Modern operating systems (such as Windows 7 and newer) support the IKEv2 standard. Internet Key Exchange (IKE or IKEv2) is the protocol used to set up a Security Association (SA) in the IPsec protocol suite. Compared to IKE version 1, IKEv2 contains [improvements](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Key_Exchange#Improvements_with_IKEv2) such as Standard Mobility support through MOBIKE, and improved reliability.
Libreswan can authenticate IKEv2 clients on the basis of X.509 Machine Certificates using RSA signatures. This method does not require an IPsec PSK, username or password. It can be used with:
After following this guide, you will be able to connect to the VPN using IKEv2 in addition to the existing [IPsec/L2TP](clients.md) and [IPsec/XAuth ("Cisco IPsec")](clients-xauth.md) modes.
**Note:** By default, IKEv2 is automatically set up when running the VPN setup script. You may skip this section and continue to [configure IKEv2 VPN clients](#configure-ikev2-vpn-clients).
**Important:** Before continuing, you should have successfully [set up your own VPN server](https://github.com/hwdsl2/setup-ipsec-vpn). **Docker users, see [here](https://github.com/hwdsl2/docker-ipsec-vpn-server/blob/master/README.md#configure-and-use-ikev2-vpn)**.
**Note:** If IKEv2 is already set up, but you want to customize IKEv2 options, first [remove IKEv2](#remove-ikev2), then set it up again using `sudo ikev2.sh`.
When finished, continue to [configure IKEv2 VPN clients](#configure-ikev2-vpn-clients). Advanced users can optionally enable [IKEv2-only mode](advanced-usage.md#ikev2-only-vpn).
When running IKEv2 setup in auto mode, advanced users can optionally specify a DNS name for the IKEv2 server address. The DNS name must be a fully qualified domain name (FQDN). Example:
By default, IKEv2 clients are set to use [Google Public DNS](https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/) when the VPN is active. You may specify custom DNS server(s) for IKEv2. Example:
In certain circumstances, you may need to change the IKEv2 server address after setup. For example, to switch to use a DNS name, or after server IP changes. Learn more in [this section](#change-ikev2-server-address).
1. Right-click on [ikev2_config_import.cmd](https://github.com/hwdsl2/vpn-extras/releases/latest/download/ikev2_config_import.cmd) and save this helper script to the **same folder** as the `.p12` file.
1. Securely transfer the generated `.p12` file to your computer, then import it into the certificate store.
To import the `.p12` file, run the following from an [elevated command prompt](http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/open-elevated-command-prompt-windows/):
**Note:** If there is no password for client config files, press Enter to continue, or if manually importing the `.p12` file, leave the password field blank.
Alternatively, you can [manually import the .p12 file](https://wiki.strongswan.org/projects/strongswan/wiki/Win7Certs). Make sure that the client cert is placed in "Personal -> Certificates", and the CA cert is placed in "Trusted Root Certification Authorities -> Certificates".
For **Windows 8, 10 and 11**, it is recommended to create the VPN connection using the following commands from a command prompt, for improved security and performance.
**Windows 7** does not support these commands, you can [manually create the VPN connection](https://wiki.strongswan.org/projects/strongswan/wiki/Win7Config).
**Note:** The server address you specify must **exactly match** the server address in the output of the IKEv2 helper script. For example, if you specified the server's DNS name during IKEv2 setup, you must enter the DNS name in the **Internet address** field.
1.**This step is required if you manually created the VPN connection.**
Enable stronger ciphers for IKEv2 with a one-time registry change. Download and import the `.reg` file below, or run the following from an elevated command prompt. Read more [here](https://wiki.strongswan.org/projects/strongswan/wiki/WindowsClients#AES-256-CBC-and-MODP2048).
