How to set up and use a VPN on an iPad in 2026

What is a VPN on an iPad?

A VPN (virtual private network) on an iPad is a tool that changes your IP address and encrypts the connection between your device and the internet.

Using a VPN on an iPad, the data from the device is routed via an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server, shielding it from prying eyes. The data then exits the VPN server using its IP address, meaning that the websites you visit receive less information about you and your location.

Some service providers, like NordVPN, come equipped with a variety of extra VPN features to make the activity on your iPad safer. These can include ad blockers, tracker blockers, and dark web monitoring.

Key benefits of using a VPN on an iPad

Using a VPN on your iPad offers a range of benefits, from a secure connection and greater control of your data to broader access to digital content and protection against malicious links and other cyber threats.

Enhanced security on public WiFi

The primary function of a VPN is to make you and your browsing safer. With a VPN encrypting your iPad browsing data, hackers can’t spy on you through a compromised network or unsafe public Wi-Fi. A VPN scrambles data into gibberish as it flows between your iPad and the VPN server, so if someone intercepts it, they won’t be able to use it against you.

Increased digital security

Using a VPN on an iPad activity boosts your privacy and gives you more control over who has access to your information. Internet service providers (ISPs) often log your browsing activity to sell your information to advertisers, but they won’t be able to do so if your data is encrypted. In an age of rapidly expanding digital footprints, a VPN is one way to take back control.

Bypass traffic type-based bandwidth throttling

If you’re engaging in bandwidth-heavy activity, like downloading large files or gaming, your ISP may limit your bandwidth by throttling it. Keeping your online activity private makes it harder for the ISP to assess whether or not it should restrict your internet capacity. It can still throttle your network, of course — this could happen as part of area-wide restrictions — but it won’t do so based on your specific activity.

Access global content

Some digital content, like that produced by local news outlets, can have limited or restricted access in other countries. Using a VPN lets you connect to a server in your usual region and access paid content in your home country while you travel abroad.

Advanced threat protection

While your iPad is connected to a VPN, it changes your real IP address, putting the DDoS attack’s target on the VPN server instead of you. VPNs have other uses and features to improve device security, like NordVPN’s Threat Protection, which offers protection against ads, trackers, and unsafe domains.

How to use a VPN on an iPad

You can usually set up a VPN on an iPad either by downloading an app and using its default settings or by manually adding a new VPN configuration in your device settings.

Using a VPN app

The simplest way to get a VPN is to download one from the App Store. That way, you don’t need to worry about custom VPN configurations and can use default security settings to protect your connection.

1. Download a VPN app for your iPad

You can find iPad-compatible VPN apps, including NordVPN, on the App Store. Download the iOS app, launch it, and set up your account.

2. Choose your subscription plan

Most VPN services are subscription based. Select the plan according to your personal requirements.

3. Log in to the app

Once you’ve got your account and subscription plan set up, you can log in to the app and view the available features.

4. Connect to a server

Select “Secure my connection” to connect to the most optimal server, or start a VPN session manually by selecting the country you want to connect to.

Manual configuration

Alternatively, if you don’t want to download an additional app, you can manually set up a VPN on your iPad.

1. Open settings on your iPad

In device settings, select “General.”

2. Add a new VPN configuration

Locate “VPN and device management” and select “Add VPN configuration.”

3. Enter your VPN details

Insert the details of your manual VPN configuration and select “Done.”

Essential iPad VPN features

Every VPN service has different merits, so it's important to choose the right one for your iPad. As you look into your VPN provider options, focus on the features that will help enhance your network security and performance.

• Next-generation encryption. VPNs are security tools, and the security they offer depends in large part on the types of VPN protocols used for encryption. A reputable VPN should use strong encryption standards, such as the AES protocol with 256-bit keys. If your data is protected by that level of encryption, a hacker’s brute forcing program — which can guess millions of potential encryption keys every second — would need literally billions of years to crack the code and view it.
• High-speed performance. When you use a VPN, your internet connection speed experiences a minuscule slowdown because your data is traveling through a server instead of going directly to its destination. However, if you use a good VPN, the slowdown will be minor enough that you are unlikely to notice it. In this respect, the best choice is NordVPN, the fastest VPN in the world.
• Native iOS app integration. Some VPN providers don’t provide support for all operating systems, meaning that iOS users may be left out. A VPN with native iOS or iPadOS integration is developed with iPhone and iPad users in mind, ensuring device features are fully supported. This usually means that other operating systems in the Apple ecosystem will be able to use it as well — for instance, if you need a tvOS-compatible VPN for Apple TV.
• Multi-device compatibility. Protecting your iPad with a VPN is a great place to start, but you probably have other devices as well. Finding a VPN that is compatible with a range of devices and operating systems is important. Even if your main goal is to get a VPN on your iPhone and iPad at first, having a service that also covers Android, Windows, and Linux could be useful later on.

