What About Companies Like Mobicip Covenant Eyes Or Bark Who Are Now Using A VPN
A tech-savvy dad raised this question on Facebook, so weve added some explanation here.
Mobicip, Covenant Eyes, and Bark use aspects of a smartphones VPN technology in order to deconstruct and understand more of the activity on the phone. This is why Mobicips more recent release is now able to control all of the phones browsing activity, even through Safari. Covenant Eyes does something similar by enforcing Safe Search on both Google and Bing, no matter where those browsers are used.
The technology here is pretty advanced. These are companies who care deeply for the families who depend on their services .
How To Fake Your Location With A VPN
If you want to pretend to be browsing from another country so that you can watch videos or browse websites that are usually blocked to you, its 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 theres a specific service you want to unblock. Almost all unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max and other popular ones, but its still worth checking before you sign up.
Also know that you still need an account and, usually, an active subscription to the service youre trying to watch. A VPN doesnt make Netflix or Disney+ free: you need to be a subscriber in that country as well as your own.
Using a VPN to watch blocked videos will probably be breaking some of these services terms and conditions as well. Were yet to hear of any paying customers that have had their video streaming accounts suspended or even stopped, but that doesnt mean it couldnt happen.
Heres an example of how someone in the UK can unblock Netflix US.
An Alternative To VPNs For Iphone
If youre still on the fence about using a VPN on your iPhone, there are free alternatives that will also help to keep you anonymous online. One alternative is Tor, a web browser that relays you through a random series of computers before you connect to the internet.
There are many Tor-powered browser apps available in the App Store, most of which are free. There are also some paid Tor browser apps such as Red Onion, which has a 4.5 star rating based on nearly 1,000 reviews.
Tor was originally created by the United States government to help protect their overseas agents. Today, Tor is used by millions of people who just want to try and stay anonymous on the internet. Tor has become increasingly popular because its free to install on your Mac or iPhone and its fairly easy to use.
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VPN Protection: Can I Hide My Ip Address
A VPN encrypts and protects your data connection online. What you do online is open to prying eyes, but you can protect and hide your IP address and data by using a VPN. A VPN secures data between you and your business, or you can obtain anonymity and protection for your personal information.
There are loads of VPNs to choose from, and quality is on the rise. The process of choosing a VPN starts with a realistic assessment of your needs: if for example – you only use Apple products, you must find the best VPN for Mac and Apple products.
When Shouldnt I Use A VPN
Unless youre living in a country where VPNs are illegal, theres no reason why you shouldnt be using a VPN at all times. Its a crucial tool for browsing the internet freely with greater anonymity and privacy.
The biggest reason why people dont use a VPN is because they simply dont know what it does. Many are concerned about the complexity or cost. Others just dont want the extra hassle theyd prefer to just turn on their device and start browsing the internet.
While I must admit that some VPNs are pretty bad, Ive found plenty of user-friendly options like ExpressVPN. I got excellent speeds in my tests and I liked the apps easy 1-click connections.
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Connect To An Openvpn VPN
While Apple hasnt added OpenVPN support to iOS directly, thats okay. Like Android, iOS includes a way for third-party apps to implement and function as VPNs. This means you can connect ot absolutely any type of VPN from your iPhone or iPad, assuming theres a third-party app in the app store that can connect to it.
In the case of OpenVPN, theres a an official OpenVPN Connect app you can install. Install the app, launch it, and use it to connect to an OpenVPN VPN.
To configure your VPN server in the OpenVPN Connect app, youll have to import a profilethats the .ovpn file. If you want to do this by hand, you can connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer, open iTunes, and select the connected device. Under the Apps section, youll be able to copy the .ovpn file and related certificate and key files to the OpenVPN app. you can then connect to the VPN from the app.
The OpenVPN Connect app and similar apps arent just an app you use. They provide a VPN connection at the system level, so all the apps on your device will connect through the VPNjust like VPNs you connect to the normal way from the built-in Settings app.
Potential Of Slower Speeds
Using a VPN requires your data to be routed via a VPN server. It also requires your data to be encrypted to make it secure. Both tasks will cause your internet traffic to slow down. There are around 850 commercial VPN providers on the market, and the vast majority of those cut corners by using slow servers. As a result, when you connect to those VPNs, your internet will come to a grinding halt.
There are around 850 commercial VPN providers on the market
The very best VPNs use fast Tier 1 servers that are capable of providing lightning-fast connections. These VPNs can handle your traffic and tunnel it quickly, so that the loss of speed that you experience is negligible. However, even a fast VPN will slow your internet slightly its just that the loss of speed is very tiny.
To find out more about how VPNs can impact your speed, check out our VPN speed test guide, where we run daily tests on many VPN services.
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Do VPNs Make You Anonymous Online
While many VPNs claim to offer complete anonymity when browsing the internet, the truth is that a VPN provides privacy . A VPN will assign you a new IP address from a server in a different location, but the VPN provider can still see your browsing data.
No VPN can operate without seeing your online activity, otherwise it cant address DNS requests or troubleshoot connections. However, you can increase your anonymity by choosing a VPN that keeps minimal and non-identifying logs. You can also sign up for a VPN that only requires an email address , meaning you can use a throwaway account. Some VPNs even offer anonymous payment options, like cryptocurrencies, Mint, and gift cards.
