*Read this in other languages: [English](clients-xauth.md), [简体中文](clients-xauth-zh.md).*
*To connect using IPsec/L2TP mode, see: [Configure IPsec/L2TP VPN Clients](clients.md)*
After <ahref="https://github.com/hwdsl2/setup-ipsec-vpn"target="_blank">setting up your own VPN server</a>, follow these steps to configure your devices. IPsec/XAUTH is natively supported by Android, iOS and OS X. There is no additional software to install. Windows users can use the free <ahref="https://www.shrew.net/download/vpn"target="_blank">Shrew Soft client</a>. In case you are unable to connect, first check to make sure the VPN credentials were entered correctly.
`IPsec/XAUTH` mode is also called `Cisco IPsec`. Compared to `IPsec/L2TP`, it is generally faster with less overhead.
---
* Platforms
* [Windows](#windows)
* [OS X](#os-x)
* [Android](#android)
* [iOS](#ios)
### Windows ###
Note: You may also connect using [IPsec/L2TP mode](clients.md). No additional software is required.
1. Download and install the free <ahref="https://www.shrew.net/download/vpn"target="_blank">Shrew Soft VPN client</a>.
1. Click Start Menu -> All Programs -> ShrewSoft VPN Client -> VPN Access Manager
1. Click the **Add (+)** button on toolbar.
1. Enter `Your VPN Server IP` in the **Host Name or IP Address** field.
1. Click the **Authentication** tab. Select **Mutual PSK + XAuth** from the **Authentication Method** drop-down menu.
1. Click the **Phase 1** tab. Select **main** from the **Exchange Type** drop-down menu.
1. Click **Save** to save the VPN connection details.
1. Select the new VPN connection. Click the **Connect** button on toolbar.
1. Enter `Your VPN Username` in the **Username** field.
1. Enter `Your VPN Password` in the **Password** field.
1. Click **Connect**.
Once connected, you will see **tunnel enabled** in the VPN Connect status window. You can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by <ahref="https://encrypted.google.com/search?q=my+ip"target="_blank">looking up your IP address on Google</a>. It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
**Note:** A <ahref="https://documentation.meraki.com/MX-Z/Client_VPN/Troubleshooting_Client_VPN#Windows_Error_809"target="_blank">one-time registry change</a> is required if the VPN server and/or client is behind NAT (e.g. home router). Please refer to the linked page, or run the following from an <ahref="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/command-prompt-faq#1TC=windows-7"target="_blank">elevated command prompt</a>. You must reboot your computer when done.
1. Check the **Show VPN status in menu bar** checkbox.
1. Click **Apply** to save the VPN connection information.
You can connect to the VPN using the VPN icon in the menu bar, or by selecting the VPN in the Network section of System Preferences and choosing **Connect**. You can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by <ahref="https://encrypted.google.com/search?q=my+ip"target="_blank">looking up your IP address on Google</a>. It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
### Android ###
1. Launch the **Settings** application.
1. Tap **More...** in the **Wireless & Networks** section.
1. Tap **VPN**.
1. Tap **Add VPN Profile** or the **+** icon at top-right of screen.
1. Enter anything you like in the **Name** field.
1. Select **IPSec Xauth PSK** in the **Type** drop-down menu.
1. Enter `Your VPN Server IP` in the **Server address** field.
Note for Android 6 (Marshmallow) users: On the VPN server, edit `/etc/ipsec.conf` and append `,aes256-sha2_256` to both `ike=` and `phase2alg=` lines. Then add a new line `sha2-truncbug=yes` under section `conn shared` (<ahref="https://libreswan.org/wiki/FAQ#Android_6.0_connection_comes_up_but_no_packet_flow"target="_blank">Reference</a>). Indent lines with two spaces. When finished, run `service ipsec restart`.
Once connected, you will see a VPN icon in the notification bar. You can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by <ahref="https://encrypted.google.com/search?q=my+ip"target="_blank">looking up your IP address on Google</a>. It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
### iOS ###
1. Go to Settings -> General -> VPN.
1. Tap **Add VPN Configuration...**.
1. Tap **Type**. Select **IPSec** and go back.
1. Tap **Description** and enter anything you like.
1. Tap **Server** and enter `Your VPN Server IP`.
1. Tap **Account** and enter `Your VPN Username`.
1. Tap **Password** and enter `Your VPN Password`.
Once connected, you will see a VPN icon in the status bar. You can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by <ahref="https://encrypted.google.com/search?q=my+ip"target="_blank">looking up your IP address on Google</a>. It should say "Your public IP address is `Your VPN Server IP`".
## Acknowledgement
This document was adapted from the <ahref="https://github.com/jlund/streisand"target="_blank">Streisand</a> project by Joshua Lund and contributors.
## License
Copyright (C) 2016 Lin Song
Based on <ahref="https://github.com/jlund/streisand/blob/master/playbooks/roles/l2tp-ipsec/templates/instructions.md.j2"target="_blank">the work of Joshua Lund</a> (Copyright 2014-2016)
This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the <ahref="https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html"target="_blank">GNU General Public License</a> as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.