What Is A VPN On Iphone
VPN, a virtual private network, lets you access the internet via a secure encrypted connection. This adds an extra layer of protection to your browsing, so nobody can snoop on your online activity.
There are two main cases when you may want to use VPN on your iPhone:
What Can I Do If I Need To Connect To A Legacy Pptp VPN Server From A Mobile Device
In case you have no control over the VPN protocol you can use to connect to a VPN server and PPTP is a must, you may:
- Get an older iPhone that runs iOS 9 and that is able to use the PPTP protocol, or
- Get an Android-based phone and set up an Android VPN connection. Android OS still supports PPTP connections.
How To Set Up A VPN In Ios Manually
Earlier we told you how to configure custom DNS and Apple Safari in iOS. Continuing with our security focused tutorials, we are going to teach you how to set up a VPN in iOS manually.
Normally, when you buy a VPN subscription, you will use the app provided by the service. These VPN apps are designed for simplicity, and employ a login-and-use method. While that is the easiest way to get a VPN working on your device, it isn’t the only way.
Depending on the app in question, it may also not be the best way if you experience stability or performance issues when you use an application to connect to a VPN server.
Say, if you want to use a VPN connection in a specific protocol or to connect to your workplace’s VPN, you will need to configure the settings manually on your iPhone or iPad.
It can enhance your security greatly but at a cost, you will only be able to connect to a particular server that you select. To change the server, you’ll need to edit the VPN configuration again, as opposed to merely tapping a button in the app to select a different server location.
Also Check: How To Setup VPN On Samsung TV
Setting A VPN Configuration Manually On Iphone Or Ipad
If you do not want any app to set up VPN configuration for you, you can manually set this up in your iPhone.
Get the VPN configuration information ready, and get ready to enter it into your iPhone’s VPN Settings screen.
Switching off a VPN is similar. When you have completed your use of the VPN, just go through the above steps but turn the VPN to off this time round.
This is important if you are on a free plan which has some data limitation or quota.
Connect And Disconnect From VPN

It is straightforward. Once you have set your VPN configuration, turning VPN on and turning it off is a cakewalk.
Method #1. If you use a VPN app, you can simply launch the app and tap on Connect/Disconnect
Method #2. Launch the Settings app and toggle the VPN switch to on / off .
Method #3. Launch the Settings app and go to General VPN and tap the toggle on / off. If you have more than one VPN configuration profile, you will have to tap on the one you wish to use.
Wrapping Up
Though I dont use a VPN app all the time, whenever I think it is essential to keep my private data secure, I make sure to use it. Luckily, there are tons of VPN apps for iPhone that make the task of browsing the web securely so straightforward. Agreed, nothing can be 100% secure. However, the more safeguarded you are from spammers, the better it is.
You may like to read
You May Like: Best VPN For Pokemon Go
VPN Configuration For Iphone: Learn How To Add VPN Configuration On Ios Devices
VPN configuration for iPhone is easy to set up but can get relatively confusing at first. Thankfully, Apple provides us with simple ways to set up a VPN client to support L2TP, PPTP, and IPSec.
To setup a working VPN configuration for iPhone, the key point is to understand the different configuration parameters required by iOS operating system. A good VPN configuration should allow you to connect without problems for a long time.
Once you get the configuration correct, you will be able to do things like using Netflix from a different country or to hide your browsing history. Here’s how.
How To Set Up A VPN Manually
With the rising awareness of cybersecurity threats and privacy issues, many internet users are turning to virtual private networks . Consumer VPN apps are easy to use and offer a wide range of security features. However, its possible to set up a VPN on your device manually.
Carlos Martinez
Don’t Miss: How To Access Server Remotely By VPN
Setting Up Your VPN On Your Iphone Or Android
Once youve chosen a provider, its time to set up the VPN on your phone. There are a couple of ways to do this. The first and most straightforward option is to:
- Purchase a VPN app in the Apple store or the Google Play store and download the app
- Follow the setup instructions. Generally, these applications are easy to set up, even for the novices. And, theyre easy to maintain, since you can set up and save preferences.Avast SecureLine VPN offers apps for both Android and iOS mobile devices. And, it has 256-bit bank grade encryption and is built on the strong OpenVPN and OpenSSL protocols.
