Private Space app cannot use VPN for internet access — mobile data workaround bypasses VPN

Issues
1
  • Device: Fairphone 4
  • iodéOS Version: 7.7
  • Affected App(s): iodé

Short Description:

Private Space apps cannot route through VPN. They only work on Wi‑Fi or mobile network.

New Issue, Regression, or Feature Request?

New Issue

Additional Information:

In the iodé app, I configure network permissions to block mobile data access for most apps, allowing internet only when connected to Wi‑Fi or when using a VPN. This setup works reliably for regular apps.

However, an application installed in Private Space behaves differently: it cannot establish internet connectivity through a VPN connection. The app only works when connected to Wi‑Fi. When I attempt to enable mobile network access as a workaround, the permission grants unrestricted mobile data access—not limited to VPN sessions. As a result, the app can browse the internet over mobile networks even when no VPN is active.

2

Bug or feature ? Eternal question :wink:
Private space uses its own network configuration. If you want apps in private space to connect through VPN, then you must configure the VPN in Private space too. It will also appear in Settings → Network →VPN, where you can control if it’s a permanent VPN and block connections without VPN. If you make it permanent, it will be activated each time you open an app from Private space.

3

Thanks for the detailed answer!

Just to make sure I understand correctly: Is there a way to configure VPN directly within the Private Space settings — without having to install a VPN app inside Private Space?

I cannot find any network settings for the Private Space, nor a dedicated settings app there.

I currently only have the VPN app set up in the main profile, and I was hoping I could configure VPN settings for Private Space directly, without needing a second instance of the app.

Or is installing and configuring the VPN app within Private Space the only way?

Thanks again for the clarification!

4

You must install the VPN app in Private space. Once activated, it will appear in settings of the main profile (Settings → Network → VPN), for the additional controls (permanent connection etc).

5

Thanks for your help again. I installed the VPN app a second time in Private Space, and configured it as you suggested. I can route my apps in Private Space over VPN now. :slight_smile: