How to Get a VPN on iPhone Safely

07/07/2024 Anonymize

Protecting our privacy online is more important than ever. A virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to do this on our iPhones. It creates a secure tunnel to the internet, hiding our location and protecting our data from others. This is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks¹².

This guide will show you why using a VPN on your iPhone is a good idea. We’ll also give you easy steps to set it up safely. If you want to get past geo-restrictions, keep your online activities safe, or just keep your privacy, a VPN is a must-have for iPhone users. Let’s learn how to safely get a VPN on your iPhone.

Table of Contents

What is a VPN and Why Use It on iPhone?

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, changes your iPhone’s internet path through a remote server. This hides your device’s true IP address and location³. VPNs encrypt your online actions, keeping your personal info safe from others, making them a hit with iPhone users³.

Explanation of VPN and Its Benefits

A VPN creates a secure, encrypted link between your iPhone and a VPN server. This keeps your sensitive data and online actions safe from cyber threats³. It’s key for iPhone users who often share personal or financial info online, like when banking, shopping, or accessing work stuff³.

Using a VPN on your iPhone brings many benefits:

It keeps your privacy by hiding your IP address and location, making it tough for advertisers, hackers, or your internet provider to track you³
It lets you get past location blocks and censorship, so you can see content blocked in your area⁴
It gives you a secure way to access work’s private networks or other sensitive corporate info³
It reduces the chance of your internet speed being slowed down by your provider³

A VPN might slow down your internet a bit because of encryption³. But, the extra security and privacy it gives make it a great tool for iPhone users who care about their online safety and freedom³.

Not all VPN services are the same⁴. Free VPNs might track your data and sell it, which is a big privacy risk³. Paid VPNs usually offer better protection and don’t sell your info⁴.

Using a VPN on your iPhone adds a crucial layer of security and privacy. It’s a smart choice for those who value their online safety and freedom³⁵⁴.

Choosing the Best VPN for Your iPhone

When looking for the best VPN for your iPhone, think about what you need online. The right VPN depends on your activities and needs. Let’s look at key things to consider when picking a VPN for your iPhone.

First, make sure the VPN works well with iOS and has an easy-to-use app for your iPhone⁶.

Next, check the VPN’s server locations. If you travel a lot or want to access content from certain places, choose a VPN with many servers worldwide. For example, ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries⁷, and NordVPN has 6,000+ servers in over 110 countries⁷.

Also, think about how many devices you want to protect. If you have multiple devices like your iPhone, iPad, and laptop, look for a VPN that lets you connect many devices at once. ExpressVPN allows up to 8 connections⁷, and NordVPN supports up to 10⁷.

Speed and performance matter too. You want a VPN that’s fast for streaming, gaming, and downloading big files. Our research shows NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access VPN are great for iPhones in 2024⁶.

Don’t forget about security and privacy. A good VPN should have strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and secure protocols. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are known for their strong security and privacy⁷.

Finally, consider how easy the VPN is to use and the customer support it offers. Choose a VPN with a simple app and good support for any problems you might have. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are praised for being easy to use and having great customer support⁷.

By thinking about these factors, you can pick the best VPN for your iPhone. This will give you a secure, reliable, and fun online experience.

VPN Provider	Security Score	Minimum Monthly Cost	iOS App Rating	Max Devices Allowed	VPN Protocols Supported	Encryption Level
NordVPN	9.5/10	$3.29	4.7	10	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx	AES-256-GCM
Surfshark	9.5/10	$2.49	4.6	Unlimited	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard	AES-256-GCM
Private Internet Access VPN	9.4/10	$2.69	4.5	10	OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP	AES-256-GCM
ExpressVPN	9.1/10	$8.32	4.7	5	OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec	AES-256-GCM
IPVanish	9.3/10	$3.99	4.6	Unlimited	OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec	AES-256-CBC

Our research included over 2,500 hours of testing and over 50 VPNs. The top 5 VPNs for iPhones in 2024 are NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access VPN, ExpressVPN, and IPVanish⁶. These VPNs offer great features, security, performance, and value for a secure iPhone experience.

