How to set up a VPN on your iPhone or iPad

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides secure internet access to private networks. VPNs are ideal for times when you're away from the office or in a different country and need to 'convince' a computer or other network that you're in a particular location. On iPhones and iPads, Apple has made setting up a VPN relatively easy. Here's how to do it.

 

After signing up for a VPN service, it's 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 the VPN manually using the method below.

If you're hesitant about setting it up yourself, you can use a VPN app for iPhone to simplify the process.

Why do you need a VPN on your iPhone or iPad?

Today, besides computers, our lives are intertwined with phones and tablets. We shop, chat, and search. In doing all of this, we are sending personal information online, and there's no guarantee that this information is safe and private. The answer is uncertain, so you really don't want to take the risk.

The number one reason to install a VPN on your iPhone or iPad is to ensure 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 insecure. Any knowledgeable hacker could 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 will be protected.

 

Mobile VPNs also protect your privacy from prying eyes like ISPs, Google, and other websites that track users' 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, then a VPN will be perfect for you. With a mobile VPN, you're always browsing privately, so the only person who knows where you've been on the internet is you. And don't forget, a mobile VPN is far 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 might 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 might not be accessible in all regions. With a mobile VPN, you can bypass geographical restrictions by selecting a server in your desired location.

Use the provider's app.

In the following example, you will see the steps to install Surfshark on your iPhone. Keep in mind that some steps may differ slightly depending on the provider.

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

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

3. Tap Quick Connect. In the following steps, you will grant the provider permission to configure the VPN settings on your mobile device.

4. Select Connect , if available.

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

6. Enter your iPhone password.

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

 

To change the virtual location of your device in a VPN app:

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

2. Choose the location where you want to use it.

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

Manual VPN setup

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

1. Tap the Settings app on your device.

2. Select General.

3. Choose a VPN.

4. Click on Add VPN Configuration .

5. Select Type.

6. Select IKEv2, IPSec , or L2TP.

7. Click Back in the top left corner.

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

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

10. If you are using a proxy, press Manual or Auto to enable it.

11. Press Done.

12. In your personal VPN, tap the toggle switch to connect.

Now you have manually connected to the VPN.

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