option will be greyed out or hidden. Switch to OpenVPN UDP or TCP in Settings > Protocol, then look for the Scramble toggle. Also note: Scramble is not available on iOS or Apple TV — only on Android and Windows.

Kill Switch Not Working / No Kill Switch on iOS

If you are on iOS, the kill switch is not available — this is a platform limitation, not a bug. If you are on Windows, Mac, or Android and the kill switch is not engaging when you disconnect the VPN, ensure it is enabled in Settings > General > Kill Switch and that the toggle is actively on (not just visible). On Windows, also check that IPVanish has permission to modify network adapters — if it was installed without full admin rights, it may not be able to block traffic.

Android APK Install Blocked

If Android blocks the APK installation, you need to enable installs from unknown sources for the specific app you are using to install it (your file manager or browser). In Android 9+, go to Settings > Apps > Special App Access > Install Unknown Apps, find your file manager or browser, and toggle Allow from this source on. Install the APK, then turn this back off for security.

Router Configuration Errors (VPN Not Connecting)

The most common router issues are:

  • Wrong server address — copy it exactly from the .ovpn or WireGuard config file; one wrong character breaks the connection.
  • Expired or wrong credentials — use the username and password from your IPVanish account dashboard, not your email login password (for OpenVPN, these may be different).
  • Firewall blocking VPN ports — try switching from OpenVPN UDP port 1194 to TCP port 443. Port 443 is used for HTTPS and is almost never blocked.
  • DNS not updated — after connecting the VPN on the router, restart connected devices so they pick up the VPN’s DNS servers.

If you are still stuck, IPVanish’s 24/7 live chat support is genuinely useful for router setup issues — they know which settings vary by firmware and can walk you through it.

Fire Stick App Not Showing in Amazon Appstore

If you cannot find IPVanish in the Amazon Appstore, make sure your Fire Stick is running a recent firmware version and that your Amazon account’s country matches a region where the app is available. In rare cases, searching for “IPVanish” shows no results due to Appstore indexing — try searching for “VPN” and browse results. Alternatively, enable ADB sideloading in Fire Stick Developer Options and install via the Downloader app using the direct APK URL from ipvanish.com.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Install IPVanish

Is IPVanish free to use?

IPVanish does not have a permanently free tier. However, iOS and Android users can start a 7-day free trial when signing up for a yearly plan through the mobile apps. All yearly and 2-year plans also include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you are not satisfied — no questions required. Monthly plans are excluded from the money-back guarantee.

How many devices can I install IPVanish on?

There is no device limit. You can install and run IPVanish simultaneously on as many devices as you own — phone, laptop, tablet, Fire Stick, router — all on one subscription. This is one of IPVanish’s clearest advantages over services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, which cap connections at 6–8 devices.

Which VPN protocol should I use after installing IPVanish?

For most users, WireGuard is the right choice. It is the fastest modern protocol and produces only about a 4% speed reduction in independent tests. Use IKEv2 if you switch frequently between Wi-Fi and mobile data (it reconnects automatically). Use OpenVPN TCP if you are on a restrictive network and want to use the Scramble obfuscation feature. Avoid L2TP/IPSec — it is slower and an older protocol kept mainly for legacy compatibility.

How do I set up the SOCKS5 proxy after installing IPVanish?

The SOCKS5 proxy is separate from the VPN app. Log into your IPVanish account at account.ipvanish.com and navigate to the SOCKS5 section of your dashboard. There you will find the proxy server addresses, your SOCKS5 username, and your password. Enter these credentials into your BitTorrent client (qBittorrent, uTorrent, etc.) under its proxy settings. Note: SOCKS5 does not encrypt traffic — it is faster than the VPN tunnel but offers no encryption. Use it for speed-critical torrent downloads where the encryption overhead is not needed.

What is Double Hop VPN and how do I use it after installing IPVanish?

Double Hop VPN routes your traffic through two separate IPVanish servers in sequence, adding an extra layer of encryption. It is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps. To use it, open the IPVanish app and look for the Double Hop toggle or option in the server selection panel. Choose your first hop (entry server) and second hop (exit server) independently. Your real IP is hidden from the second server, which only sees the IP of the first server. It reduces speed compared to a single server connection, so use it for high-sensitivity tasks rather than everyday streaming.

Does IPVanish work on Fire Stick better than a router?

For Fire Stick specifically, the native Fire TV app is usually the better choice. It gives you direct control of the VPN from your TV remote, includes VPN Shortcuts to pair specific apps with specific server locations, and the companion TV Kill Switch App adds a layer of protection if the VPN drops. A router setup is better if you want to protect multiple TV devices at once (Apple TV, smart TV, gaming console) without installing an app on each one. Both approaches work — the native app is simpler, the router is more comprehensive.

How do I use split tunneling after installing IPVanish?

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Android. On Android: go to Settings > Split Tunneling in the IPVanish app and toggle the apps you want to exclude. On Windows and Mac: go to Settings > Split Tunneling to add apps or domains to the bypass list. On iOS, split tunneling by domain is available via the Connect On Demand settings (you can exclude specific domains), but full app-level split tunneling is not available on iOS.

What is the renewal price after the first term?

This is important to know before you buy. IPVanish’s promotional pricing is significantly lower than the renewal rate. After your first term ends, the pricing changes to: Essential — $89.99/year; Advanced — $109.99/year. If you bought a 2-year plan, it renews on a yearly cycle (not 2-year). You will receive an email before the renewal charge. You can cancel anytime in your account settings. For current renewal rates, see ipvanish.com/renewal-price.

How do I cancel an IPVanish subscription?

Log into your account at account.ipvanish.com, go to Subscriptions, and click Change. Follow the prompts to cancel. You do not need to contact support — it is a self-service process. If you are within the 30-day money-back window (yearly/2-year plans only), you will receive a full refund, typically within 4 days. For monthly plans, there is no refund — your subscription will simply not renew.

Which Linux distributions does IPVanish support with a native app?

The native IPVanish Linux app officially supports Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions. For other distributions — Fedora, Arch, openSUSE, Manjaro, etc. — you will need to configure WireGuard or OpenVPN manually using credentials from your IPVanish account. The manual WireGuard method works on any modern Linux distribution that supports the WireGuard kernel module, which includes most distributions since kernel 5.6 (released in 2020).

Does IPVanish work in China?

IPVanish has OpenVPN Scramble obfuscation (available on Android and Windows) that can disguise VPN traffic on restrictive networks. However, IPVanish’s own representatives have confirmed that Scramble does not reliably bypass the Great Firewall of China. If you need a VPN specifically for use in China, IPVanish is not the strongest option — services with more advanced obfuscation are better suited for that use case. For travel to other countries with moderate network restrictions, Scramble may be enough.

Can I use IPVanish on a smart TV without the native app?

Yes — by setting up IPVanish on your router. Any device connected to that router, including smart TVs, gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), and Roku sticks, will automatically route through IPVanish without needing an app on the device itself. This also works for smart home devices and any gadget that connects to your home Wi-Fi. The tradeoff is that all traffic from those devices goes through the VPN, with no per-device control. See the router installation section above for full setup steps.

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