K9VPN User Guide

How the service works and its limits

Know the difference between your account, subscription, and client

K9VPN is a subscription service for cross-border network acceleration. Your account stores your plan, orders, and service status. Your subscription provides the client with the available connection configurations. The client establishes a connection on your device and handles network requests according to the mode you choose. These parts work together, but they are not interchangeable. Signing in to the dashboard does not mean your device is connected, and installing a client does not mean it has a usable configuration. If you are new, proceed in this order: account, plan, subscription, client, connection. This helps avoid skipping a prerequisite.

Think of accessing a service as a trip that needs a route out. An app generates a request, the client decides whether it goes through your local network or an international route, and the remote service processes the connection it receives. The region shown in a server list can help you choose an exit location, but it does not guarantee that every website offers content there. A website may also check your account details, payment region, browser session, and its own rules. Verify the connection and the destination service's access requirements separately.

Coverage and device support

The service offers 100+ countries / 250+ routes and supports Windows / macOS / iOS / Android / Linux, with unlimited simultaneous devices. This means you can configure the service on different devices; it does not mean their settings sync automatically. Importing a subscription, selecting a route, and granting system permissions on one computer will not configure another device for you. Check the configuration source, connection permissions, and active route on each device. Do not assume that because one device works, they all do.

Military-grade encryption is the service's primary security claim, but an encrypted connection does not replace good device and account security. Check app permissions, system updates, browser extensions, and downloaded files yourself. If you sign in on a public device, sign out when finished and clear subscription details from the clipboard. Subscription links provide access to configuration and should not be shared in public chats or stored in public notes, screenshots, or shared documents.

Start with your needs, not the settings

Before you begin, define what you want to do: browse websites, use AI tools, watch streaming services, or keep a work app on a stable route. For regular browsing, start by checking basic connectivity. With AI tools, check supported regions and session stability. For streaming, test the specific catalog and playback. Each task needs its own check. If one website opens, that only confirms that request worked; it does not prove another app is using the expected route or that your account meets its requirements.

Your local network is part of the connection too. A weak Wi-Fi signal, incomplete network sign-in, or leftover system proxy settings can look like an issue with the international route. Before you start, make sure your usual websites load while disconnected. If your local connection is unstable, fix that first. Repeatedly importing a subscription is unlikely to help and may create duplicate configurations, making later troubleshooting harder.

You should be able to explain what your account manages, what your subscription provides, and what your client does. When something goes wrong, identify the affected step before deciding whether to sign in again, update the configuration, or try another route.

You do not need to learn networking protocols before using this guide. The default approach is to use the client and configuration provided in the dashboard, keep the default rules, and first establish a reliable connection you can reproduce. Explore advanced routing and settings only after confirming the default setup works. For a specific error, check the Help Center; to learn about route types, see the Server List. There is no need to change every setting at once while getting started.

Plan selection and data allowances

Consider how often you will use it

Choose a plan based on how often you will use it, then consider the data allowance. A monthly subscription suits regular use; its data resets monthly on the activation date. A data pack suits occasional use: it lasts until used and never expires. The key difference is how data relates to time, not what the plan is called. A data pack does not automatically refill each month, and unused monthly subscription data does not accumulate indefinitely. Compare full pricing and details on the Plans & Pricing page.

To estimate your data needs, list the apps that will use the client rather than guessing based on the number of devices. Text chats, image-heavy websites, video, and file transfers use data differently. Background sync and system updates may also contribute. Unlimited simultaneous devices does not mean each device gets a separate plan allowance. Check the total usage shown in your account dashboard instead of relying only on one computer's local statistics.

Understand resets, renewals, and upgrades

Monthly subscription data resets on the activation date, not simply at the start of each calendar month. Check your current plan and data details in the dashboard as you use the service. If the client and dashboard show different totals, first check whether they use the same starting point, count the same activity, and have refreshed at the same time. The client is generally better for monitoring connection activity on that device; use the dashboard to check your account-level allowance and service status.

Mid-cycle upgrades are calculated as the price difference converted into remaining days. Before upgrading, review the price and validity details shown at checkout; do not assume the difference is calculated for a full month. If your connection has slowed temporarily, first use the connection verification steps in this guide to check the route and local network. A higher data tier helps with managing usage; it does not guarantee faster access to every website.

