How to Use a VPN on Your iPhone and Why You Should

Easily protect your data while browsing over an unsecure connection.
Michael Michael (101)
0
Updated: November 4th, 2020

When you’re doing anything on your mobile device that uses the internet (and what doesn’t involve using the internet nowadays?), then you’re connecting to a WiFi router that may or may not be secure.

…you should always use a VPN on your iPhone for your security.

Luckily, Apple’s new iOS for the iPhone has a built-in option for third-party VPN developers, like NordVPN, to access the VPN settings of your iPhone. This makes it very easy to turn on and off. We’ll show you the easy way to get this all set up and running!

Skip ahead if you’re just looking to turn on and use a VPN on your iPhone.

When should I use a VPN on my iPhone?

Unless you know for sure that your WiFi connection is secure, then you should always use a VPN on your iPhone for your security. And even if you’re connection is secure, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) definitely tracks everything you do on the internet, including browsing history and download history. They can easily sell that data to a third party or the government.

What is a VPN exactly?

A VPN or virtual private network creates what’s known as a VPN tunnel. This acts as a kind of encrypted shield, rerouting the encrypted data through one of the VPN servers. So, for example, if you use NordVPN when browsing via your iPhone, it’s nearly impossible for a hacker or anyone to see your internet activity and data. Even your ISP (internet service provider) will not be able to track your downloads or sell your browsing data.

Your IP address will become masked and with a service like NordVPN, you’ll be given a dedicated IP address so you don’t get bogged down by Captcha authentication.

iPhoneiPhone ×1
NordVPNNordVPN ×1

Howchoo is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

VPN apps in App StoreVPN apps in App Store

In your Apple App Store:

  • Search for “vpn”.
  • Choose a VPN provider that you want to use on your iPhone.

Be wary of the “free” VPN providers, as they often don’t have as many servers available and will slow down your internet activity considerably. See why we recommend NordVPN by reading our comprehensive review of NordVPN.

  • Set up your account with the VPN.
Connect to VPN on iPhoneConnect to VPN on iPhone

Open up your VPN app and use it to connect to a VPN server. Some VPN providers will give you options to connect to specialty servers like Wireguard or P2P.

If you’re using the VPN for general security, then using the standard OpenVPN server will be just fine. NordVPN gives the option “quick connect” and “auto-connect” anytime I log in to my iPhone.

You may need to allow your new VPN permissions to access your iPhone before it can connect you.

VPN connect iPhoneVPN connect iPhone

Now that you’ve activated the VPN, go to your iPhone’s Settings. You should see a new VPN option at the top of your screen, located under “Cellular.”

This should say “Connected,” whenever you are connected to a VPN server. You can turn off the VPN by clicking on VPN and toggling the VPN off.

Manually Add VPN Configuration

In this VPN settings screen, you can also manually configure a VPN if you have things like the “Remote ID,” “Username,” and “Password” for the VPN server. Simply click Add Configuration to set this up.

See why we like NordVPN

We highly recommend you choose NordVPN as your VPN provider if you don’t want your mobile browsing to become tiresomely slow. See why we like it in our comprehensive NordVPN review.

How to Use a VPN on Your iPhone and Why You Should

Easily protect your data while browsing over an unsecure connection.
Michael Michael (101)
0
Updated: November 4th, 2020

When you’re doing anything on your mobile device that uses the internet (and what doesn’t involve using the internet nowadays?), then you’re connecting to a WiFi router that may or may not be secure.

…you should always use a VPN on your iPhone for your security.

Luckily, Apple’s new iOS for the iPhone has a built-in option for third-party VPN developers, like NordVPN, to access the VPN settings of your iPhone. This makes it very easy to turn on and off. We’ll show you the easy way to get this all set up and running!

Skip ahead if you’re just looking to turn on and use a VPN on your iPhone.

When should I use a VPN on my iPhone?

Unless you know for sure that your WiFi connection is secure, then you should always use a VPN on your iPhone for your security. And even if you’re connection is secure, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) definitely tracks everything you do on the internet, including browsing history and download history. They can easily sell that data to a third party or the government.

What is a VPN exactly?

