# TN3270 — gives easy access to a server

> IBM 3278 terminal emulator for mainframe access. (iPhone/iPad app by MochaSoft.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tn3270/id290609902 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [MochaSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/284741182)
- Category: Business, Utilities
- Price: $29.99
- Rating: 2.30/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 2 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-02-01
- Data updated: 2026-09-12
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tn3270/id290609902/reviews.md

## What is TN3270?

TN3270 emulate an IBM 3278 terminal for easy access to an IBM Mainframe. 

Before ordering, please try the free Lite version.

FEATURES
- Supports all standard 3270 emulation features 
- Alternate screen size (24x80 or 32x80) 
- SSL/TLS (Secure Socket Layer).
- Zoom and scroll as the Safari browser
- 3270 keys as PF1-PF24, PA1-PA3 and Clear
- Printer
- Camera as a barcode scanner
- Support for 10 different EBCDIC code pages
- Colors can be customised
- Clipboard
- Hotspots (Fxx= , PFxx= and URL text in the 3270 screen can be used as buttons)

## Key features

- 3270 emulation
- SSL/TLS security
- Customizable screen sizes
- Barcode scanner via camera
- Support for EBCDIC code pages
- Hotspot functionality

## Recent user reviews (10 of 12)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tn3270/id290609902/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Still the best out there after 8 years

*2019-07-15*

I haven’t seen any of the bugs talked about in the poor reviews. It works well for the limiting situation of the iPad. It works well with a BT keyboard, and remember that the iOS interface for BT keyboards is problematic. 

If you need basic 3270 support, especially if you’re doing a lot of ISPF editing, this is your app.

### 1/5 — Missed it by THAT much and NO support

*2018-12-12*

This handles the basics of logging in and accessing a mainframe, but has several flaws, some critical:

- If SET FULLREAD ON is set in XEDIT to read all NULL characters on the screen (allowing typing after the end of a line with the characters jumping left), the emulator fails to work, with symptom being nothing useful happens after the user presses ENTER or of PF key.
- App has a configuration setting for LU name, but doesn't send it to the host.
- App has a configuration setting for what keys to show in the banner, but doesn't honor it.
- App doesn't control keys to emulate PA1/PA2, critical keys on VM.
- App doesn't honor turning off "Show banner on top of 3270 screen" configuration option.
- Lower banner covers parts of bottom two lines, the input area for the VM/CMS command line on older iPads.

Update: The author declines to examine any of these issues, claiming it must be my unique (actually stock VM) environment and "other users have zero problems" and to "make changes to the 3270 engine could give problems to other users".

### 1/5 — iphone 6 plus

*2015-06-05, version 2.3*

o aplicativo não está rodando bem no iphone 6, nem no iphone 6 plus. pedimos ajuste. Não acessamos mais os sistemas. pedimos providências urgentes !!!

### 2/5 — Systems Programmer

*2015-04-17*

This app is not as good as it once was. An orange rectangle jumps around the screen as you touch it. You can zoom in, but not pan around. Very irritating.

### 1/5 — Still not working for IBM XEDIT

*2013-07-08*

Tested updated version under IBM VM/CMS. Still does not work for IBM XEDIT.

### 5/5 — Otimo.

*2012-05-29, version 1.6*

Pratico, atende o objetivo. Recomendo o uso de uma caneta para usar os botões, fica mais pratico...

### 3/5 — Not for high use

*2012-03-21*

TN3270 had very fast response, but that is about all. It was very cumbersome to use, is limited to 24x80 and 32x80, only 8 macros, and does not support TN3270E luname. Using the keyboard and function keys were a chore, Enter is at the top of the screen. TN3270 uses the iOS keyboard rather than providing a 3270 version. An advantage is the iPad and iPhone are same version saving money.

### 5/5 — VPD for IPAD

*2011-02-20*

Nice Product! Got it configured with SonicWall AES-128 VPN to access MF(s).  Plan on trying 3DES from Apple for IPAD. Other than that. Great for MF folks that use IPAD.