The never-expires description applies to the validity of the data pack you buy. It does not mean your app account, eligibility for third-party services, or access to external resources lasts forever. Before choosing, decide whether you need data that stays available or data that resets monthly. If you want to switch billing types, check whether the dashboard offers that option and read the new order details. Do not assume different products will automatically combine, offset, or carry over.

Know what you are agreeing to before paying

The service accepts Alipay / WeChat / USDT and offers a 60-day no-questions-asked refund. Compare plans by price, data terms, usage patterns, and refund policy—not just the largest data allowance shown. Read the Refund Policy for eligibility and how to request a refund. A brief assurance on the plans page does not replace the full terms, and button wording should not be taken as a promise of extra data or other unlisted offers.

Before confirming, you can save the plan name, page details, and order result for reference. Do not include your password or full subscription link. If you are on a budget, read How to Choose a VPN on a Budget to understand what monthly subscriptions and data packs are each suited for. By the end of this section, you should know the selected price, data allowance, and reset terms. The next step is to confirm the order in your account, not to look for an installer.

Account setup and order checks

Create an account you can keep secure

No email address is required; sign up with a username and password. Open the dashboard through the Free Trial link, then enter a username and password as prompted. Check your entries before submitting. Choose a username you can recognize and avoid reusing a password from another site. Store your credentials in a trusted password manager; do not put account details in a subscription name or rely on a browser staying signed in as your only way to keep them.

After creating your account, sign out and sign back in to confirm your credentials work. This can catch typos, mismatched autofill entries, or a password saved incorrectly. If sign-in fails, check your keyboard input, extra spaces, and what your password manager actually filled in. Do not create several similar accounts to troubleshoot. Similar usernames can scatter orders, plans, and support tickets, leading to confusion later—for example, thinking you paid when the active account has no plan.

Not requiring an email address means you should not assume an email-based account recovery option is available. If you have trouble with your credentials, use the recovery method the dashboard actually provides and follow its instructions. If you can still access your account on another device, keep that session open and check the available account management options. Do not sign out on every device before confirming how to recover access.

Place orders from the same account

Open the Plans section in the dashboard, check the plan name, price, data allowance, and billing terms, then create an order as prompted. The marketing page describes the plans; the dashboard handles the actual order. Keep the payment flow consistent: avoid opening several similar order windows, and do not switch to another account immediately after paying to check the result. Confirming which account owns the order is often more important than paying again.

Payment methods are Alipay / WeChat / USDT. Whichever method you use, follow the details on the current order page. Do not copy payment details from old screenshots, chat logs, or a page for a different order. With USDT, check the displayed currency, network, and amount requirements one by one. If anything is unclear, pause and ask through an account support ticket rather than guessing what is compatible.

After paying, return to the order page and check the order status and whether your plan has updated. A successful payment in your payment app and an updated status in the dashboard are separate steps. If the status has not synced yet, keep the current order and refresh the page before taking further action. Do not pay again just because the first return to the page did not show a change. You can sign back in to the same account to check, but there is no need to delete the client, reset the subscription, or change system network settings; those actions do not affect who owns the order.

What to include when reporting an order issue

If you need help, open an account support ticket and provide the order ID, plan, payment method, and status you see. Redact your password, subscription link, and any payment details that are not needed. Describe the issue clearly—for example, “Payment completed, but the order is still pending in the dashboard”—and include the exact message shown. Avoid saying only “it doesn't work,” which does not distinguish between payment, plan status, importing, and network connectivity.

Check your account first, then the order, then the plan status. Do not pay again before the order is confirmed, and do not blame the route before checking the plan status.

By the end of this section, the dashboard should show the expected service status, and your credentials should be stored securely. If you need a refund, read the refund policy before submitting a support ticket; the service offers a 60-day no-questions-asked refund. You do not need to share your subscription with anyone for verification. The next section explains how to get the configuration from your account and check that it reaches the client correctly.