A VPN or virtual private network creates what’s known as a VPN tunnel. This acts as a kind of encrypted shield, rerouting the encrypted data through one of the VPN servers. So, for example, if you use NordVPN when browsing via your iPhone, it’s nearly impossible for a hacker or anyone to see your internet activity and data. Even your ISP (internet service provider) will not be able to track your downloads or sell your browsing data.

Your IP address will become masked and with a service like NordVPN, you’ll be given a dedicated IP address so you don’t get bogged down by Captcha authentication.

iPhoneiPhone ×1
NordVPNNordVPN ×1

Howchoo is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

VPN apps in App StoreVPN apps in App Store

In your Apple App Store:

  • Search for “vpn”.
  • Choose a VPN provider that you want to use on your iPhone.

Be wary of the “free” VPN providers, as they often don’t have as many servers available and will slow down your internet activity considerably. See why we recommend NordVPN by reading our comprehensive review of NordVPN.

  • Set up your account with the VPN.
Connect to VPN on iPhoneConnect to VPN on iPhone

Open up your VPN app and use it to connect to a VPN server. Some VPN providers will give you options to connect to specialty servers like Wireguard or P2P.

If you’re using the VPN for general security, then using the standard OpenVPN server will be just fine. NordVPN gives the option “quick connect” and “auto-connect” anytime I log in to my iPhone.

You may need to allow your new VPN permissions to access your iPhone before it can connect you.

VPN connect iPhoneVPN connect iPhone

Now that you’ve activated the VPN, go to your iPhone’s Settings. You should see a new VPN option at the top of your screen, located under “Cellular.”

This should say “Connected,” whenever you are connected to a VPN server. You can turn off the VPN by clicking on VPN and toggling the VPN off.

Manually Add VPN Configuration

In this VPN settings screen, you can also manually configure a VPN if you have things like the “Remote ID,” “Username,” and “Password” for the VPN server. Simply click Add Configuration to set this up.

See why we like NordVPN

We highly recommend you choose NordVPN as your VPN provider if you don’t want your mobile browsing to become tiresomely slow. See why we like it in our comprehensive NordVPN review.

 
2

How to Use a VPN on Your iPhone and Why You Should

Easily protect your data while browsing over an unsecure connection.
Michael Michael (101)
0
Updated: November 4th, 2020

When you’re doing anything on your mobile device that uses the internet (and what doesn’t involve using the internet nowadays?), then you’re connecting to a WiFi router that may or may not be secure.

…you should always use a VPN on your iPhone for your security.

Luckily, Apple’s new iOS for the iPhone has a built-in option for third-party VPN developers, like NordVPN, to access the VPN settings of your iPhone. This makes it very easy to turn on and off. We’ll show you the easy way to get this all set up and running!

Skip ahead if you’re just looking to turn on and use a VPN on your iPhone.

When should I use a VPN on my iPhone?

Unless you know for sure that your WiFi connection is secure, then you should always use a VPN on your iPhone for your security. And even if you’re connection is secure, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) definitely tracks everything you do on the internet, including browsing history and download history. They can easily sell that data to a third party or the government.

What is a VPN exactly?

A VPN or virtual private network creates what’s known as a VPN tunnel. This acts as a kind of encrypted shield, rerouting the encrypted data through one of the VPN servers. So, for example, if you use NordVPN when browsing via your iPhone, it’s nearly impossible for a hacker or anyone to see your internet activity and data. Even your ISP (internet service provider) will not be able to track your downloads or sell your browsing data.

Your IP address will become masked and with a service like NordVPN, you’ll be given a dedicated IP address so you don’t get bogged down by Captcha authentication.

iPhoneiPhone ×1
NordVPNNordVPN ×1

Howchoo is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

VPN apps in App StoreVPN apps in App Store

In your Apple App Store:

  • Search for “vpn”.
  • Choose a VPN provider that you want to use on your iPhone.

Be wary of the “free” VPN providers, as they often don’t have as many servers available and will slow down your internet activity considerably. See why we recommend NordVPN by reading our comprehensive review of NordVPN.

  • Set up your account with the VPN.
Connect to VPN on iPhoneConnect to VPN on iPhone

Open up your VPN app and use it to connect to a VPN server. Some VPN providers will give you options to connect to specialty servers like Wireguard or P2P.

If you’re using the VPN for general security, then using the standard OpenVPN server will be just fine. NordVPN gives the option “quick connect” and “auto-connect” anytime I log in to my iPhone.