- For Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 ([download .reg file](https://github.com/hwdsl2/vpn-extras/releases/download/v1.0.0/Enable_Stronger_Ciphers_for_IKEv2_on_Windows.reg))
To connect to the VPN: Click on the wireless/network icon in your system tray, select the new VPN entry, and click **Connect**. Once successfully connected, you can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by [looking up your IP address on Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=my+ip). It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
Using the following steps, you can remove the VPN connection and optionally restore the computer to the status before IKEv2 configuration import.
1. Remove the added VPN connection in Windows Settings - Network - VPN. Windows 7 users can remove the VPN connection in Network and Sharing Center - Change adapter settings.
1. (Optional) Remove IKEv2 certificates.
1. Press Win+R, or search for `mmc` in the Start Menu. Open *Microsoft Management Console*.
1. Open `File - Add/Remove Snap-In`. Select to add `Certificates` and in the window that opens, select `Computer account -> Local Computer`. Click on `Finish -> OK` to save the settings.
1. Go to `Certificates - Personal - Certificates` and delete the IKEv2 client certificate. The name of the certificate is the same as the IKEv2 client name you specified (default: `vpnclient`). The certificate was issued by `IKEv2 VPN CA`.
1. Go to `Certificates - Trusted Root Certification Authorities - Certificates` and delete the IKEv2 VPN CA certificate. The certificate was issued to `IKEv2 VPN CA` by `IKEv2 VPN CA`. Before deleting, make sure that there are no other certificate(s) issued by `IKEv2 VPN CA` in `Certificates - Personal - Certificates`.
1. (Optional. For users who manually created the VPN connection) Restore registry settings. Note that you should backup the registry before editing.
1. Press Win+R, or search for `regedit` in the Start Menu. Open *Registry Editor*.
1. Go to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Rasman\Parameters` and delete the item with name `NegotiateDH2048_AES256`, if it exists.
First, securely transfer the generated `.mobileconfig` file to your Mac, then double-click and follow the prompts to import as a macOS profile. If your Mac runs macOS Big Sur or newer, open System Preferences and go to the Profiles section to finish importing. When finished, check to make sure "IKEv2 VPN" is listed under System Preferences -> Profiles.
(Optional feature) You can choose to enable [VPN On Demand](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/networkextension/personal_vpn/vpn_on_demand_rules). This is an "always-on" feature that can automatically connect to the VPN while on Wi-Fi. To enable, check the **Connect on demand** checkbox for the VPN connection, and click **Apply**.
First, securely transfer the generated `.p12` file to your Mac, then double-click to import into the **login** keychain in **Keychain Access**. Next, double-click on the imported `IKEv2 VPN CA` certificate, expand **Trust** and select **Always Trust** from the **IP Security (IPsec)** drop-down menu. Close the dialog using the red "X" on the top-left corner. When prompted, use Touch ID or enter your password and click "Update Settings".
When finished, check to make sure both the new client certificate and `IKEv2 VPN CA` are listed under the **Certificates** category of **login** keychain.
1. Open System Preferences and go to the Network section.
1. Click the **+** button in the lower-left corner of the window.
1. Select **VPN** from the **Interface** drop-down menu.
1. Select **IKEv2** from the **VPN Type** drop-down menu.
1. Enter anything you like for the **Service Name**.
1. Enter `Your VPN Server IP` (or DNS name) for the **Server Address**.
**Note:** If you specified the server's DNS name (instead of its IP address) during IKEv2 setup, you must enter the DNS name in the **Server Address** and **Remote ID** fields.
Once successfully connected, you can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by [looking up your IP address on Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=my+ip). It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
1. Upload to your device (any App folder) using [File Sharing](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210598), then open the "Files" App on your iOS device, move the uploaded file to the "On My iPhone" folder. After that, tap the file and go to the "Settings" App to import, or
(Optional feature) You can choose to enable [VPN On Demand](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/networkextension/personal_vpn/vpn_on_demand_rules). This is an "always-on" feature that can automatically connect to the VPN while on Wi-Fi. To enable, tap the "i" icon on the right of the VPN connection, and enable **Connect On Demand**.