Get your subscription and check the configuration

A subscription is a configuration source, not a regular webpage

Once the dashboard confirms your plan is active, go to Account Overview and look for the subscription options. Names and layout may change; common actions include copying subscription details or sending them to a client to import. A subscription gives the client access to available routes and related settings. It is not a webpage to keep open in a browser. A browser downloading text does not mean the client has received it, and opening the client does not mean the configuration has been added successfully.

Use the import option in the dashboard that matches your client. When a link opens another app, your system may ask permission; continue only after confirming it is the client you intend to use. If the app does not open, check that the client is installed and running, then try copying the subscription into the client's subscription import field. Do not paste the same content into unrelated fields for a single server, a rules URL, or a local file path.

What to check before and after importing

Copy the full link without truncation or extra spaces, which can be introduced by chat apps, note-taking tools, or the browser address bar. Copy it directly from the dashboard and paste it directly into the client when possible. If you need to name the configuration, use a clear label such as “K9VPN work profile.” The name is for local organization; do not include a password or full link. After importing, check for a configuration entry, an update result, and a server list—not just a blank name.

If the client says it cannot parse the configuration, first check whether you selected the right format. Clients may use different configuration structures; similar names do not guarantee compatibility. Return to the dashboard and choose the matching import option rather than editing fields you do not understand. If the copied content shows a login page, webpage markup, or an error, it is not the expected configuration. Check your sign-in status and where you copied it from instead of saving and repeatedly importing that text.

If a download fails, first distinguish between being unable to reach the subscription page and downloading content that the client cannot parse. The former is more likely related to your local network, an incomplete address, or account status; the latter is more likely a format mismatch. Note the exact error and whether it occurred during copying, downloading, parsing, or enabling the configuration. Do not change the client, subscription format, and network mode all at once; otherwise, even if the issue clears, you will not know what fixed it.

Updating and resetting are different actions

Updating a subscription usually fetches the latest remote configuration and can help when the server list changes or an old configuration has not refreshed. Resetting a subscription changes access credentials for the configuration; check the dashboard for whether this option is available and how it works. Do not treat reset as an ordinary refresh. If you reset it in the dashboard, follow the instructions to get the new configuration on each device. Check whether old links are still saved in scheduled update tasks or other devices, or they may stop working later.

Treat subscription links as sensitive information. In public screenshots, show only the configuration name, error, and necessary status—not the full address or access parameters. Giving the link to an unfamiliar online conversion tool gives that tool access to your configuration source. Unless you understand its purpose and risks, use the dashboard and client features already available. For troubleshooting, you can simply say “subscription download failed”; there is no need to post the full link publicly.

After updating, check the server list, select the right configuration, and enable the connection. A common reason for “I updated it, but nothing changed” is that the update completed while a different, older configuration remained in use.

When setting up multiple devices, verify each one independently; identical configuration names do not guarantee identical contents. If a computer can update but another device cannot, compare the network, client format, and copy source. For support, provide the platform, the message shown by the client, and the step where it failed. This section is complete when the client can read the configuration and list available routes. The account and subscription are in place; next, grant system permissions and test the connection.

Import the client on five platforms

Get the client and subscription from the download section in the user dashboard. Sign in to download on Windows / macOS / Android / Linux; the iOS download link requires an active plan. Download eligibility and establishing a working connection are separate issues. After getting the client, you still need a usable subscription and system permissions. This section explains the general process; follow the labels shown in your current client rather than assuming every platform uses the same button names.

Windows: Check the configuration and system routing

Sign in to the dashboard to get the client, then follow the installer prompts and launch it. On first run, find the configuration or subscription manager, import the details from the previous section, wait for the server list to load, and set the configuration as active. If the installer says a file is in use, exit the old process normally and try again. Do not run another app with the same name from an untrusted source, and do not assume a desktop shortcut proves the installation is complete.

After choosing a route, enable the system proxy or required routing mode as prompted by the client. The system proxy mainly affects apps that honor that setting; other apps may have their own proxy options. A working browser does not mean every app is routed through the client. Test a webpage first, then check the target app. When finished, disconnect in the client and restore the proxy settings before quitting. For a more detailed walkthrough, see Windows VPN Setup: From Installation to Startup.

macOS: Check the app source and network permissions

Download the client for your device from the dashboard, install it in the Applications folder as prompted, and then launch it. If macOS asks you to confirm the app's source, first verify that you downloaded it from the dashboard; do not disable system-wide protections just to dismiss a prompt. Read any system dialog requesting network permissions and confirm the app name. After importing the subscription, check the active configuration and server list before connecting. Do not repeatedly switch exit regions before granting the required permissions.

