Defender VPN blocks downloading pictures on iPhone iMessage

Everett Pizzuti 0 Reputation points
2026-09-07T19:40:14.1666667+00:00

This problem began in early August. When someone sends me a picture wishin an iMessage it does not immediately open. Sometimes it takes Fromm 5 to 15 minutes to open.

I shut off VPN in Defender and now my pictures open.

Is there a workaround to be able to use VPN?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | For home | iOS
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  1. Bence Weiszmann 1,640 Reputation points
    2026-09-07T20:09:05.8633333+00:00

    Dear @Everett Pizzuti

    Try disabling Connect On Demand for the Microsoft Defender VPN and then test iMessage again. Please note that this will also disable the VPN connection. Guide: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/ios-configure-features#web-protection-and-vpn

    Best regards,
    Bence

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-07T19:40:30.9033333+00:00

    Yes. Microsoft Defender on iOS uses a local VPN for web protection, and iOS allows only one device-wide VPN to be active at a time. Microsoft also notes that some apps can have issues when a VPN is configured, and in those cases the Defender VPN can be disabled.

    The supported workaround is:

    1. On the iPhone, open Settings.
    2. Go to General > VPN.
    3. Select the i button for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
    4. Turn off Connect On Demand.

    That disables the Defender VPN while using the affected app or scenario.

    Important: when the Defender VPN is disabled, web protection is not available. To turn it back on later, open the Microsoft Defender app and select Start VPN.

    There is no documented iOS-specific workaround in the provided material that keeps Defender VPN enabled while avoiding the app impact. The documented approach is to disable Defender VPN when another app or VPN scenario is affected.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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