Overview
Your VPN key is used in the encryption process, and it is automatically generated and rotated every 7-10 days for security purposes. It also helps us recognize your device apart from other devices that may be connected.
Before the VPN connection can be established, a secure handshake is required between your device and the data center. The VPN key is used to uniquely identify your device and complete this handshake process.
Windows
Before attempting to regenerate your VPN key, we recommend changing your location first to see if that allows you to connect without issues. See our support article for more information.
If you're still having trouble connecting after changing your location, follow the instructions in this article to generate a new VPN key for your device.
It is not necessary to regenerate this key manually unless you're having trouble connecting, or you are instructed to do so by our support team.
Regenerate VPN Key
How to regenerate the encryption key on your Windows computer:
Open 
VirtualShield VPN and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our support article.
Select the 
VPN tab, or navigate to Secure VPN from the Overview screen.
Click the 
Settings button near the top-right to open the VPN Settings panel.
Alternatively you can right-click the
Select Regenerate Keys to expand the list of options.
Click the Regenerate button to generate your new VPN encryption key.
You will also see your current encryption key on this screen, and when it was last generated.
macOS
Before attempting to regenerate your VPN key, we recommend changing your location first to see if that allows you to connect without issues. See our support article for more information.
If you're still having trouble connecting after changing your location, follow the instructions in this article to generate a new VPN key for your device.
It is not necessary to regenerate this key manually unless you're having trouble connecting, or you are instructed to do so by our support team.
Regenerate VPN Key
How to regenerate the encryption key on your Mac computer:
Open VirtualShield VPN and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our support article.
In the Secure VPN section, click the 
slider icon to open the VPN Settings panel.
If you can't find this icon, click theclose button near the top-right to return to the Home screen.
Select Advanced Settings to open the Advanced Settings panel.
Select Regenerate Key to expand the list of options.
Click the Regenerate button to generate your new VPN encryption key.
You will also see your current encryption key on this screen, and when it was last generated.
iOS
Before attempting to regenerate your VPN key, we recommend changing your location first to see if that allows you to connect without issues. See our support article for more information.
If you're still having trouble connecting after changing your location, follow the instructions in this article to generate a new VPN key for your device.
It is not necessary to regenerate this key manually unless you're having trouble connecting, or you are instructed to do so by our support team.
Regenerate VPN Key
How to regenerate the encryption key on your Apple iPhone/iPad:
Open VirtualShield VPN and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our support article.
Tap the slider icon near the top-right to open the VPN Settings panel.
If you can't find this icon, tap theOverview icon near the bottom to return to the Home screen.
Select Advanced Settings to open the Advanced Settings panel.
Select Regenerate Key to expand the list of options.
Tap the Regenerate button to generate your new VPN encryption key.
You will also see your current encryption key on this screen, and when it was last generated.
Android
Before attempting to regenerate your VPN key, we recommend changing your location first to see if that allows you to connect without issues. See our support article for more information.
If you're still having trouble connecting after changing your location, follow the instructions in this article to generate a new VPN key for your device.
It is not necessary to regenerate this key manually unless you're having trouble connecting, or you are instructed to do so by our support team.
Regenerate VPN Key
How to regenerate the encryption key on your Android phone/tablet:
Open VirtualShield VPN and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our support article.
Tap the slider icon near the top-right to open the VPN Settings panel.
If you can't find this icon, tap theOverview icon near the bottom to return to the Home screen.
Select Advanced Settings to open the Advanced Settings panel.
Select Regenerate Key to expand the list of options.
Tap the Regenerate button to generate your new VPN encryption key.
You will also see your current encryption key on this screen, and when it was last generated.
Common Questions
Why does the VPN key need to be regenerated?
Regenerating your VPN key can help increase reliability if you are having trouble connecting. It will also ensure that you are connected to a fresh server address, rather than an old/stale one.
Will my key be regenerated if I'm not using the VPN?
Yes, your encryption key will be regenerated every 7-10 days, whether the app is running or not. It is not necessary to regenerate this key manually each and every time you want to connect.
I still can't connect to the VPN, what should I do?
First we recommend following each of the steps in our Troubleshooting article to see if it solves the issue. If that doesn't work, contact our support team for assistance.