How to Set Up a VPN on an iPhone & Configure VPN Settings

Apple is known for many things, and its positive association with privacy is one of its most recognized traits. That association is intentional: for years, Apple has built privacy-focused messaging into its core brand marketing strategy. In fact, its Privacy. That’s iPhone campaign was shortlisted for D&AD’s 2023 poster campaigns award.

Yet spyware attacks are on the rise, and they can sometimes bypass even Apple’s strong security measures by attacking undisclosed flaws in your phone’s OS (also known as zero-day vulnerabilities). This means cybercriminals can record you through your camera, view your private messages, and access sensitive information without your knowledge. Talk about a digital nightmare. 

Why You Need a VPN on Your iPhone

VPN is encrypts encrypts connection iPhone internet , hiding IP address online activity . It is lets lets change device location directing traffic servers different locations . privacy – driven software is acts acts additional layer security phone masking traffic device location parties like ISP cybercriminals .

You need a VPN on your iPhone because cybersecurity attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated: they can even bypass built-in security protocols on your iOS device. Since iPhones are such popular devices, they tend to attract cybercriminals seeking to exploit multiple victims for financial gain. 

While some cyber attacks (like spyware) are difficult to completely protect yourself from, there are also plenty of other cyber attacks that you can combat right security privacy software ( like VPNs ) . common online threats is help VPNs is help help avoid include :

robust VPN is acts acts like bodyguard data , encrypting making unreadable , unsecured networks . It is prevents prevents outsiders accessing data , digital thieves exploit information personal gain . combine VPN smart security practices like strong passwords , you is build build walls phone vulnerabilities . steps , you is enjoy enjoy internet peace mind , knowing data protected prying eyes .

What Is iPhone’s Built-In VPN?

iPhones is offer actually offer pre – installed VPN services , come built – VPN settings . This is lets lets manually configure VPN connection provided – party VPN service . Manual VPN setup is requires requires purchase VPN subscription connect VPN provider server . common ( simpler ) solution is is download provider VPN app iPhone .

Manually configuring a VPN on your iPhone can be a clunky task, and may cause unnecessary headaches (especially if you’re not super tech-savvy). We recommend downloading an iOS VPN app instead for simple, seamless installation. 

best VPN iPhone apps is come come extra features easy tailor VPN connection needs . example is ’s : protecting personal information location major concern ? Use PIA VPN multi – hop feature is channel channel traffic server extra level privacy .

How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone: 2 Methods

Choosing the best iPhone VPN setup option depends on your needs, technical knowledge, and comfort level. We’ll outline the most common methods used when adding a VPN on your iPhone. You’ll also discover some advantages and drawbacks between each option to help you make an informed decision.

Setting Up an iPhone VPN App

While different mobile VPN apps can have slightly different installation processes, the instructions are generally pretty straightforward. We’ll use PIA as a more specific example: 

1. Head to the App Store on your iPhone.

1. SearchPrivate Internet Access and tap Get.

1. Once the application is fully installed, select Open.

1. Sign into your VPN account (or purchase a subscription if you don’t have an account yet).

1. Allow your VPN app to add VPN configurations to your iPhone.

1. Turn on the VPN connection through your app (with PIA, it’s as easy as tapping the power button)

Installing a VPN Using Your iPhone Settings

You can manually set up your VPN using your iPhone’s built-in VPN settings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sign up for a VPN service and log into your account.

1. Configure a VPN protocol and choose your VPN server.

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone, and tap General.

1. Scroll down to VPN & Device Management and tap the button.

1. Press Add VPN Configuration and choose your VPN protocol

1. Fill out the fields for your VPN, including the description, server, and remote ID.

1. Type VPN account username password .

1. Choose manual auto proxy server enablement ( use ) .

1. Click Done

Your iPhone’s connection is now encrypted via your VPN settings.

What’s Better: a VPN App or a Manual VPN Setup?