On macOS, closing a window may not quit the app; it may still be handling the connection from the menu bar or in the background. To test a disconnected state, explicitly disconnect in the client and check that the system proxy has been restored. If access fails after switching Wi-Fi networks, first make sure the new network has completed its sign-in process, then reconnect. If you need a network extension or broader routing, follow the client and system prompts. Do not copy permission instructions for another app or change unrelated settings.

iOS: Confirm with the system after importing

With an active plan, get the client from the dashboard's download section and follow the instructions. Import from the dashboard, then check that iOS opened the intended client and that a configuration was added. If it only returned to the app's home screen, open the configuration list and confirm. Your first connection usually requires system approval for the VPN configuration. Continue to connectivity checks only after approving it and enabling the configuration in the client.

If another VPN configuration is already on your device, confirm which one is active before connecting. Avoid switching repeatedly between apps without knowing which one owns the current connection. If the connection does not recover after sleep or a network change, check its actual status in the client, then disconnect and reconnect. Do not rely on the status-bar icon alone; also check whether the target website or app can complete a request. When sharing a screenshot for help, show only the necessary status, not subscription details.

Android: Separate installation and connection permissions

Sign in to the dashboard to get the Android client. During installation, grant only the necessary permissions to the current download source when prompted. Once installed, open the app and import your subscription. Installation permission and VPN connection permission are separate steps: being able to open the client only confirms that it is installed; the first connection also requires system network permission. If the system says another VPN is active, check that app's status before deciding what to close, so two apps do not compete for control of the connection.

If the connection works in the foreground but fails after you switch apps, check whether the system restricts the client in the background or for battery usage. Adjust only the settings related to that app; you do not need to disable power saving for the whole device. Settings vary by device, so look for the background activity controls that match the issue. After adjusting them, retest the target app and check what happens when you switch away. If the local network disconnects each time, changing international routes will not prevent the system from stopping the background process.

Linux: Understand the different paths used by desktop and terminal apps

Get the Linux client from the dashboard and check that the download matches your system environment. Follow the included installation instructions. Import the subscription and select a configuration, then test in a browser within your desktop session before checking other apps. Desktop system proxy settings may not be inherited by terminal commands, and proxy environment variables set in a terminal may not affect desktop apps. Test each separately; success in one does not prove the other is routed through the client.

You can use the command below to check the result of a basic HTTPS request. It contains no subscription or credentials and does not force a particular proxy route; the result depends on your current network and environment settings. If it fails, note the exact error, such as a name resolution failure, connection failure, or certificate warning, and check the client logs. Do not skip certificate verification just to make the command succeed; that could hide a real issue with system time, the trust chain, or the request path.

curl --head https://example.com

When moving to a different platform, get a configuration that matches it from the dashboard rather than copying an entire application folder from another system. Start with the default configuration, basic permissions, and a test in one app, then restore your own settings gradually. If the issue occurs on only one platform, note the system prompt and client status there; there is no need to reset subscriptions on every device. By the end of this section, one device should be able to keep the client running reliably, ready for testing with your target service.

Connection verification and troubleshooting

Start with a repeatable test sequence

Before testing, choose a configuration, route, and connection mode, then keep the other conditions unchanged. Test in this order: local network, a regular website, and then the target app. Note what happens at each step. This helps distinguish a basic network issue from a client routing issue or a restriction imposed by the service itself. Do not switch between multiple clients or change the region, mode, and browser account in the same test. With too many variables, neither success nor failure is easy to explain.

First, check your basic connection while disconnected, especially on public Wi-Fi or just after switching networks. Complete any required network sign-in before enabling the client. Next, connect and open a regular HTTPS website to confirm requests are getting through. Then test your AI tool, streaming service, or work app, checking sign-in, page loading, and the actual feature you need. Seeing a service's home page does not prove that requests, playback, or data sync work.