First, securely transfer the generated `ikev2vpnca.cer` and `.p12` files to your iOS device, then import them one by one as iOS profiles. To transfer the files, you may use:
1. Upload to your device (any App folder) using [File Sharing](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210598), then open the "Files" App on your iOS device, move the uploaded files to the "On My iPhone" folder. After that, tap each file and go to the "Settings" App to import, or
When finished, check to make sure both the new client certificate and `IKEv2 VPN CA` are listed under Settings -> General -> VPN & Device Management or Profile(s).
1. Tap **Server** and enter `Your VPN Server IP` (or DNS name).
**Note:** If you specified the server's DNS name (instead of its IP address) during IKEv2 setup, you must enter the DNS name in the **Server** and **Remote ID** fields.
Once successfully connected, you can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by [looking up your IP address on Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=my+ip). It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
If your device runs Android 6.0 or older, click here for additional instructions.
</summary>
If your device runs Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or older, in order to connect using the strongSwan VPN client, you must make the following change on the VPN server: Edit `/etc/ipsec.d/ikev2.conf` on the server. Append `authby=rsa-sha1` to the end of the `conn ikev2-cp` section, indented by two spaces. Save the file and run `service ipsec restart`.
(Optional feature) You can choose to enable the "Always-on VPN" feature on Android. Launch the **Settings** app, go to Network & internet -> Advanced -> VPN, click the gear icon on the right of "strongSwan VPN Client", then enable the **Always-on VPN** and **Block connections without VPN** options.
Once successfully connected, you can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by [looking up your IP address on Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=my+ip). It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
Before configuring Linux VPN clients, you must make the following change on the VPN server: Edit `/etc/ipsec.d/ikev2.conf` on the server. Append `authby=rsa-sha1` to the end of the `conn ikev2-cp` section, indented by two spaces. Save the file and run `service ipsec restart`.
To configure your Linux computer to connect to IKEv2 as a VPN client, first install the strongSwan plugin for NetworkManager:
Next, securely transfer the generated `.p12` file from the VPN server to your Linux computer. After that, extract the CA certificate, client certificate and private key. Replace `vpnclient.p12` in the example below with the name of your `.p12` file.
```bash
# Example: Extract CA certificate, client certificate and private key.
Once successfully connected, you can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by [looking up your IP address on Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=my+ip). It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
2. In WinBox, go to System > certificates > import. Import the `.p12` certificate file twice (yes, import the same file two times!). Verify in your certificates panel. You will see 2 files, the one that is marked KT is the key.
To add certificates for additional IKEv2 clients, run the helper script with the `--addclient` option. To customize client options, run the script without arguments.
**Important:** Deleting a client certificate from the IPsec database **WILL NOT** prevent VPN client(s) from connecting using that certificate! For this use case, you **MUST** [revoke the client certificate](#revoke-a-client-certificate) instead of deleting it.
<details>
<summary>
First, read the important note above. Then click here for instructions.
1. Delete the client certificate and private key. Replace "Nickname" below with the nickname of the client certificate you want to delete, e.g. `vpnclient`.
Alternatively, you can manually revoke a client certificate. This can be done using `crlutil`. See example steps below, commands must be run as `root`.
Signature Algorithm: PKCS #1 SHA-256 With RSA Encryption
Issuer: "O=IKEv2 VPN,CN=IKEv2 VPN CA"
This Update: Sat Jun 06 22:00:00 2020
CRL Extensions:
```
1. Add the client certificate you want to revoke to the CRL. Here we specify the certificate's serial number in decimal, and the revocation time in GeneralizedTime format (YYYYMMDDhhmmssZ) in UTC.
**Note:** If you want to remove a certificate from the CRL, replace `addcert 3446275956 20200606220100Z` above with `rmcert 3446275956`. For other `crlutil` usage, read [here](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Mozilla/Projects/NSS/tools/NSS_Tools_crlutil).