Using a VPN is still the best way to hide your online activity from governments, Internet Service Providers , and hackers. Your online traffic is encrypted with military-grade standards, which is impossible to crack. Youll also be protected by a number of privacy safeguards, like a kill switch and leak protection.
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.
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Do I Really Need A VPN To Stream Popcorn Time
Yes, I strongly suggest you use a Popcorn Time VPN for your safety. Popcorn Time isnt the same as Netflix, YouTube, or other streaming platforms it can be dangerous without a VPN. Popcorn Time is a torrent streaming client and uses P2P networks, which makes it easy for other users to see your real IP address.
Not only is your privacy at risk, but you could also get into trouble with the authorities and your ISP. You mightve unintentionally watched copyrighted material. Torrenting could even be illegal in your country. You can avoid all these issues by using a VPN to protect your privacy when streaming Popcorn Time.
Securing Your Web History
Many people use public Wi-Fi when theyre out and about, but these networks are often insecure and represent a major red flag.
Cyber criminals can use this as an opportunity to infect your device with malware and steal personal information like logins and credit card details. But iPhone VPN apps will help secure and anonymize your internet traffic, keeping hackers at bay.
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What VPN Should I Use On Iphone
If you are looking for a VPN, then we recommend one of the following services:
- ExpressVPN – Fantastic speeds, servers around the world, unblocks just about everything.
- CyberGhost – A good looking iPhone app, very secure, some really cool features.
- PrivateInternetAccess – Great for privacy, easy to use, has a kill switch.
If you want more information and some alternatives, then check out our best VPNs for iPhone guide. The VPNs we have recommended have been thoroughly tested by our VPN experts, and they are all world-class services that provide the best levels of security and privacy. They are also services that offer the very best value for money.
Alternatively, there are some free VPN services that we recommend to iPhone users. These services won’t be able to unblock any streaming services, but they will help you to improve your online security. Check out our free VPNs for iPhone page for a list of services.
If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to drop us a message below. We are always happy to help.
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.
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To Access A Website Or Service Unavailable In Your Current Location
Lets say you live in Germany and youre a big fan of a local reality show. Youd like to continue watching the show when youre on holiday abroad, but the streaming service isn’t available outside Germany.
Thankfully, if you turn on your VPN, you wont miss your show as the streaming service thinks youre in a country where its available.
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What Is A VPN Beginners Guide Explained By Experts
Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN creates a secure connection between you and the internet. It provides you with an extra layer of privacy and anonymity, so you can:
- Hide your internet activity and location to avoid being tracked
- Overcome online censorship and freely browse the internet
- Torrent safely and anonymously with no speed throttling
- Unblock streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and more
You dont need to be a technical expert to use a VPN either. I tested 157 VPN services and there are plenty of beginner-friendly VPNs for any device. The best option is ExpressVPN as its packed with 1-click features in an easy-to-use app .
Read more to find out how VPNs really work. Plus Ill share my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your VPN.
Setting Up A VPN Using An App For Iphone
Most VPNs have an app designed for iOS that is easy to install. Installing it should be no different from any other app in the App Store. Below youll find a step-by-step guide on how to subscribe to a VPN and how to install the app on your iPhone:
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What Does VPN Mean On My Phone
If youre wondering what VPN means on your phone you have come to the right place. Let us explain exactly what it is and what it stands for.
What Does VPN Mean on My Phone?A VPN is a program you can run on your phone to encrypt your data better and hide your activity from your Internet service provider. When it is turned on you will see a little von icon at the top corner of the screen. You typically use an app from a VPN provider to use these settings.
Thats the short and precise answer. Lets dig into more details about what a VPN is, when it is recommended, and how you use it.
What Are The Differences Between A Free VPN Versus A Paid VPN
Weighing the pros and cons of registering for a free VPN service versus a paid VPN is rather simple. In the previous sections, youve seen the advantages of using a paid VPN. Both paid and free VPN services are aiming to give you security, reliability, speed, customer support and anonymity. However, you might find that a free VPN doesnt deliver on all those promises.
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Why Do I Need To Use A VPN On My Phone Anyway
Are all of the internet-connected apps on your phone up to date and running versions that were published later than, say, 2017? How about your operating system — is it the latest version from Android or iOS? If the answer to any of those questions is, “I don’t know,” then you should use a phone VPN if possible. It may be hard for malicious actors to take advantage of everyday users on public Wi-Fi, but outdated software can give them the opening they need to steal the passwords to your most sensitive accounts.
If you’re concerned about the risks of using public Wi-Fi to check sensitive work email accounts, bank account balances or airline ticket and passport information, a VPN can offer some peace of mind. Some of our top-rated options include ExpressVPN, Surfshark and NordVPN.
Choosing a VPN for your iPhone or Android doesn’t have to be difficult.
Should I Pay For A VPN
Every company needs to make money, even if only to cover costs. For a VPN service provider, these costs include: server rental, purchase, and upkeep network maintenance customer support teams and many other operational and hardware-related costs.
A paid service has a vested interest in protecting user privacy and anonymity. The best VPN companies continue to invest in the latest expertise and technology to keep up with the constantly evolving world of information security.
You may be tempted to use a free VPN service, however many have inherent privacy and security risks. Over 70% of free VPNs are classified as unsafe.
The remaining safe free VPNs are almost always limited by:
- Slower speeds
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