What is a VPN on an iPhone? How to set it up and use it

What is a VPN on an iPhone?

A VPN on an iPhone is a virtual private network (VPN) service that encrypts your mobile internet traffic on an iPhone and routes it through a remote server. A VPN changes your visible IP address, so your internet provider and other third parties can’t monitor or track what you do online.

A VPN doesn’t make you invisible online, but it limits how much of your network traffic others can see. For anyone who wants to change the IP address on an iPhone, a VPN is the most straightforward way to do it.

To understand the full picture of how a VPN works on an iPhone, it helps to look at what happens to your data once it leaves your device.

How does a VPN work on an iPhone?

When you connect to a VPN on your iPhone, the app creates an encrypted VPN tunnel between your device and a VPN server. Your internet traffic travels through that tunnel, and the VPN server forwards it to its destination. Websites and services see the VPN server’s IP address instead of yours.

A VPN doesn’t require Wi-Fi — it works on a cellular internet connection too. So if your phone connects through a mobile data plan, a VPN still encrypts your traffic the same way.

The encryption also prevents other users on the same network — like on public Wi-Fi — from intercepting your traffic. Your data travels in an unreadable form from your iPhone to the VPN server.

How to get a VPN on an iPhone

The easiest way to get a VPN on an iPhone is to download a VPN app directly from the App Store. You can also set up a VPN manually through your iPhone’s settings, but that method is better suited to advanced users or specific network setups.

Setting up a VPN using an app

The fastest way to set up a VPN on an iPhone is to use an app. You don’t need any technical knowledge — the VPN app for your iPhone handles configuration for you. Follow the instructions below to get started.

How to set up a VPN on an iPhone using an app:

1. 1.

   Open the App Store and search for NordVPN.

2. 2.

   Download the app to install it.

3. 3.

   Open the app and create an account or log in to an existing one.

4. 4.

   Choose a plan and subscribe if you don’t have an active subscription.

5. 5.

   Tap the “Secure my connection” button to connect to a VPN server.

6. 6.

   Tap “Allow” when prompted to add a VPN configuration. Doing so gives the app permission to set up an encrypted connection on your device.

Note that the “‘NordVPN’ would like to add VPN configurations” prompt may appear earlier in the setup process. Once connected, the VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address.

Setting up a VPN manually

If you prefer to configure a VPN without an app — or if your organization requires a specific setup — you can add a VPN profile manually through your iPhone’s settings. This option requires you to have the following details from your VPN provider: server address, VPN protocol, remote ID, local ID, and login credentials.

To add a VPN configuration manually:

1. 1.

   Open “Settings.”

2. 2.

   Tap “General.”

3. 3.

   Scroll down and tap “VPN & device management.”

4. 4.

   Tap “VPN.”

5. 5.

   Tap “Add VPN configuration.”

6. 6.

   Select and fill in the required information. Then tap the checkmark.

Most users will find the app method simpler and less prone to configuration errors. Manual setup is mainly useful in enterprise or advanced personal setups.

How do you turn on a VPN on your iPhone?

If you’ve set up a VPN by installing the app or manually adding a VPN configuration, the VPN should turn on as soon as you connect. But if you’re unsure whether it’s active, you can verify and turn it on in two ways:

1. 1.Through the VPN app. Open the NordVPN app and tap “Secure my connection.” If you see the “Pause connection” button, your VPN is already on.
2. 2.Through your iPhone’s settings. Check that the “VPN” toggle on the main “Settings” screen is switched on (green). Alternatively, go to “Settings” > “General” > “VPN & device management” > “VPN” and toggle the status switch to “Connected.”

The settings method works if you’ve already added a VPN profile, while the app method is faster and gives you direct access to server selection.

You can check if your VPN is working by visiting a tool like NordVPN’s IP address checker and verifying that the IP address shown matches your VPN server, not your real IP address.

When should you turn on a VPN on your iPhone?