**See also:** [Check logs and VPN status](clients.md#check-logs-and-vpn-status), [IKEv1 troubleshooting](clients.md#troubleshooting) and [Advanced usage](advanced-usage.md).
* [Cannot open websites after connecting to IKEv2](#cannot-open-websites-after-connecting-to-ikev2)
* [IKE authentication credentials are unacceptable](#ike-authentication-credentials-are-unacceptable)
* [Policy match error](#policy-match-error)
* [IKEv2 disconnects after one hour](#ikev2-disconnects-after-one-hour)
* [Unable to connect multiple IKEv2 clients](#unable-to-connect-multiple-ikev2-clients)
* [Other known issues](#other-known-issues)
### Cannot open websites after connecting to IKEv2
If your VPN client device cannot open websites after successfully connecting to IKEv2, try the following fixes:
1. Some cloud providers, such as [Google Cloud](https://cloud.google.com), [set a lower MTU by default](https://cloud.google.com/network-connectivity/docs/vpn/concepts/mtu-considerations). This could cause network issues with IKEv2 VPN clients. To fix, try setting the MTU to 1500 on the VPN server:
```bash
# Replace ens4 with the network interface name on your server
sudo ifconfig ens4 mtu 1500
```
This setting **does not** persist after a reboot. To change the MTU size permanently, refer to relevant articles on the web.
1. In certain circumstances, Windows does not use the DNS servers specified by IKEv2 after connecting. This can be fixed by manually entering DNS servers such as Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) in network interface properties -> TCP/IPv4.
### IKE authentication credentials are unacceptable
If you encounter this error, make sure that the VPN server address specified on your VPN client device **exactly matches** the server address in the output of the IKEv2 helper script. For example, you cannot use a DNS name to connect if it was not specified when setting up IKEv2. To change the IKEv2 server address, read [this section](#change-ikev2-server-address).
### Policy match error
To fix this error, you will need to enable stronger ciphers for IKEv2 with a one-time registry change. Download and import the `.reg` file below, or run the following from an elevated command prompt.
- For Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 ([download .reg file](https://github.com/hwdsl2/vpn-extras/releases/download/v1.0.0/Enable_Stronger_Ciphers_for_IKEv2_on_Windows.reg))
If the IKEv2 connection disconnects automatically after one hour (60 minutes), apply this fix: Edit `/etc/ipsec.d/ikev2.conf` on the VPN server (or `/etc/ipsec.conf` if it does not exist), append these lines to the end of section `conn ikev2-cp`, indented by two spaces:
```
ikelifetime=24h
salifetime=24h
```
Save the file and run `service ipsec restart`. As of 2021-01-20, the IKEv2 helper script was updated to include this fix.
### Unable to connect multiple IKEv2 clients
To connect multiple IKEv2 clients, you must [generate a unique certificate](#add-a-client-certificate) for each.
If you are unable to connect multiple IKEv2 clients from behind the same NAT (e.g. home router), apply this fix: Edit `/etc/ipsec.d/ikev2.conf` on the VPN server, find the line `leftid=@<your_server_ip>` and remove the `@`, i.e. replace it with `leftid=<your_server_ip>`. Save the file and run `service ipsec restart`. Do not apply this fix if `leftid` is a DNS name, which is not affected. As of 2021-02-01, the IKEv2 helper script was updated to include this fix.
### Other known issues
1. The built-in VPN client in Windows may not support IKEv2 fragmentation (this feature [requires](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-ikee/74df968a-7125-431d-9c98-4ea929e548dc) Windows 10 v1803 or newer). On some networks, this can cause the connection to fail or have other issues. You may instead try the [IPsec/L2TP](clients.md) or [IPsec/XAuth](clients-xauth.md) mode.
1. If using the strongSwan Android VPN client, you must [update Libreswan](../README.md#upgrade-libreswan) on your server to version 3.26 or above.