Technophiles keep reading: Want more control over your VPN?
The second option is to manually set up the VPN on your mobile device, which obviously requires a bit more time, effort, and knowledge. This approach is best suited for someone who wants more control over the VPN experience, including the ability to choose a specific protocol and customize settings.
Why Iphone Users Should Use Openvpn
OpenVPN is a VPN encryption protocol that has been thoroughly audited by independent cryptography experts. This ensures that the encryption can be trusted and is not vulnerable to attack.
While IKEv2 and L2TP are also considered secure, OpenVPN is generally considered most safe. Thus, if you do want to use your VPN with the best possible encryption, we generally recommend this protocol.
Written by:Ray Walsh
Digital privacy expert with 5 years experience testing and reviewing VPNs. He’s been quoted in The Express, The Times, The Washington Post, The Register, CNET & many more.
Liked it? Share it!
Recommended Reading: Spectrum Router VPN Setup
How To Set Up Openvpn On Ios
Since OpenVPN connection isnt built into the Apple mobile devices, youll need to download a third-party app from the App Store. Follow the steps below to see the entire process.
What youll need to do to set up an OpenVPN connection:
Keep in mind that our fantastic customer support team works 24/7. Contact them in case of any problems regarding configuration.
Adding VPN Configuration For Iphone: The Automatic Way
The most straightforward way of adding a VPN configuration is to give permission to the app to do this. When you tap on the CONNECT button in VPN Proxy app or any other VPN app, you will be prompted to give permission to install a VPN configuration to your iPhone.
Tap on Allow to give permission to the VPN app to install the configuration on your phone automatically.
If you are asked to enter your device password or provide permission through TouchID, please give permission for the app to modify your VPN settings.
After the VPN configurations is installed, the VPN app will be able to connect. Tap on the CONNECT button and you should be able to connect without modifying or adding to your VPN configurations again. From this point on, you should only make changes to your VPN settings through the app.
If you have more than one VPN app installed, you can also connect to the VPN without opening the app:
Switching off a VPN is similar. When you have completed your use of the VPN, just go through the above steps but turn the VPN to off this time round.
This is important if you are on a free plan which has some data limitation or quota.
Recommended Reading: Does A VPN Work On Mobile Data
Why Use A VPN
There are two primary reasons you should use a VPN. The first is to access an internal intranet that your company has created thats only accessible locally. With a company-sanctioned VPN, you can access important files as if youre in the office. In this type of situation, your IT department will give you directions to set up the VPN on each of your devices. As part of the setup, youll probably need to install a specific app to get the job done.
VPNs are also useful when its necessary to access regional services or content thats not available at your physical location. For example, you may use a VPN to access Netflix content that isnt available in your home country. Under this type of scenario, you would use one of the many VPN services available around the world. Any of these would also require installing an app on your iPhone, iPad, or other devices.
How To Configure An Iphone VPN Manually

If you happen to have subscribed to a VPN provider that does not have its own iOS software, you will need to install the VPN manually. Below we have provided details for installing a VPN using L2TP/IPsec and IKEv2. These are the two most common manual setups that consumers require on iPhones and iPads. The guide to setting up OpenVPN is further down.
Read Also: Opera VPN Settings
Whats The Purpose Of Manual VPN Setup
Most of the time, downloading a pre-configured and ready-to-use VPN client is more beneficial than setting up a VPN manually. But there are a couple of advantages.
Simply put, a manual VPN setup is like your last option when nothing else works.
Now, Ill walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to set up IKEv2 and OpenVPN on iOS. Im not going to cover the L2TP connection because this protocol is outdated and not secure. Learn more about VPN protocols on our website.
