What Is A VPN And How To Use It On Iphone
Theres no doubt that the iPhone is one of the most secure devices you can carry and communicate with. Still, having a VPN can provide you additional security against cyber thefts and data breaches while using public networks and private intranet services on-the-go. However, theres a lot more that you need to learn about before looking for any VPN apps for your iPhone.
Which VPN Should I Use
Our roundups of the best VPNs and the best cheap VPNs are excellent places to research the top choices, but below is a quick list of our top picks if you just want to get started with online privacy protection right now.
Like What You’re Reading?
Sign up for Security Watch newsletter for our top privacy and security stories delivered right to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Connect And Disconnect From Your VPN
RELATED:What Is a VPN, and Why Would I Need One?
After youve set up a VPN, you can open the Settings window and toggle the VPN slider near the top of the screen to connect to or disconnect from the VPN. When youre connected to the VPN, a VPN icon will on the top of the screen in the status bar.
If youve set up multiple VPNs on your iPhone or iPad, you can switch between them by heading to Settings > General > VPNthe same screen where you added those VPNs.
Recommended Reading: How To Install Private Internet Access On Firestick
How Do I Set Up A VPN On Iphone
Once youve selected and signed up with an iPhone VPN provider, check to see if your provider has an app in the App Store. If they do, download the app and it will configure the VPN settings on your iPhone for you.
If your iPhone VPN provider doesnt have an app, you can enter the information manually by opening Settings and tapping General -> VPN -> Add VPN Configuration
Your iPhone VPN provider will give you the instructions you need when you sign up for their service. Once you complete the configuration, a VPN menu item will appear in the Settings app on your iPhone.
How To Enable Always
Chris Hoffman is Editor-in-Chief of How-To Geek. He’s written about technology for over a decade and was a PCWorld columnist for two years. Chris has written for The New York Times, been interviewed as a technology expert on TV stations like Miami’s NBC 6, and had his work covered by news outlets like the BBC. Since 2011, Chris has written over 2,000 articles that have been read nearly one billion times—and that’s just here at How-To Geek. Read more…
VPNs on an iPhone or iPad still have a big problem. You cant easily enable an Always-on VPN mode that forces your applications to connect only through a VPN. With iOS 8, Apple added this feature although its hidden and hard to access.
Always-on VPN is designed for businesses and other organizations, so it must be enabled with a configuration profile or a mobile device management server. After enabling it, the VPN will always be activated. If the VPN connection fails, apps on your device wont be allowed to connect to the Internet until it comes back up.
Don’t Miss: Does VPN Work With Cellular Data
Check For A VPN App Update
Its possible your VPN providers app is out of date. Keeping your apps up to date will help you avoid software problems and bugs.
Open the App Store and tap on your Account icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Scroll down to the app updates section and check to see if an update is available for your VPN app. If one is, tap Update to the right of the app, or tap Update All.
Get The Better Of Censorship With An Iphone VPN
Believe it or not, there are some countries in the world where the government has a say in the websites you can and can’t visit. That includes countries like China, Russia, South Korea and Egypt, and can cover anything from social networks to local media.
That means if you’re either living in or visiting these places and want to browse freely from your iPhone, you may come up against some issues accessing the likes of Facebook, YouTube or Skype. You might not even be able to access the App Store.
You May Like: How To Use 911 VPN On Iphone
Should I Run A VPN On My Iphone Or Android Smartphone Yes You Should
A VPN is a service that provides a secure Internet connection by using private servers in remote locations. All data traveling between your computer, smartphone or tablet and the VPN server is securely encrypted.
The most typical scenario where you might use a VPN is if youre working remotely and using your laptop to connect to a specific private network, thus protecting your sensitive data. But the use of a VPN service should not be limited to computers and laptops only youve got sensitive data you want to safeguard from hackers and snoops on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. Read the facts below and decide for yourself: should you be running a VPN on your phone?
What Does VPN Mean At The Top Corner Of My Screen
When you see this VPN logo at the top corner screen of your mobile phone it means that you have an active VPN connection running.
A VPN program can be set to automatically start when you turn on your phone or you may have activated it yourself.
The VPN logo is typically shown in a little squared box like the example above. When you see the logo you can do into your phone setting to see where the VPN comes from and which program it is run by.