Narrow it down based on what you see

A connected status in the client usually means the local connection process has reached a particular state; it does not prove every request is using the expected route. Check whether you selected the newly imported configuration, whether the target app follows the system proxy, and whether the rules send that domain through the intended exit. If the browser works but another app does not, first check which apps the client is routing instead of assuming the entire subscription is invalid.

If you see a certificate error, first check that your system clock is correct, the domain is spelled correctly, and whether the error also occurs while disconnected. Corporate networks, local security software, and browser extensions can also affect HTTPS requests. Do not disable certificate checks or ignore security warnings related to signing in. If only one app reports an error, note its exact message and the steps to reproduce it; a successful test in another browser does not rule out the issue.

Test AI tools and streaming separately

For AI tools, check regional eligibility and keep the exit route consistent. Choose a region supported by the service and, where possible, use the same route to sign in and interact normally. Do not switch regions repeatedly because a page pauses briefly. If the page loads but a request is rejected, check your account status, the service's message, and its regional requirements—not just the connection icon. For more on regional checks and consistent exit routes, see Claude Region Checks and Route Selection.

For streaming, check whether the specific content plays, not just whether the app's home page loads. Catalog availability, membership access, app cache, and exit region may all affect the result. After switching routes, wait for the current connection to end, then reopen the content so the previous session does not carry over its region. For more, see Streaming Access Guide. This guide does not promise that every route works with every catalog.

If the same configuration works on another device, first check the affected device's system proxy, permissions, and app status. If it works on the same device after changing local networks, check the original network environment. Change one condition at a time and note the result. When contacting support, include the platform, the failed step, the region used, the exact message, and any comparison tests you completed. This is usually more useful than sending a large set of unrelated screenshots.

Success does not mean “the button changed color.” It means the target action worked and can be repeated under the same conditions. Check connection status, request routing, and account eligibility separately.

Routine maintenance, renewals, and recovery

Keep a working configuration before making updates

The goal of routine maintenance is to keep a working connection repeatable, not to change settings frequently. Give working configurations clear names and note the routes and use cases you rely on. Before updating the client or subscription, check which configuration is active so you do not end up using an older one. If you want to keep custom rules, first check whether the client supports separate overrides or backups. Do not overwrite the only working local copy.

Client updates and subscription updates address different issues. A client update covers the app itself and compatibility with the system; a subscription update fetches the latest routes and remote configuration. If the server list changes, update the subscription first. If a system upgrade causes launch or permission issues, check client compatibility and permissions. Do not make uninstalling the app your first step; you may lose local rules and logs, making the original issue harder to diagnose.

Check your data usage and plan status

Monthly subscription data resets monthly on the activation date. Check your remaining data and current service status in the dashboard. If usage seems unusually high, check for background file syncing, autoplaying videos, or large transfers across multiple devices. Then check whether the apps routed through the client have changed. Do not estimate usage from the webpage currently open in your browser; background processes or another configured device may be using data too.

A data pack lasts until used and never expires, so focus on the remaining balance rather than waiting for a monthly refill. If your account shows past orders and a currently available product, check the status of each separately; the number of orders does not tell you how much data remains. Local client counters can be affected by restarts, what they count, and configuration changes. They are useful for monitoring activity on the current device; check the dashboard directly for your account balance.

To renew, open the plans section from the same account and review your current product and any pending orders. Do not reuse an old payment screenshot or create similar orders before resolving an outstanding order. Mid-cycle upgrades are calculated as the price difference converted into remaining days; check the details on the dashboard confirmation. If you want to change billing types, read the page details before ordering. Do not assume data or validity will be combined in a particular way.

Switching devices and managing credentials

When switching devices, get the client and subscription on the new device from the dashboard and verify the connection before changing anything on the old device. This leaves you with a known working setup for comparison. Before handing over the old device, sign out of the dashboard, remove the configuration, and clear subscription details from the clipboard and local backups. Uninstalling a browser does not necessarily remove client settings. Check account sessions, client subscriptions, and system proxy settings separately.