You may need to allow your new VPN permissions to access your iPhone before it can connect you.

VPN connect iPhoneVPN connect iPhone

Now that you’ve activated the VPN, go to your iPhone’s Settings. You should see a new VPN option at the top of your screen, located under “Cellular.”

This should say “Connected,” whenever you are connected to a VPN server. You can turn off the VPN by clicking on VPN and toggling the VPN off.

Manually Add VPN Configuration

In this VPN settings screen, you can also manually configure a VPN if you have things like the “Remote ID,” “Username,” and “Password” for the VPN server. Simply click Add Configuration to set this up.

See why we like NordVPN

We highly recommend you choose NordVPN as your VPN provider if you don’t want your mobile browsing to become tiresomely slow. See why we like it in our comprehensive NordVPN review.

How to Use a VPN on Your iPhone and Why You Should

Easily protect your data while browsing over an unsecure connection.
Michael Michael (101)
0
Updated: November 4th, 2020

When you’re doing anything on your mobile device that uses the internet (and what doesn’t involve using the internet nowadays?), then you’re connecting to a WiFi router that may or may not be secure.

…you should always use a VPN on your iPhone for your security.

Luckily, Apple’s new iOS for the iPhone has a built-in option for third-party VPN developers, like NordVPN, to access the VPN settings of your iPhone. This makes it very easy to turn on and off. We’ll show you the easy way to get this all set up and running!

Skip ahead if you’re just looking to turn on and use a VPN on your iPhone.

When should I use a VPN on my iPhone?

Unless you know for sure that your WiFi connection is secure, then you should always use a VPN on your iPhone for your security. And even if you’re connection is secure, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) definitely tracks everything you do on the internet, including browsing history and download history. They can easily sell that data to a third party or the government.

What is a VPN exactly?

A VPN or virtual private network creates what’s known as a VPN tunnel. This acts as a kind of encrypted shield, rerouting the encrypted data through one of the VPN servers. So, for example, if you use NordVPN when browsing via your iPhone, it’s nearly impossible for a hacker or anyone to see your internet activity and data. Even your ISP (internet service provider) will not be able to track your downloads or sell your browsing data.

Your IP address will become masked and with a service like NordVPN, you’ll be given a dedicated IP address so you don’t get bogged down by Captcha authentication.

iPhoneiPhone ×1
NordVPNNordVPN ×1

Howchoo is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

How to Use a VPN on Your iPhone and Why You Should

Easily protect your data while browsing over an unsecure connection.
Michael Michael (101)
0
Updated: November 4th, 2020
Michael
 
2
Used here
NordVPNCheck Price
iPhoneiPhone ×1
NordVPNNordVPN ×1

Howchoo is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

iPhoneiPhone ×1
NordVPNNordVPN ×1
iPhoneNordVPN
Table of Contents

Steps to Use VPN on iPhone:

  1. Download a VPN app
  2. Open your VPN app
  3. Check connection via your iPhone’s Settings
 
2
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VPN apps in App StoreVPN apps in App Store

In your Apple App Store:

  • Search for “vpn”.
  • Choose a VPN provider that you want to use on your iPhone.

Be wary of the “free” VPN providers, as they often don’t have as many servers available and will slow down your internet activity considerably. See why we recommend NordVPN by reading our comprehensive review of NordVPN.

  • Set up your account with the VPN.
Connect to VPN on iPhoneConnect to VPN on iPhone

Open up your VPN app and use it to connect to a VPN server. Some VPN providers will give you options to connect to specialty servers like Wireguard or P2P.

If you’re using the VPN for general security, then using the standard OpenVPN server will be just fine. NordVPN gives the option “quick connect” and “auto-connect” anytime I log in to my iPhone.

You may need to allow your new VPN permissions to access your iPhone before it can connect you.

VPN connect iPhoneVPN connect iPhone

Now that you’ve activated the VPN, go to your iPhone’s Settings. You should see a new VPN option at the top of your screen, located under “Cellular.”

This should say “Connected,” whenever you are connected to a VPN server. You can turn off the VPN by clicking on VPN and toggling the VPN off.

Manually Add VPN Configuration

In this VPN settings screen, you can also manually configure a VPN if you have things like the “Remote ID,” “Username,” and “Password” for the VPN server. Simply click Add Configuration to set this up.