## Change IKEv2 server address
In certain circumstances, you may need to change the IKEv2 server address after setup. For example, to switch to use a DNS name, or after server IP changes. Note that the server address you specify on VPN client devices must **exactly match** the server address in the output of the IKEv2 helper script. Otherwise, devices may be unable to connect.
**Important:** After running this script, you must manually update the server address (and remote ID, if applicable) on any existing IKEv2 client devices. For iOS clients, you'll need to export and re-import client configuration using the IKEv2 [helper script](#set-up-ikev2-using-helper-script).
## Update IKEv2 helper script
The IKEv2 helper script is updated from time to time for bug fixes and improvements ([commit log](https://github.com/hwdsl2/setup-ipsec-vpn/commits/master/extras/ikev2setup.sh)). When a newer version is available, you may optionally update the IKEv2 helper script on your server. Note that these commands will overwrite any existing `ikev2.sh`.
As an alternative to using the [helper script](#set-up-ikev2-using-helper-script), advanced users can manually set up IKEv2 on the VPN server. Before continuing, it is recommended to [update Libreswan](../README.md#upgrade-libreswan) to the latest version.
**Note:** If you specified the server's DNS name (instead of its IP address) in step 1 above, you must replace `leftid=$PUBLIC_IP` in the command below with `leftid=@$PUBLIC_IP`.
**Note:** The [MOBIKE](https://wiki.strongswan.org/projects/strongswan/wiki/MobIke) IKEv2 extension allows VPN clients to change network attachment points, e.g. switch between mobile data and Wi-Fi and keep the IPsec tunnel up on the new IP. If your server (or Docker host) is **NOT** running Ubuntu Linux, and you wish to enable MOBIKE support, replace `mobike=no` with `mobike=yes` in the command above. **DO NOT** enable this option on Ubuntu systems or Raspberry Pis.
**Note:** If you specified the server's DNS name (instead of its IP address) in step 1 above, you must replace `--extSAN "ip:$PUBLIC_IP,dns:$PUBLIC_IP"` in the command below with `--extSAN "dns:$PUBLIC_IP"`.
**Note:** You may repeat this step to generate certificates for additional VPN clients, but make sure to replace every `vpnclient` with `vpnclient2`, etc. To connect multiple VPN clients, you must generate a unique certificate for each.
**Note:** To display a certificate, use `certutil -L -d sql:/etc/ipsec.d -n "Nickname"`. To revoke a client certificate, follow [these steps](#revoke-a-client-certificate). For other `certutil` usage, read [here](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Mozilla/Projects/NSS/tools/NSS_Tools_certutil).
Before continuing, you **must** restart the IPsec service. The IKEv2 setup on the VPN server is now complete. Follow instructions to [configure VPN clients](#configure-ikev2-vpn-clients).
If you want to remove IKEv2 from the VPN server, but keep the [IPsec/L2TP](clients.md) and [IPsec/XAuth ("Cisco IPsec")](clients-xauth.md) modes (if installed), run the helper script. **Warning:** All IKEv2 configuration including certificates and keys will be **permanently deleted**. This **cannot be undone**!
To manually remove IKEv2 from the VPN server, but keep the [IPsec/L2TP](clients.md) and [IPsec/XAuth ("Cisco IPsec")](clients-xauth.md) modes, follow these steps. Commands must be run as `root`.
**Warning:** All IKEv2 configuration including certificates and keys will be **permanently deleted**. This **cannot be undone**!
**Note:** If you used an older version (before 2020-05-31) of the IKEv2 helper script or instructions, file `/etc/ipsec.d/ikev2.conf` may not exist. In this case, please instead remove the `conn ikev2-cp` section from file `/etc/ipsec.conf`.
1. Delete certificates and keys. Replace "Nickname" below with each certificate's nickname. Repeat these commands for each certificate. When finished, list certificates in the IPsec database again, and confirm that the list is empty.
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