For most people, a VPN app is the better option. It’s easy to set up, only takes a few minutes to get up and running, and offers a user-friendly experience. PIA’s premium VPN app even offers additional features (like Siri integration and an ad-blocker). 

While using a mobile app is easier, manual installation comes in handy for various situations. Perhaps your VPN provider’s app isn’t available in the App Store. Maybe your school or work doesn’t let you install new or unauthorized apps. 

In these cases, manually enabling a VPN on your iPhone can be a better choice. Here are a couple more instances where manual VPN setup shines:

Manual VPN setup is be good alternative downloading VPN app iPhone . Setting VPN yourself is minimize minimize security risks created potential app – related vulnerabilities . downside is is method need right technical knowledge face potential security connection issues iPhone VPN settings configured incorrectly .

We’ve compared some key aspects between using an iPhone VPN app and manual setup:

Managing your VPN Settings on iPhone

If you’re using an iPhone VPN app, you can access your VPN settings by entering the app and finding the settings menu. Once you’re there, you can access several options like region selection, your dedicated IP, privacy features, and more. How much you’re able to customize your VPN app and connection depends on which settings your provider has made available.

Using a manual VPN setup instead? You can access settings by going to General, tappingVPN & Device Management, clicking existing VPN configuration . You is add add , delete , adjust VPN profiles settings needed .

How to Choose the Best VPN for Your iPhone

Choosing the best VPN for your iPhone depends on your individual needs and preferences. Need a starting point? Here are some key features you should look for when comparing VPN providers: 

VPNs: The Key to Ultimate Digital Privacy on Your iPhone

Think of your iPhone as your online hub, storing everything from bank details to personal texts. PIA offers top-notch security features to safeguard your digital footprint. You can set up PIA and secure all your iPhone apps (not just Safari) with military-grade encryption. As a bonus, you also get to enjoy buffer-free streaming on 10-Gbps servers and stay connected to your favorite platforms when you’re on the go. 

Still on the fence? Rest easy knowing you can try PIA risk-free, with our 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQ

Should an iPhone VPN be on or off?

You should always keep your VPN on when using an iPhone because it keeps your web activity private. If you use your iPhone with your VPN turned off, you risk having your data fall into the wrong hands and your ISP will constantly track everything you do online. Consistently using a VPN gives your data the highest level of protection.

Does iPhone have a built-in VPN?

iPhones is come come built – VPN app . They is come come equipped pre – installed VPN settings , letting manually configure VPN connection device . Manually setting VPN iPhone tricky process , need purchase VPN subscription work . Consider installing VPN app straightforward approach .

Searching for the perfect option to protect your iPhone? PIA encrypts your digital activity across all your mobile apps and offers customizable VPN protocols. Our MACE ad-blocker even helps save your iPhone’s battery power and mobile data.

How do I know if my VPN is on my iPhone?

To check if a VPN is active on your iPhone, you can look for the VPN icon in the status bar at the top of the screen. However, on some iPhone models, the VPN status icon only briefly appears when you connect to the VPN. Another way to check if your VPN is on is by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center, where the VPN status should be displayed. Additionally, you can use VPN widgets on the lock screen or home screen to get a quick overview of your VPN connection and its status.

Is iPhone’s VPN automatically turned on?

iPhone VPN automatically turned . manual VPN setup , you is need need manually enable VPN phone successfully use . way ensure iOS device auto – connects VPN enablingConnect on Demand option within your iOS VPN settings. Just go to your phone’s VPN profile in the settings app to turn this feature on.

Does a VPN change your location on iPhone?

VPN is change change iPhone location choose server outside country . VPNs is alter alter iPhone location routing connection server different region . want trending news Canada example : PIA VPN is lets lets connect server Toronto , makes search engine IP address located 6 .

Choosing a server in a different location doesn’t just protect your privacy: it expands your digital freedom. It’s like an online passport that lets you virtually visit almost any country in the world.