How to Install a VPN App on iPhone

Protecting your online activities on your iPhone is key in today’s digital world. Setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great way to keep your privacy safe and access content without limits⁸. We’ll guide you through downloading and installing a VPN app on your iPhone here.

Download a VPN App from the App Store

First, pick a trustworthy VPN provider and download their iOS app from the Apple App Store⁹. You’ll find many good VPN services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access, each offering different features and prices. Do your homework to find the best VPN for your needs.

After picking your VPN, open the App Store on your iPhone and search for their app. Download and install the app, then either create an account or log in with your details⁹.

Set Up the VPN Connection

Once the VPN app is installed, set up the connection on your iPhone. You can do this in the VPN app or through your iPhone’s Settings app.

Open the VPN app and follow the instructions to connect to a VPN server. This usually means tapping a “Connect” or “Start” button.
Or, go to your iPhone’s Settings > General > VPN and tap “Add VPN Configuration” to set it up manually. Fill in the server address, username, and password from your VPN service.

After setting up, you can connect to the VPN by turning on the VPN toggle in your iPhone’s Settings or in the VPN app⁹.

It’s crucial to use a reliable VPN service for safe and private browsing on your iPhone¹⁰. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy VPN benefits like better privacy, access to blocked content, and safety on public Wi-Fi⁸.

Manually Configuring a VPN on iPhone

If you need to access a private network at a business or school, you might have to manually set up your VPN on your iPhone. This method is a bit more complex than using a VPN app. But, it gives you more control over your VPN settings¹¹.

To start, go to Settings > General > VPN, then tap “Add VPN Configuration.” Next, pick the VPN protocol you want, like IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP¹². Then, enter the server details, your account info, and any other needed info to connect¹².

One good thing about setting up a VPN manually is you can customize your settings. For instance, you can choose the best VPN protocol for you, like the fast and secure WireGuard protocol¹³. You can also pick a proxy setting, such as Manual, Auto, or Off, based on what you prefer¹².

Setting up a VPN manually might be needed in certain situations, like at work or school. But for everyday use, a VPN app is usually easier and more convenient¹².

By manually setting up your VPN, you can make sure you have the right settings for your organization’s private network. Just remember, it takes a bit more time and effort than using a VPN app¹¹¹²¹³.

Connecting to the VPN on Your iPhone

Setting up your VPN on your iPhone is easy¹⁴. You can use the built-in VPN settings or apps that make it simpler¹⁴.

Activating the VPN Connection

To turn on the VPN, go to Settings, then General > VPN¹⁴. Just toggle the VPN switch to “On”¹⁴. Or, use the VPN app you installed with a single tap¹⁴.

Some VPNs, like PIA VPN, offer extra features like multi-hop for better privacy¹⁴. The setup and control can differ between apps and manual settings¹⁴.

¹⁵It’s wise to keep the VPN on for privacy and protection on iPhones, especially on public Wi-Fi¹⁵. Check your VPN status with the icon in the status bar or Control Center¹⁴.

¹⁶VPNs are key for keeping data safe and private, especially on public Wi-Fi¹⁶. Connecting to a VPN on an iPhone is easy, whether through an app or manual settings¹⁴.

¹⁶When picking a VPN, look at speed, server count, app ease, security, device support, and guarantees¹⁶. Good VPNs offer refunds so you can try before paying¹⁶.

¹⁵Apple’s iCloud Private Relay, introduced in 2021, also boosts privacy and security on mobile devices¹⁵.

Changing VPN Server Locations on iPhone

When you set up a VPN on your iPhone, you can change VPN server locations to fit your needs¹⁷. Many VPN providers offer servers in different places worldwide. This lets you access content or websites blocked in your area. It also helps you find the fastest connection for what you’re doing.