Do you really need a VPN on an iPad?

Yes, you should use a VPN when you connect your iPad to the internet. A VPN encrypts your connection and lets you use Wi-Fi without risking data exposure. It improves your overall privacy and prevents strangers from being able to watch what you do online.

A VPN acts as an extension to the built-in security features available on all iOS devices, such as parental controls on your iPad or iPhone. It can also be an efficient way to browse as if you’re back home during your travels. You can connect to a VPN server in your home country and appear online as if you never left, getting your normal recommended content on social media, and loading pages in your native language.

What is the best iPad VPN?

Deciding on the best VPN for your device depends on your specific needs. However, the core element is the security level that the VPN provider offers. You need reliable infrastructure with strong encryption to ensure your network data remains private the entire time you use the service.

Performance is another point to consider. You want to avoid significant interference with the internet speed and unexpected outages due to an unreliable connection. Your VPN should be easy to set up and use, whether it’s your first or one hundredth time protecting your network.

Generally, keep these criteria in mind when you review your VPN options:

• AES-256 encryption with perfect forward secrecy
• A fast and secure VPN protocol
• A proven and independently audited no-logs policy.
• Privacy-focused features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection
• A VPN provider that’s located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction
• Transparent privacy policy and data handling practices

With all these aspects in mind, you should always prioritize premium paid VPN services. They have the resources to build a better infrastructure and aren’t incentivized to monetize users in underhanded ways. On the other hand, unpaid services might seem more easily accessible, but such free VPNs usually come with a catch.

When comparing free VPNs with paid VPNs, premium services come out on top across almost every metric, from the security architecture to long-term reliability. If you’re going to protect your iPad with a VPN, it’s always worth investing in a paid option.

The best premium VPN for an iPad will be one that uses strong encryption protocols, maintains fast internet speeds, and offers a wide selection of server locations. NordVPN ticks these boxes, which is why Forbes Advisor named it the best overall VPN in 2025.

Does the Apple iPad have a built-in VPN?

While you can set up a VPN on an iPad manually with IKEv2, it doesn’t come with any preinstalled VPN applications. In practice, this means that you’ll either need to set up another device to act as the server or connect to the server of a third-party VPN provider like NordVPN. If you choose the latter option, your iPad can be configured to route data through a NordVPN server even if you don’t have the NordVPN application installed on your device.

Should you have a VPN turned on on your iPad?

Yes, you should keep your iPad VPN turned on whenever possible. Instead of only protecting your security and privacy when engaging in specific activities — online banking, for example — you can raise your internet safety baseline by maintaining VPN protection at all times. 

And if your VPN won’t connect or isn’t working, check for common connection issues before leaving it off for long. It’s usually best to avoid pausing your VPN, but in a few instances, it might be the right step:

• If you’re experiencing lag or buffering. A decline in performance or speed might indicate that the VPN is causing some slowdown. Once you’ve isolated the problem by switching the VPN off, you can change to a new server or try a different protocol.
• If you can’t connect to certain websites. Sometimes sites can tell that you’re using a VPN and will limit your access as a result. Usually, you can try to fix the access by switching servers. However, if that doesn’t work, you can pause your VPN while visiting that specific website.
• If updates fail to download. Sometimes, a VPN connection can cause issues with downloading or installing updates. Switch off the VPN while the downloads are in process and make sure to turn it on again once they’re installed. You can also try connecting to a different server or switch off additional VPN features to see if it helps resume the downloading.

While pausing your VPN can help with connection issues in certain cases, we strongly recommend keeping it on at all other times.

How to choose the best VPN protocol for an iPad

Your iPad can support a number of VPN protocols. It supports IKEv2/IPsec natively, and you can install and use WireGuard™ and OpenVPN. Which protocol will work best for you depends on your priorities.

OpenVPN is available via a VPN client, while IKEv2/IPsec is both built into the OS and available via a client. If your priority is security and speed, IKEv2/IPsec offers powerful encryption and a fast connection. If you’re looking to customize your VPN, OpenVPN grants a high level of flexibility. However, if you’re looking for a balance between speed and security, the WireGuard™ protocol might be the answer.

NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is built on the framework of the WireGuard™ protocol, offering very fast speeds while maintaining a high standard of security. It’s also only available to NordVPN users, allowing the app to offer unrivaled connection speeds. So if you want to make sure your iPad is as safe as possible online without compromising on speed and performance, NordLynx is the recommended VPN protocol to choose.

Comparison overview

^{* Please note that using NordVPN services for any illegal activities is strictly prohibited and violates our terms of service. Make sure your use of NordVPN services complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using NordVPN.}