Keeping a VPN connection active on your iPhone makes sense in situations where your data is most at risk. A VPN provides the most value in these situations:

• When using public Wi-Fi. Coffee shops, airports, and hotels often run unsecured Wi-Fi networks that can expose your traffic. A VPN encrypts it so other users on the same network can’t intercept it.
• When traveling abroad. A VPN lets you access your own paid subscriptions and online services as if you’re back home.
• When you want more privacy from your ISP. Without a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) can see which sites you visit. A VPN encrypts your traffic so your ISP can’t log your browsing activity.
• When using cellular data. Mobile networks are generally more secure than public Wi-Fi, but a VPN still adds a layer of protection against monitoring.

iPhones have strong built-in security, but iOS alone doesn’t encrypt internet traffic in transit by default.

How to use a VPN on an iPhone

Once your app is installed, using a VPN is easy. NordVPN gives you control over which server you connect to. You can browse the server list and choose a location manually — for example, a US server to access US-based content — or let NordVPN pick the fastest available server for you by tapping “Secure my connection.”

Connect to a VPN before joining a public Wi-Fi network, so the VPN encrypts your traffic from the start. If your VPN app has an auto-connect feature, turn it on so the app connects automatically as soon as you join an unfamiliar network.

How to change VPN settings on an iPhone

To change your VPN configuration, go to “Settings” > “General” > “VPN & device management” > “VPN.” Tap the information icon next to a VPN profile to edit its settings, such as server address or login credentials.

To switch between VPN profiles, tap the profile you want to activate. The selected profile becomes the active VPN configuration.

To change your VPN server location — for example, to connect through a different country — do that directly from your VPN app. Most apps let you change your server location by selecting a country from a list.

How to turn off or remove a VPN on an iPhone

You can turn off or remove a VPN on your iPhone in two ways, depending on whether you want a temporary disconnect or a full removal.

1. 1.To temporarily turn off VPN on an iPhone, open your VPN app and tap “Disconnect.” Alternatively, go to “Settings” > “General” > “VPN & device management” > “VPN” and toggle the “VPN status” switch to “Off.”
2. 2.To remove a VPN profile entirely, go to “Settings” > “General” > “VPN & device management” > “VPN.” Then tap the information icon next to the profile you want to remove and tap “Delete VPN.”

iCloud Private Relay vs. a VPN on an iPhone

Apple’s iCloud Private Relay is a privacy feature, but it’s not the same as a VPN — and the differences matter.

iCloud Private Relay routes your Safari traffic through two separate relays. The first relay, operated by Apple, can see your IP address but not the site you’re visiting. Your DNS records are encrypted, so Apple can’t see the destination of your request.

The second relay is operated by a third-party content provider — a separate company, not Apple. It generates a temporary IP address, decrypts the name of the site you requested, and connects you to it. The second relay can see your destination but not your real IP address.

The split means no single party can see both who you are and where you’re browsing. That said, Private Relay has several limitations:

• It only protects Safari traffic. Other apps on your iPhone send their traffic without encryption.
• It doesn’t let you choose a server location or appear to be in a different country.
• It’s not available in every country due to regional restrictions.
• It requires an iCloud+ subscription.

A VPN encrypts all internet traffic from your iPhone — every app, not just Safari. With a VPN, you can choose a server location, which means you can connect through servers in dozens of countries. A VPN also works regardless of your Apple subscription tier.

If you want more private browsing on an iPhone that covers all your apps and gives you server location control, a VPN is the more complete option.

Tips for using a VPN on your iPhone

These tips help you get the most out of your iPhone VPN. Follow them to get reliable protection without having to think about it every time you go online.

• Use a VPN on public networks. Most VPN apps let you set the VPN to connect automatically when you join an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network. Turn this feature on so the VPN encrypts your traffic from the moment you connect — at hotels, airports, cafes, and conference centers — without needing to connect manually each time.
• Choose a nearby server for everyday use. If you don’t need to connect through a specific country, select a server close to your location. A nearby server gives you the same encryption with less impact on your connection speed.
• Make sure you’re connected before entering sensitive information. Before you log in to your bank, email, or any other sensitive account on a network you don’t control, confirm your VPN is active.
• Keep your VPN app updated. Updates often include security patches and performance improvements. An outdated app may be missing them, so keep it current through the App Store.
• Expect a small impact on speed and battery life. A VPN adds a small processing load because it encrypts and decrypts your traffic. However, the impact is small with a reliable provider and a nearby server.