This VPN beginner FAQ follows the order of real-world use: start with device and data rules, then check connection status, choose a route, import a subscription, and review privacy and refund terms. If something goes wrong, do not assume the VPN has stopped working; client settings, the destination, and the current route can all affect the result.
How Devices and Data Work
Can I use multiple devices at the same time?
VPNPH does not limit the number of devices. You can import the subscription and connect separately on a computer, tablet, or other device with a compatible client. “No device limit” refers to the number of devices, not a separate data allowance for each one. Check the remaining data shown in your account panel for usage across the subscription.
When setting things up, start by importing the subscription and checking the connection on a device you use often. Then configure your other devices. VPN permissions, background activity, and client interfaces vary by operating system, so steps that work on one device may not apply to another. On mobile devices in particular, check that the client stays connected after switching networks or changing system settings that limit background activity.
How is data counted, and when does it reset?
Browsing websites, streaming video, downloading files, and using collaboration tools all transfer data. Even a page that appears to contain only a little text may load images, scripts, and background requests. Check the usage recorded in your plan panel rather than estimating data based only on files you intentionally downloaded.
VPNPH monthly subscription data resets each month on the activation date. Data packages remain valid indefinitely until used up. These are different rules: if your usage is regular, check the monthly subscription allowance; if your usage varies, consider whether a data package better fits your routine. “Data packages do not expire” does not mean unused monthly subscription data carries over automatically. See the Plans page for current plan details and prices.
How to Check for Slowdowns and Connection Status
Does a slower connection mean my speed is being limited?
A single slow page load is not enough to determine whether your speed is being limited. The destination's response time, network congestion, wireless signal, route load, and how the destination service handles connections can all affect what you experience. Compare different destinations on the same device and network, then try another available route. If only one website is slow, check that site and its routing rules first.
When troubleshooting, note when the issue occurs, which destination you are accessing, which route you selected, and whether the client shows a steady connection or repeated reconnections. Do not treat a speed test's peak result as the speed you will always get during a video call or download. Those activities depend on different factors, and calls are also affected by latency variation and packet loss. If several routes show the same ongoing issue, submit a support ticket with these details; it is more useful than simply saying “it's slow.”
Do I need to keep the VPN connected all the time?
Not necessarily. Whether to stay connected depends on whether you currently need an international route and whether the client uses global or split-tunneling mode. In split-tunneling mode, traffic matching the rules uses the selected route, while other traffic is handled according to its rules. Global mode sends more traffic through the connection. When getting started, identify the services you need to access and choose a mode, rather than leaving the connection on indefinitely without checking the rules.
You can disconnect when you no longer need the connection, but services that rely on an international route may not work as expected afterward. If you need to use collaboration documents or meeting tools continuously, avoid switching routes repeatedly during a session. Changing connections may interrupt an active session, which might not recover until you reload the page or rejoin the meeting.
Choosing a Route and Subscription
What is the difference between IEPL, relay, and direct routes?
These terms describe route paths, not guaranteed speeds. An IEPL dedicated route generally means dedicated resources are used for the cross-border segment. It does not mean every segment from your device to the destination is unaffected by the local network or the destination service. A relay route passes through an intermediate node before reaching the exit. A direct route reaches the selected server without an additional relay node. A shorter path is not always faster, and an optimized path is not equally stable at every moment.
| Route type | Path characteristics | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| IEPL dedicated route | Dedicated resources on the cross-border segment | Destination performance and current route status |
| Relay | Passes through an intermediate node before the exit | Whether the relay path suits your network |
| Direct | Connects directly to the selected server | Connection quality between your network and the server |
Choose a route based on what you need to access. Video calls depend on a continuous connection, while video playback also requires steady data transfer. After checking the route list, test the destination service on the network and at the time you actually use it. Do not make a long-term choice based only on a route name or a single speed test.
How do I import a subscription link? Do I need to choose a protocol?
A subscription link lets a compatible client retrieve node configurations and later updates. It is not a webpage that provides access when opened in a browser. Get your subscription details from the account panel, find “Import subscription” or a similar option in the client, paste the link, and update the configuration. Then select a route and connect. A subscription link contains connection settings, so keep it safe like account credentials and do not post it in a public discussion.
Shadowsocks, VMess, Trojan, VLESS, Hysteria2, and TUIC are different protocols or connection options, not interchangeable client buttons. The client must support the configuration format provided in your subscription. Check the account panel and client to see which protocols are available. If no routes appear after import, check that the link was copied in full and that the client supports the format, then try updating the subscription. Do not guess the protocol by editing node parameters. For device-specific steps, see the user guide.
- ✅ Copy subscription details from the account panel instead of re-entering settings manually.
- ✅ Import them in a compatible client and update the subscription.
- ✅ Select a route and confirm that the client shows a connected status.
- ✅ Test a website you actually need to access instead of relying only on the connection icon.
Checking Routing and DNS
Why do some websites use the route while others do not?
This is usually related to routing rules. Rules may direct traffic based on a domain, address, or application, sending it through an international route or keeping its original connection. As a result, different websites in the same browser may take different paths. The purpose of these rules is not to make every request follow the same path, but to choose an appropriate one for each destination.
If a website does not open as expected, first check the client mode and the rule for that domain. Then check whether a browser extension, system proxy, or another network tool is also handling traffic. A website may load its sign-in page, images, or APIs from other domains, so changing the rule for the main domain may not cover every request. Reload the page after adjusting rules and observe the result. Until you know the cause, it is better not to switch all traffic to global mode.
What is a DNS leak, and how can I check for one?
DNS translates domain names into network addresses. A DNS leak occurs when domain queries that you expect to use the selected connection are sent through an unexpected resolution path. This is a separate check from the exit IP shown by a website: an expected exit address alone does not prove that domain lookups followed the intended path.
To check, connect to a route, confirm that the destination matches the relevant routing rule, and use a trusted DNS test to review the results. Also check the client's DNS settings. If your browser has its own secure DNS enabled, it may use a different resolution path from the system's, so account for that when comparing results. The My IP page can show your current exit information, but it cannot replace a DNS path check. If you find an unexpected result, review your settings and rules first rather than relying only on the region shown on a test page.
Reviewing Privacy and Plan Rules
Do I need an email address, and where should I check privacy settings?
You do not need an email address to use VPNPH. For a broader privacy assessment, review the service information and the settings on your own devices: which route you connect to, what traffic is split, and whether the client is still running in the background can all affect how you use the service. VPNPH follows a no-logs policy. This is a service policy, not a guarantee that your device, browser, or the websites you visit leave no records.
Be sure to distinguish your network connection from your website accounts. Even when using an international route, a website you are signed in to may recognize your session based on your account and browser settings. On shared devices, check your browser sign-in status and sign out of website accounts when appropriate. If you are unsure whether traffic is using the selected route, check the client rules and exit information instead of inferring your privacy status from whether a website opens.
What should I check about price and refunds before choosing a plan?
Start by comparing your usage frequency and data needs, then review the plan rules shown before payment. A VPNPH monthly subscription costs ¥18/month and includes 250GB; its data resets each month on the activation date. Data packages remain valid indefinitely until used up. Do not compare prices alone; check whether the allowance and reset rules fit your usage habits.
VPNPH offers a 14-day no-questions-asked refund. Before subscribing, review the current plans and refund information on the Plans page, and keep your order details. If you have questions while using the service, gather your plan details, client status, and a description of the issue before contacting support. If you are new to VPNs, first import the subscription, test the connection, and check the websites you need to access. Then decide which plan suits ongoing use instead of basing your choice on one route's performance at a single moment.