Diagnostic fix · VPN / proxy
Your proxy tool is not connected
WLOC diagnostics detected that no VPN or proxy connection is active. This means your proxy tool (Shadowrocket, Surge, etc.) is either not open, or its connection has not been started. Without an active proxy, WLOC cannot route location data through the module.
Plain English
What this means
WLOC works by routing Apple's location requests through a proxy module. That module runs inside your VPN/proxy tool. If the tool isn't connected, the module can't do its job — and diagnostics will report 'VPN not active' or 'No network connection'. This is almost always the first thing to check, because every other check depends on it.
Step 1：Open your proxy tool and start the connection
Open Shadowrocket (or Surge, Quantumult X, Loon, Stash, or Egern). Look for a large toggle or 'Start' button. Tap it. Within a few seconds, you should see a VPN icon appear in the iOS status bar. If you don't see the VPN icon, the connection didn't start — try again or check the tool's documentation.
- Shadowrocket: tap the toggle at the top of the main screen
- Surge: tap 'Start' on the main screen
- Quantumult X: tap the power button icon
- Loon: tap the toggle at the top
- Stash: tap 'Start'
- Egern: tap the toggle at the top
Step 2：Verify and rerun diagnostics
Once the VPN icon is visible in the status bar, go back to WLOC and run diagnostics again. The 'VPN connection' check should now pass. If it still fails, try these: make sure the proxy tool has VPN permission (check Settings → General → VPN & Device Management), or restart the proxy tool entirely.
- VPN icon in status bar = connected (✓)
- No VPN icon = not connected — tap Start again
- If still failing: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → check the tool is listed
- Try force-quitting and reopening the proxy tool
FAQ
Why does the VPN icon appear but diagnostics still say 'not connected'?
On rare occasions, iOS may take a few seconds to fully establish the VPN tunnel after showing the icon. Wait 5–10 seconds, then rerun diagnostics. If it persists, the proxy tool may have an internal error — check its logs or restart it.
Does WLOC itself provide a VPN?
No. WLOC does not include a VPN, does not install system trust materials, and does not bypass iOS permissions. It relies on a compatible third-party proxy tool to route and modify location traffic. You must install and configure that tool separately.
WLOC
Connection fixed? Now run diagnostics again.
Once your proxy tool shows the VPN icon, you're past the first hurdle. Rerun WLOC diagnostics — the next checks will tell you if the module and certificate are set up correctly.