Note: The configuration may slightly vary depending on your chosen VPN provider, but the principle remains the same.
How To Manually Setup Expressvpn On Iphone
Follow this installation guide to learn how to setup VPN on iPhone 6 using OpenVPN connection. We have taken an example of ExpressVPN.
- Before you begin, you will need ExpressVPN credentials by subscribing to the service
- Now go to App Store on your iPhone/iPad
- Click on the Search icon > Type Openvpn Connect in the search bar
- Select the app > Press Get icon
- Click Open
- Once installed, download.OVPN configuration file here: ExpressVPN Configuration
Note: Make sure you open this file on a Safari browser
- Click on Open in OpenVPN
- Enter Username and Password > Then click Add
- If a message pops up and asking for permission to add OpenVPN as VPN Configuration, click Allow
- Enable to connect to VPN
- You are successfully connected!
Also Check: VPN For Console
Get A Secure Connection
If your mobile device is an indispensable part of your daily life, then a VPN is in invaluable tool to protect your sensitive data, safeguard your privacy, and provide open access to the internet. Whether youre a tech-savvy do-it-yourselfer or a tech-wary just give me an easy app kind of person, theres a mobile VPN solution for you.
Now that youve read this guide and are armed with the tools of knowledge about all things related to mobile VPNs, its time to arm yourself with the tools of protection. Download a free trial of SecureLine VPN today.
How To Use A VPN On Your Iphone To Pretend To Be In Another Country
If you want to watch videos or browse websites that are usually blocked to you, it’s simply a case of connecting to a server in the country where that service, site or specific video is available.
Bear in mind that not all VPN providers unblock all video services, so do check if there’s a specific service you want to unblock. Almost all unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max and other popular ones, but it’s still worth checking before you sign up.
Also know that you still need an account and, usually, an active subscription to the service you’re trying to watch. A VPN doesn’t make Netflix or Disney+ free: you need to be a subscriber.
Using a VPN to watch blocked videos may be breaking some of these services’ terms and conditions. However, we’re yet to hear of any paying customers that have had their video streaming accounts suspended or even stopped.
Here’s an example of how someone in the UK can unblock Netflix US.
Also Check: Att Blocking VPN
How To Set Up An Ikev2 Connection On Iphone Manually
Setting up an IKEv2 connection in iOS requires only a few details that you can get from your VPN. You will require your login credentials, password, and the VPN server address.
Now that you have what you need, you are ready to set up the manual connection:
Open your iOS device and navigate to:
Settings> General> VPN> Add VPN configuration> Setup VPN configuration
Select IKEv2 in the top of the menu and then enter the following settings:
Description: Give your VPN connection a name
Server: Enter the VPN server address provided to you by your VPN
Remote ID: Enter the same hostname provided by your VPN
Username: This is the username you entered when you subscribed to the VPN
Password: This is the password you created when you joined the VPN
Now, click Save to complete the manual setup.
Use Your Provider’s App
The first method we’ll look at is the easiest. Nearly all major VPN providers have their own iPhone apps that make connecting to and tweaking your connection easy. Which app you download depends on your provider.
Which VPN provider you choose depends on a few factors such as price, the logs policy, and how far the nearest server is from your current location. Learning more about why you might need a VPN can help you make a better choice.
The following providers each have an iPhone app available that makes setting up a VPN easy:
No matter which one you pick, there’s one important factor to keep in mind. You should avoid using a free VPN service at all costs. With free VPNs, the provider has to make money somehow, so you’ll have to put up with extra ads, throttled speeds, or the company selling your data.
Read Also: How To Setup Norton VPN
Installing The Nordvpn App On Iphone Or Ipad
This tutorial will teach you how to install and use NordVPN on an iPhone and iPad.
As generating and remembering strong and secure passwords is not an easy task, we recommend downloading a free password manager, like NordPass. It generates secure passwords for you and stores them safely, letting you avoid time-wasting password resets in the future.NordPass offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, so you can reach your passwords whenever and wherever you need them, even offline.