To select a different VPN server on your iPhone, open the VPN app and pick a new server from the list¹⁷. Free VPNs might have fewer server choices, but paid ones offer more locations¹⁷. Paid VPNs also give you unlimited data and let you connect more devices at once.

Before using a VPN to change your iPhone’s location, test the connection to make sure it works¹⁷. Use an IP lookup site to check if your IP address has changed to the new location¹⁷. Some apps, like those using GPS, might not work right if your location is changed by a VPN¹⁷.

If you want to change your Apple ID’s region, it’s different from changing your VPN server¹⁷. This can affect your subscriptions, prepaid balances, and app downloads. So, think about the effects before you do it¹⁷. You need to sign out of your Apple ID, change the region, and then sign back in¹⁷.

Knowing how to change VPN server locations on your iPhone can improve your browsing, let you access blocked content, and help you find deals while traveling¹⁷¹⁸. Just make sure to check the privacy policies of any VPN or service you use to keep your data safe¹⁸.

Feature	VeePN
Server Locations	89 locations worldwide¹⁹
Free Trial	Yes, available for new users¹⁹
Encryption	AES-256 encryption¹⁹
VPN Protocol	WireGuard®, the fastest VPN protocol¹⁹
iOS App	Apple-approved VPN app for iPhone¹⁹
Additional Features	NetGuard ad-blocker, 24/7 support¹⁹

When picking a VPN for your iPhone, look for features like Double VPN, Kill Switch, and DNS and IP leak protection for security¹⁹. A VPN with many server locations worldwide can give you more freedom and reliable connections¹⁹.

In conclusion, being able to change VPN server locations on your iPhone is useful for accessing content, protecting your privacy, and avoiding tracking¹⁸¹⁹. By understanding how it works and its effects on your Apple ID and apps, you can use a VPN to your advantage¹⁷.

how to get a vpn on iphone

Getting a VPN on your iPhone is easy and boosts your online security and privacy. First, pick a trusted VPN provider with an iOS app. Top choices include Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN, great for Apple devices¹⁵.

After picking a VPN, go to the Apple App Store and find their iOS app. Download and set it up on your iPhone. Then, make an account with the VPN and log in to the app. With a few taps, you’re connected to a VPN server and safe online¹⁶.

Free VPNs might look good but they often have big downsides, like data limits or selling your info¹⁶. It’s smarter to pay for a VPN for better protection and a smooth experience¹⁵.

When choosing a VPN, look at their reputation, security, server network, and device compatibility. Top VPNs offer refunds, so you can try them out and see if they’re right for you¹⁶.

By doing these steps, you can easily set up a VPN on your iPhone. This way, you get better online security, privacy, and access to more content from around the world¹.

A good VPN is key to keeping your online life safe and private, especially on public Wi-Fi¹.

Maximizing Your iPhone’s Security with a VPN

Boosting your iPhone’s security and privacy is more than just using a VPN. Top VPN providers offer extra features and settings to protect your device and online actions²⁰.

Additional VPN Features and Settings

Choose VPN apps with a kill switch. This stops your internet if the VPN drops, keeping your real IP safe²⁰. Split tunneling lets you pick apps or websites to use the VPN for, keeping other traffic normal²⁰.

Some VPNs use WireGuard for faster, safer connections than older protocols²⁰. It’s key to update your VPN app and protocol as iOS updates come out for the best security²⁰.

Exploring your VPN’s features and settings can boost your iPhone’s security and privacy²⁰. Watching your VPN’s data use and connection status helps you use your secure online tools well²⁰.

While a VPN helps, Apple’s privacy tools like end-to-end encryption and iCloud Private Relay add more security to your iPhone²¹. Using a VPN with these tools gives you a strong security mix for your iPhone²¹.

Privacy tools like Ghostery can block ads and trackers, making your browsing safer and better²¹.