See why we like NordVPN

We highly recommend you choose NordVPN as your VPN provider if you don’t want your mobile browsing to become tiresomely slow. See why we like it in our comprehensive NordVPN review.

VPN apps in App StoreVPN apps in App Store

In your Apple App Store:

  • Search for “vpn”.
  • Choose a VPN provider that you want to use on your iPhone.

Be wary of the “free” VPN providers, as they often don’t have as many servers available and will slow down your internet activity considerably. See why we recommend NordVPN by reading our comprehensive review of NordVPN.

  • Set up your account with the VPN.
VPN apps in App StoreVPN apps in App Store

In your Apple App Store:

  • Search for “vpn”.
  • Choose a VPN provider that you want to use on your iPhone.

Be wary of the “free” VPN providers, as they often don’t have as many servers available and will slow down your internet activity considerably. See why we recommend NordVPN by reading our comprehensive review of NordVPN.

  • Set up your account with the VPN.

Download a VPN app

NordVPN Review: Unreal Speed and Security NordVPN Review: Unreal Speed and SecurityNordVPN is a great choice for remote work and connecting through international servers.
NordVPN Review: Unreal Speed and Security
Connect to VPN on iPhoneConnect to VPN on iPhone

Open up your VPN app and use it to connect to a VPN server. Some VPN providers will give you options to connect to specialty servers like Wireguard or P2P.

If you’re using the VPN for general security, then using the standard OpenVPN server will be just fine. NordVPN gives the option “quick connect” and “auto-connect” anytime I log in to my iPhone.

You may need to allow your new VPN permissions to access your iPhone before it can connect you.

Connect to VPN on iPhoneConnect to VPN on iPhone

Open up your VPN app and use it to connect to a VPN server. Some VPN providers will give you options to connect to specialty servers like Wireguard or P2P.

If you’re using the VPN for general security, then using the standard OpenVPN server will be just fine. NordVPN gives the option “quick connect” and “auto-connect” anytime I log in to my iPhone.

You may need to allow your new VPN permissions to access your iPhone before it can connect you.

Open your VPN app

VPN connect iPhoneVPN connect iPhone

Now that you’ve activated the VPN, go to your iPhone’s Settings. You should see a new VPN option at the top of your screen, located under “Cellular.”

This should say “Connected,” whenever you are connected to a VPN server. You can turn off the VPN by clicking on VPN and toggling the VPN off.

Manually Add VPN Configuration

In this VPN settings screen, you can also manually configure a VPN if you have things like the “Remote ID,” “Username,” and “Password” for the VPN server. Simply click Add Configuration to set this up.

See why we like NordVPN

We highly recommend you choose NordVPN as your VPN provider if you don’t want your mobile browsing to become tiresomely slow. See why we like it in our comprehensive NordVPN review.

VPN connect iPhoneVPN connect iPhone

Now that you’ve activated the VPN, go to your iPhone’s Settings. You should see a new VPN option at the top of your screen, located under “Cellular.”

This should say “Connected,” whenever you are connected to a VPN server. You can turn off the VPN by clicking on VPN and toggling the VPN off.

Manually Add VPN Configuration

In this VPN settings screen, you can also manually configure a VPN if you have things like the “Remote ID,” “Username,” and “Password” for the VPN server. Simply click Add Configuration to set this up.

See why we like NordVPN

We highly recommend you choose NordVPN as your VPN provider if you don’t want your mobile browsing to become tiresomely slow. See why we like it in our comprehensive NordVPN review.

Check connection via your iPhone’s Settings

NordVPN Review: Unreal Speed and Security NordVPN Review: Unreal Speed and SecurityNordVPN is a great choice for remote work and connecting through international servers.
NordVPN Review: Unreal Speed and Security
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Michael's profile pictureMichael
Joined in 2020
A maker at heart, Michael loves all things DIY. Michael is an award-winning poet, writer, and editor. He has published two books of poetry and has writing in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, The New Yorker, and many others. He has taught writing at colleges across the country, and managed many leading literary magazines to national prominence. Now, he’s excited to devote his energies full time to Howchoo. He currently resides in the Tampa-area with his wife and puppy.
Michael's profile picture
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