If you suspect your subscription link has been exposed, check the dashboard for reset options and instructions, then update the configuration on each device. Changing your account password and replacing subscription access credentials are different actions; do not assume one will automatically do the other. Afterward, confirm that your regular devices can fetch the updated configuration and remove old links from personal documents so they are not accidentally copied back into the client later.

How to recover after a connection drops

After waking from sleep, losing connectivity, or switching networks, check the local network first, then confirm the client is still running, and finally check the configuration and route. Try disconnecting normally and reconnecting; there is no need to reinstall right away. If websites still will not load after you quit the client, check whether the system proxy still points to a local service that has stopped. Restore the proxy settings and retest your basic connection to distinguish an app shutdown from leftover system settings.

If you have not used the service for a while, sign in to the dashboard to check your service status, update the subscription, and then run the full connection test. Do not assume a configuration still works because it did in the past. If you cannot resolve the issue, keep the exact error, recent changes, and test results, then submit a support ticket. For refunds, follow the Refund Policy; the stated commitment is a 60-day no-questions-asked refund. Do not infer extra conditions from maintenance advice.

A maintenance log only needs to say what changed, when the issue appeared, and how it was resolved. Do not record passwords or full subscription links, and do not leave temporary troubleshooting settings as your permanent defaults.

Route management and advanced routing

Understand the modes before changing what they cover

Start advanced settings from a default configuration that you have already verified works. Rule-based mode typically routes requests according to domains or other conditions; modes with broader coverage may send traffic from more apps through the client. Neither is simply better: broader coverage can help with comparison and troubleshooting, but it may also change how local apps, LAN resources, and background updates connect. Identify the app or issue you want to address before changing how traffic is routed.

If an app does not follow the system proxy, first check whether it has its own proxy settings. Then consider broader routing options offered by the client. These features may require system permissions or a network extension, so follow the current client instructions. Do not copy local ports, network interface names, or routing settings from another guide; they depend on your device. After configuring them, test both the target app and local resources to make sure the fix has not disrupted your normal work.

Understand route types by their use

A nearby region is not necessarily better for a particular service, and routes of the same type do not perform identically for every request. First check which regions the target service supports, then assess performance over your local network. For general browsing, choose an exit that connects smoothly. With AI tools, consider both regional eligibility and exit stability; with streaming, test the specific content. See the Server List for region and route type examples. Do not infer capabilities that are not stated in the listing.

Consider rules, DNS, and sessions together

Before adding custom rules, check the client's matching order and syntax, then start with the narrowest target. Copying a broad wildcard rule can change the routes used by sign-in, payments, syncing, and local services. Save the original settings first, then check where the target request goes. If there is no improvement, restore the original configuration before continuing. Avoid adding many unrelated rules at once; it will be harder to return to a known state if something breaks.

DNS resolution determines how a client or app finds a destination address, but resolving a name does not guarantee the request will succeed. If a domain will not open or an address can connect but the site cannot, check the client logs to see where resolution happened and whether the request followed the expected route. Changing DNS is not a universal way to improve speed. Do not replace your default DNS setup to address a brief issue with one app; keep a working configuration for comparison first.

Session stability matters too. Switching routes can change the exit location a service sees, while your browser may retain the previous sign-in session and regional cache. For apps sensitive to account region, use a suitable, consistent exit for a complete session before deciding whether to change it. Repeatedly switching regions makes results harder to compare and may make security warnings harder to explain. If a service rejects a request, check its rules and your account status instead of retrying the connection indefinitely.

Turn troubleshooting results into a repeatable recovery process

For advanced troubleshooting, use a clear comparison sequence: keep the default configuration and note what failed; change one setting and repeat the same action; if it does not help, restore the original value. Keep only the log excerpts you need and check for subscription links, account identifiers, or access parameters before sharing. When asking for help, a clear description such as “The default configuration works, but this app fails after adding a custom rule” is more useful than simply saying it is slow.

The goal of this guide is to make your setup easy to check and restore. Keep configuration names clear, use consistent routes for regular tasks, and know how to verify your account status. When an issue arises, distinguish between your account, configuration, local network, and the target service. For a short checklist, return to the Quick Start Guide; for answers organized by symptom, visit the Help Center. Expand routing only after verifying the default setup so you can tell what each setting actually changes.