Heres how you check that on an iPhone:
Here you can see whether it says Connected or not. If you see the squared VPN icon at the top of the screen it means that the VPN is active. It will say on this screen which VPN you are using. Heres how it currently looks on my iPhone as Im using a VPN called ExpressVPN:
You can also see the logo at the top of my screen above.
Also Check: How To Setup VPN On Spectrum Router
Secure Your Iphone Experience With Cactusvpn
If you want to enjoy a safe, private Internet browsing experience, weve got you covered. Our VPN service offers military-grade encryption, secure VPN protocols , DNS leak protection, and the possibility to configure up to five simultaneous connections on different devices .
Whats more, we offer a user-friendly iOS app, and we dont log any of your data.
How We Selected And Tested These VPNs
Finding cybersecurity products for an iPhone is no small task. The limitations of the iOS itself play a role. All third-party apps are sandboxed and can’t easily modify parameters that Apple decides shouldn’t be touched. This makes adding features like a kill switch difficult, as it interferes with a lot of other processes.
In turn, it also makes choosing a VPN all the more problematic. The best VPN for Android will have little to do with which is better for iOS. Here are the criteria that we selected when choosing the best ones.
Read Also: How To Setup VPN On Spectrum Router
Headquartered In British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. Thats a huge plus because it means that its not subject to Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes jurisdiction and cannot be forced to hand over logged data to the government.
FYI: Even though the British Virgin Islands are technically a territory of the United Kingdom, they are self-governed, and therefore dont have to comply with Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes.
How We Ranked And Tested These VPNs
To find the best VPNs for iPhone and iPad, I assembled a team of cybersecurity experts from countries all over the world, including the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Russia, China, and Australia.
We thoroughly tested each VPN on this list to make sure it meets our strict criteria for safety, speed, and usability.
We looked for VPNs that:
- Provide high-performance apps for iPhone and iPad
- Are compatible with multiple iOS devices and generations
- Support Apple Pay
- Offer 3D touch support
- Offer apps for other Apple platforms, like macOS and Apple Watch
In addition to iOS compatibility, we tested every VPN to ensure it performed well in the following categories. We continue to test these VPNs regularly to keep the list up-to-date.
Also Check: Configure Uverse Router For VPN
Is There A Free VPN For Iphone
Some premium VPN service providers have free versions alongside their paid offerings. Their tactic is to get you to try the service and eventually convert you into a paying customer. Still, if you never convert, there are opportunities for free forever VPN services.
Even in this list, Hide.me VPN and Windscribe both have free versions that you can install on your iPhone without paying. Even if a service doesn’t have a free version, you can take advantage of their money-back guarantee. Get a monthly subscription, and then when it’s nearing expiration, ask for a refund. Not only you’re getting your money back, but you also get access to a premium service.
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.
Also Check: How To Use Opera VPN
How To Manually Set Up A VPN On An Ios Device
iOS devices natively support the L2TP, IPSec, and IKEv2 protocols. To configure a VPN on your iPhone or iPad, go to: Settings > General > VPN > Add VPN Configuration > Type. Here you can select IKEv2, IPSec , or L2TP .
Then you need to fill in the required fields, which includes the server address you want to use from your VPN provider, your account name and password, and a remote ID or pre-shared key . If your VPN provider supports these protocols, you should be able to locate your remote ID or key in your account/customer profile. Then hit Done to connect. You will need to repeat these steps for every server you want to set up.
How to manually set up a VPN on an Android device
Android devices natively support L2TP/IPSec but not IKEv2. To set up L2TP/IPSec, go to: Settings > Wireless & networks > More > VPN
If you wish to use the IKEv2 protocol on an Android device, you will need to download a third-party software app like strongSwan VPN Client.
The Best Iphone VPN 2021
Get a great VPN to match the quality of your iPhone
Admittedly, when it comes to producing secure devices, Apple has a good reputation for ticking this box. Still, iPhone users are seeing more of a need for a strong VPN that gives them that added layer of online security – and those nifty features and geo-spoofing qualities, too.
As well as providing some reassurance in maintaining online anonymity while you surf the internet on your smartphone, an iPhone VPN can also offer other benefits, like the already mentioned ability to hop over geo-restrictions and access certain online content. From streaming to going on social media while in the office or at school.
