How to set up SSH Tunnel on iPhone / iPad
An SSH tunnel sends your traffic through the server using a username and password. Besides plain SSH, the server also accepts SSH over TLS and over WebSocket, which help on restrictive networks.
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What you need
- An active SSH configuration from this site
- Hostname, ports, username and password from your configuration page
Where each detail goes
| On your configuration page | In the app or settings |
|---|---|
| Hostname | Host / Server |
| Port | SSH port |
| SSL/TLS port | SSL/TLS (stunnel) port, with SNI if shown |
| WebSocket port | WebSocket port (and path for WS+TLS) |
| Username / Password | Username / Password |
Steps
-
Install Npv Tunnel (formerly NapsternetV) from the App Store (link above).
Illustration — your app may look slightly different. -
Add a new SSH configuration with your Hostname, Port, username and password.
Illustration — your app may look slightly different. -
Optionally enable TLS or WebSocket and use the matching port from your configuration page.
Illustration — your app may look slightly different. -
Tap Connect and allow the VPN configuration.
Illustration — your app may look slightly different.
Check that it works
The app shows it is connected (or the terminal stays open without errors). Search the web for "what is my IP" in a browser that uses the tunnel.
Disconnect
Tap Connect again to stop.
Troubleshooting
Permission denied / auth failed
Copy the username and password again from your configuration page. The configuration may have expired.
Connection times out
Your network may block port 22. Switch the app to SSL/TLS or WebSocket mode using the ports on your configuration page.
Only the browser uses the VPN
That is normal for a SOCKS proxy on computers. Set the proxy in the system network settings to cover more apps.