How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone or iPad

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide secure access to private networks over the Internet. VPNs are ideal for those times when you’re away from the office or in another country and need to “convince” your computer or another network that you’re somewhere else. On iPhone and iPad, Apple has made it relatively easy to set up a VPN. Here’s how to do it.

Once you have signed up for a VPN service, it is time to set it up on your mobile device. For most people, this will involve installing an app from the VPN provider. You can also set up a VPN manually as described below.

If you're shy about setting it up, you can use a VPN app for iPhone to reduce the complexity of the process.

Why Do You Need a VPN on Your iPhone or iPad?

Nowadays, apart from computers, our lives are connected to phones and tablets. We shop, chat, search. When we do all of this, we are sending personal information over the network, and we are not sure if that information is safe and private. The answer is uncertain, so you really don't want to risk it.

The number one reason to install a VPN on your iPhone or iPad is to ensure that you have a secure Internet connection. How many times have you walked into a coffee shop and logged into free WiFi with your phone? Public WiFi hotspots are not secure. Any hacker with the knowledge can access the data sent over that connection, including your data. Setting up a secure VPN on your mobile device ensures that no matter how you connect to the Internet, the information you send is secure.

A mobile VPN also protects your privacy from prying eyes like your ISP, Google, and other websites that track your browsing habits. If you’ve ever used the “private browsing” feature in your web browser to compare prices for flights, hotels, or other services without being tracked, a VPN is perfect for you. With a mobile VPN, you’re always in private browsing mode, so the only person who knows where you’ve been on the internet is you. Remember, a mobile VPN is much more private than browsing in incognito mode.

Another benefit of a mobile VPN is the ability to enjoy open, unblocked access to content. If you’re traveling abroad, you may not be able to access social media sites like Facebook and Instagram or some news sites due to censorship issues. Additionally, subscription-based video services that you pay for may not be available in all regions. With a mobile VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions by choosing a server in your desired location.

Use the provider's application

In the example below, you'll see the steps to install Surfshark on an iPhone. Keep in mind that some steps may vary slightly depending on your provider.

1. Download and install the application associated with the VPN service.

2. In the app, log in to your VPN account using the username and password provided.

3. Tap Quick Connect. In the next steps, you will give the provider permission to install a VPN profile on your mobile device.

4. Select Connect , if available.

5. Click Allow on the window that appears asking for permission to add the VPN configuration.

6. Enter your iPhone passcode.

Your iPhone (or iPad) is now connected to the VPN. Tap Disconnect if necessary.

To change your device's virtual location in the VPN app:

1. Tap Locations at the bottom of the app. Typically, you can choose physical, virtual, P2P, and Multihop.

2. Select the location you want to use.

To the outside world, your mobile device now appears to be located elsewhere.

Manual VPN Setup

Depending on your situation, you may want to set up a VPN connection manually. To do so on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Tap the Settings app on your device.

2. Select General.

3. Select VPN.

4. Click Add VPN Configuration .

5. Select Type.

6. Select IKEv2, IPSec , or L2TP.

7. Tap Back in the top left.

8. Next, enter the VPN settings information, including description, service, and remote ID.

9. In Authentication, add a username or certificate and password.

10. If you use a proxy, tap Manual or Auto to enable it.

11. Click Done.

12. In Personal VPN, tap the toggle button to connect.

Now, you are manually connected to the VPN.

For most people, setting up a VPN on an Apple device is as simple as installing the app and following the instructions. Other devices require setting up the VPN manually.