Before you rush off to search through the App Store, though, keep reading to find out our recommendations for the best iPhone VPN provider. More importantly, secure a way better price for your subscription when signing up directly with the provider you decide to opt for. Putting multiple services to the test across platforms, these are the top five iPhone VPN services that we deemed the best.
Also Check: Nordvpn Apple TV
What To Look For When Choosing A VPN Provider
Okay, now that weve convinced you that a VPN on your iPhone or Android is a good idea, you need to pick a VPN provider. Do a quick internet search, and youll realize that theres no shortage of options some are free, and some have monthly service charges. While using a free mobile VPN may be tempting, they usually have some limits which can frustrate you. But free mobile VPNs are a good way to try a VPN service in order to select which one you want to buy.
How do you narrow the field? Here are some questions to consider as you research mobile VPN providers:
Is the connection secure?
What encryption method does the VPN provider use? A good VPN will likely use 256-bit encryption and a stronger protocol like OpenVPN , while a free service may use a lower level of protection. Some free VPNs dont actually use any encryption at all: these might be good for unblocking content, but theyre not good for security.
Is the VPN provider logging your activity?
If your number one goal for a VPN is privacy, then you want to make sure that the service you choose does not keep a log of your activity. Check privacy policies of the products you are considering and see what you are comfortable with.
How does the company make money?
How fast is the connection? How many servers does it have?
Are there usage caps?
Benefits Of Hotspot Shield Best VPN For Iphone
- Maximum security against hackers, snoopers, malware, and spam
- Anonymous web surfing as Hotspot Shield VPN assigns you the IP address of the secure server
- Unblock YouTube, Facebook and other restricted websites no matter where you are using the r4 internet on your iPhone
- Enables the user to enjoy Netflix, Spotify or Pandora outside the US
- Advanced data compression technology allows the iPhone user to save money as this technology offers twice the bandwidth you get from your network provider
- Easy to install and use
Secure yourself with the best VPN for iPhone before you become prey to hackers and other internet threats that can steal your important and sensitive data. Be safe at public WiFi hotspots by installing the most contemporary and best VPN for iPhone > > Hotspot Shield
Don’t Miss: How Do I Install Pia VPN On Firestick
You Wont Have To Deal With Workplace/school Firewalls Anymore
Whether you go to high school, live on a college campus, or spend most of the day in an office, youve probably noticed you werent able to access certain websites when browsing the web on your iPhone.
Thats because the network admin blocks them to comply with school and workplace regulations.
Well, if you use a VPN for iOS, you wont need to worry about such restrictions. Since the service will hide your IP address, youll bypass any firewall you come across.
Setup & Use VPN On Iphone
The most common reason for using VPN is security, especially while using public Wi-Fi Networks at a Coffee shop, Airport, Library and other public places.
You can get more information about VPN and how it can protect your privacy by referring to this guide: What is VPN and How Does it Work.
If your preferred VPN Service is available in the form of an App, the procedure to Setup VPN on iPhone can be as simple as installing the VPN App on your device and logging into VPN Service.
If an App for your favorite VPN Service is not available, you will have to manually Setup VPN Service on your device.
Don’t Miss: How To Install Pia VPN On Firestick
What VPN To Choose For My Iphone Or My Ipad
When choosing your VPN provider, you need to make sure you are subscribing to a legitimate company. Here are some other things you should check:
- Security of connection/encryption method: make sure the VPN provides a fully secured
- Privacy: make sure the VPN doesn’t track your online
- Unlimited use: don’t go with a VPN that puts caps on your use you risk ending up paying way more than
- Quality of connection: make sure the VPN connection is fast and won’t slow down your phone when you are using the
Are All Iphone VPNs The Same
VPN clients running on iPhone are as secure as the VPN protocols in use, and how well these protocols have been put into practice. VPNs can use anything from insecure Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol to ultra-secure open-source OpenVPN, with AES 256-bit key encryption and 2048-bit RSA authentication.
On iPhones running iOS 8 or earlier, VPNs are more likely to use the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol , which is secure but slower than PPTP. Newer VPNs on iPhone often use Internet Key Exchange Version 2 , which is both fast and secure. One of IKEv2s strengths is its quick to reconnect if you momentarily lose 3G/4G/LTE signal, making it perfect for on-the-road use.
Recommended Reading: How To Tell If My VPN Is Working