This tutorial will show you how to setup an SSTP VPN tunnel on iOS. This works very well on iPhones or iPads to bypass strict firewalls and is considered one of TorGuard's Stealth protocols.
What is SSTP (Stealth VPN)?
SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) is a Microsoft-developed VPN protocol that provides excellent firewall bypassing capabilities. It's particularly effective because:
Firewall Evasion
Uses HTTPS port 443, making it appear as regular web traffic
Strong Encryption
Military-grade AES-256 encryption with SSL/TLS
Censorship Bypass
Effective in restrictive countries and networks
SSL Integration
Integrates with SSL certificates for authentication
🚀 Why Use SSTP? SSTP is ideal when other VPN protocols are blocked. It's particularly useful in:
- Corporate networks with strict firewalls
- Countries with heavy internet censorship
- Hotels and airports with restrictive WiFi
- Schools and universities with content filters
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- iOS device (iPhone or iPad) running iOS 12 or later
- Active TorGuard VPN subscription
- TorGuard VPN username and password
- SSTP server address (from TorGuard members area)
- Internet connection for app download
⚠️ Important: SSTP uses port 9443 on TorGuard servers. Ensure this port is not blocked on your network.
SSTP vs Other Protocols
| Feature | SSTP | OpenVPN | WireGuard | IKEv2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firewall Bypass | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ Poor | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Speed | ⚠️ Good | ⚠️ Good | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Very Good |
| Security | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong |
| Stability | ✅ Very Good | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Very Good |
| iOS Support | 📱 Third-party | 📱 Third-party | 📱 Third-party | ✅ Native |
Installation Steps
Step 1: Download SSTP Connect App
First, download the SSTP Connect app from the Apple App Store. After the install is complete, tap the SSTP Connect app icon:
💡 App Info: SSTP Connect is a free third-party app that enables SSTP VPN connections on iOS devices.
Step 2: Create New Connection
To add a new SSTP connection, tap the plus (+) icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: Select New Profile
Tap the "New Profile" option to create the new VPN connection.
Step 4: Configure Connection Details
Enter the following connection details:
- VPN server description: Any name (e.g., "TorGuard SSTP")
- Server name or IP address: Your chosen TorGuard server
- Port number: 9443
- VPN username: Your TorGuard username
- VPN password: Your TorGuard password
Then tap the Save button.
📍 Finding Server Addresses: You can get the server name and IP address from:
- TorGuard members area → Servers tab
- TorGuard support → Server list
- Choose servers optimized for your location
Step 5: Allow VPN Configuration
Tap Allow to add this new profile to Apple settings. iOS will prompt you to confirm adding the VPN configuration. Then tap the Save option in the top right.
🔒 Security Note: iOS requires explicit permission to add VPN configurations for your protection.
Step 6: Connect to VPN
Tap the new VPN profile name you just created. Then toggle the VPN switch ON to enable the VPN connection.
Step 7: Connection Established
Congratulations! You are now connected to the VPN. You'll see the VPN icon in your iOS status bar.
✅ Connected! Your internet traffic is now encrypted and routed through the SSTP VPN tunnel.
Server Selection Tips
🌍 For Best Speed
- Choose servers closest to your location
- Use dedicated IP servers if available
- Test multiple servers during off-peak hours
- Consider premium server locations
🔓 For Censorship Bypass
- Use servers in neighboring countries
- Try stealth-optimized locations
- Rotate servers if one gets blocked
- Keep backup server configs ready
Advanced Configuration
DNS Settings
For enhanced privacy, configure custom DNS servers:
- TorGuard DNS: Use TorGuard's no-log DNS servers
- Custom DNS: Configure preferred DNS providers
- DNS over HTTPS: Enable for additional privacy
Connection Options
- Auto-connect: Enable for automatic VPN on network change
- Trusted networks: Disable VPN on home WiFi
- Kill switch: Block internet if VPN disconnects
- Split tunneling: Exclude specific apps (if supported)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connection Failed
Solution:
- Verify username and password are correct
- Check server address is typed correctly
- Ensure port 9443 is not blocked by firewall
- Try a different server location
- Update SSTP Connect app to latest version
Slow Connection Speed
Solution:
- Switch to a server closer to your location
- Try connecting during off-peak hours
- Check your base internet speed without VPN
- Disable battery optimization for SSTP app
- Consider using WireGuard for better speed
Frequent Disconnections
Solution:
- Enable "Keep Alive" in app settings
- Disable iOS Low Power Mode
- Add SSTP Connect to battery exceptions
- Check for iOS VPN profile conflicts
- Reset network settings if persistent
Cannot Access Local Network
Solution:
- Check if split tunneling is available
- Configure LAN bypass in app settings
- Use specific subnet routing
- Disconnect VPN for local access
Security Best Practices
🔐 Account Security
- Use strong, unique VPN password
- Enable 2FA on TorGuard account
- Don't share VPN credentials
- Regularly update passwords
📱 Device Security
- Keep iOS updated
- Use device passcode/Face ID
- Enable auto-lock
- Review app permissions
🌐 Connection Security
- Always verify VPN is connected
- Check for DNS leaks
- Use HTTPS websites
- Avoid sensitive activities on public WiFi
🛡️ Privacy Protection
- Clear browser data regularly
- Use private browsing mode
- Disable location services when not needed
- Review app tracking permissions
Summary
You've successfully configured SSTP Stealth VPN on your iOS device! This setup provides:
- ✅ Effective firewall and censorship bypass
- ✅ Strong SSL/TLS encryption
- ✅ Stable connections through restrictive networks
- ✅ Protection on public WiFi
- ✅ Access to geo-restricted content