### 4/5 — About That Bluetooth Keyboard Issue ...

*2010-06-12*

Disclaimer: I am an iPhone/iPad developer, but I am not affiliated in any way with MochaSoft.  In fact, I might someday release my own competing TN3270 emulator.  This post is neither a "shill" nor a "troll".

But I feel compelled to defend MochaSoft on the Bluetooth keyboard "issue" that was raised in another review.  The fact is, this limitation is Apple's responsibility.  The iOS keyboard interface does not provide any way for an app to capture the "enter/return" key — so there is NO WAY for TN3270 to treat it as the 3270 "enter" key!

As presently designed, the iOS keyboard interface passes only two things to the app: data keys and the backspace (delete) key.  Nothing else — no "function" keys other than backspace are passed to the app.  The app can configure the "enter/return" key to either (a) move the cursor to the next text input field, if there is one (similar to the 3270 "tab" function) or (b) dismiss the keyboard.  But the app is not notified of either of these actions!

### 3/5 — This needs to integrate better with a bluetooth keyboard...

*2010-05-06*

I first bought this for my iPhone and it worked pretty well.  Not wonderfully but considering it is a mainframe in your hand with a LOT of keys piled in there, it is a really, really good effort - and as I said it is quite useable.  
  
But I recently also bought an iPad and a bluetooth keyboard so that I wouldn't have to bounce around from virtual keyboard arrangement to virtual keyboard arrangement within TN3270 -- or so I thought.  
  
Guess what?  The ENTER key is NOT honored on the bluetooth keyboard, so you can type some characters really quickly & accurately on the bluetooth keyboard but then you have to move your hand to the top of the screen to "press" the ENTER key there.  Dumb!  
  
That HAS to get fixed - SOON!!!  (Please?  When it gets fixed my rating will definitely improve.  Til then its a 3.)

## Frequently asked questions about TN3270

### What is TN3270 used for?

TN3270 emulates an IBM 3278 terminal, allowing users to easily access and interact with IBM Mainframe systems directly from their iPhone or iPad.

### Does TN3270 support secure connections?

Yes, TN3270 supports SSL/TLS (Secure Socket Layer) connections, ensuring secure communication when accessing your IBM Mainframe.

### Can TN3270 scan barcodes?

Yes, TN3270 can utilize your device's camera to function as a barcode scanner, which can be useful for data entry on the mainframe.

### What screen sizes does TN3270 support?

TN3270 supports alternate screen sizes, specifically 24x80 and 32x80, allowing for flexibility in how you view mainframe data.

### How much does TN3270 cost?

TN3270 is a paid application, priced at $29.99. It is recommended to try the free Lite version before purchasing.

### Is TN3270 available on Android?

Based on the provided data, TN3270 is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod, suggesting it is an iOS-exclusive application.

### How often is TN3270 updated?

The latest version of TN3270 is 4.4, and it was last updated on November 25, 2025. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing support.

### What is the user feedback on TN3270?

TN3270 has a rating of 2.3 stars from 3 ratings. This suggests that while some users find it functional, there may be areas for improvement based on overall sentiment.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.4 — 2025-11-25

Using a new background task function. Will keep a session alive when TN3270 is running in the background.

### 4.3 — 2025-08-21

Minor bug fixing.

### 4.2 — 2024-09-18

Solved problem with the function: menu - configure - help

### 4.1 — 2024-09-01

Version 4.0 had the lite option included. Sorry for the troubles.

### 4.0 — 2024-08-30

With some iPad Pro versions, the extra keyboard had a wrong position.

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## More apps by MochaSoft

- [TN5250](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tn5250/id284741179)
- [TN5250 Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tn5250-lite/id284906090)
- [Mocha VNC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mocha-vnc/id284981670)
- [Mocha VNC Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mocha-vnc-lite/id284984448)
- [Mocha Telnet](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mocha-telnet/id286892932)
- [Telnet Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/telnet-lite/id286893976)

All apps by MochaSoft: https://appshunter.io/developer/284741182

## Related topics

[tn3270 lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/tn3270-lite) · [tn3270](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/tn3270) · [mainframe](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/mainframe)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-12.*