Using VPN features and Apple’s privacy tools together creates a strong security setup for your iPhone and online life²⁰²¹.

VPNs have many benefits but watch out for issues like data leaks and speed problems²¹. Some VPNs might log your activities or lack good security, so pick a trusted one²¹.

When picking a VPN for your iPhone, go for a reputable one like PrivateVPN²². PrivateVPN has top-notch encryption, no logging, and servers in 63 countries for safe internet on your iPhone²².

With a good VPN and Apple’s privacy tools, you can make your iPhone more secure and private for a better online experience²⁰²¹²².

Uninstalling or Removing a VPN from iPhone

To remove a VPN from your iPhone, it’s easy. Just find the VPN app on your home screen, press and hold it, then tap the minus button to delete it²³. This confirms you want to delete the app, and the VPN will be gone from your device. Remember, this action will also disable the VPN and erase any settings or configurations you had.

Another method to delete a VPN is by resetting your network settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings²³. This will clear all your previous networks and VPN settings, except those from a configuration profile or MDM. But, be aware that it will also erase your Wi-Fi passwords and other network settings.

If your VPN came from a configuration profile or MDM, you’ll need a different approach. Head to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, pick the profile, and then tap “Remove Profile” to uninstall the VPN²³. This action will delete the VPN settings without touching your other device settings.

Remember, removing a VPN from your iPhone will stop the VPN connection and might expose your online activities to risks²⁴. So, it’s wise to keep your VPN on unless you really need to disable it, like for accessing specific content or troubleshooting network problems²⁴.

In summary, uninstalling or removing a VPN from your iPhone means deleting the app, resetting your network settings, or removing a profile. But, think about the security risks of disabling your VPN and decide carefully before doing so²³²⁴²⁵.

VPN Usage Tips for iPhone Users

iPhone users can get the most from their VPN by following some best practices and troubleshooting tips. It’s key to keep your VPN on when using public Wi-Fi to protect your info²⁶. Also, check for VPN app updates to get the newest security and performance boosts²⁶. Turn off your VPN when you don’t need it to save your iPhone’s battery.

Best Practices and Troubleshooting

If your VPN has issues, like slow speeds or connection problems, try a few things. First, check your VPN app’s settings to make sure they’re right. Switching to a different server might help if some are too busy²⁶. If problems don’t go away, contact your VPN provider’s customer support.

Choosing a VPN for your iPhone means picking a trusted provider with strong security and many server locations²⁷. Top VPNs for iPhone include NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost, each with different prices and server choices²⁷.

A good VPN can help you get past content blocks, avoid internet service provider slowdowns, and find better deals by changing your location²⁶. So, use your VPN wisely and stay safe on your iPhone.

It’s important to fix any VPN issues quickly. If speeds are slow or connections drop, try different servers or get help from your VPN provider’s support²⁶. By being proactive, you can keep your iPhone secure and your online activities private.

Using a VPN on your iPhone is smart in today’s digital world. It protects your online actions and stops cybercriminals, internet providers, and governments from watching your internet use²⁸. Follow these VPN tips for a safer and more secure iPhone experience²⁶²⁷²⁸.

Conclusion

Using a VPN on your iPhone is key to keeping your online life safe and private, especially on public Wi-Fi²⁹. Choose a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark³⁰³¹. This way, you can surf the web safely and securely on your iPhone²⁹.

When you’re out and about, working remotely, or just online, a VPN is a must-have for iPhone users. It keeps your personal info and online actions private²⁹. There are many VPN apps out there, both free and paid³¹. So, you can easily find one that meets your needs and budget, ensuring your iPhone is well-protected³¹.

With a VPN on your iPhone, you get more privacy, access to blocked content, and safe connections on public Wi-Fi²⁹. This means you can control your online life and protect your digital health³¹. So, think about adding a VPN to your daily iPhone routine to boost your device’s security and privacy²⁹.