VPN on iPad: How to set up and use a VPN on an iPad

What is a VPN on an iPad?

A VPN (virtual private network) on an iPad is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes your traffic through a remote VPN server — like sending it through an encrypted tunnel. Your internet traffic travels through this tunnel before reaching websites, apps, and other online services. Those services then see the VPN server’s IP address rather than your regular one, so they have less information about you and your location. 

A VPN for iPad, like NordVPN, can also offer extra VPN features to make your iPad activity even safer. These can include scam and phishing protection, DNS filtering, and Dark Web Monitoring.

What are the key benefits of using a VPN on an iPad?

The benefits of a VPN range 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.

Increased digital security

The primary function of a VPN is to make your browsing safer. A VPN encrypts your iPad’s browsing data, making it harder for attackers to spy on you through a compromised network or unsafe public Wi-Fi. A VPN scrambles online traffic into gibberish as it flows between your iPad and the VPN server, so if someone intercepts it, they see only encrypted data instead of readable information. However, keep in mind that your data privacy for the rest of the way to your destination still depends on the website’s own encryption (HTTPS), so make sure you trust the websites you visit.

In some jurisdictions, internet service providers (ISPs) may log or share browsing data. A VPN hides the content and destinations of your traffic from your ISP, reducing what the provider can log about your activity. 

Protection against activity-based speed 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 it should restrict your internet capacity. Your ISP can still throttle your network as part of area-wide restrictions, but it won’t do so based on your activity.

Access to 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.

Disclaimer: Please note that using NordVPN to bypass any regulatory or judicial measures, or for any other illegal activities, is strictly prohibited and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure you use NordVPN in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as the terms of any websites or services you access using NordVPN.

Scam and phishing protection

Some iPad VPN apps include security measures beyond encryption. Depending on the provider, these security measures may block known malicious domains, reduce intrusive ads and trackers, warn you about suspicious links, or alert you when your account details appear in a data breach.

How to use a VPN on an iPad

You can 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 an app 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.

Follow these steps to set up a VPN app on your iPad:

1. 1.Download a VPN app for your iPad. You can find iPad-compatible VPN apps, including NordVPN, on the App Store. Download the app, launch it, and set up your account.
2. 2.Choose your subscription plan. Most VPN services are subscription based. The plan you choose will depend on your needs.
3. 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. 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

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

1. 1.Open the settings on your iPad. In device settings, select “General.”
2. 2.Add a new VPN configuration. Locate “VPN & device management” and select “Add VPN configuration.”
3. 3.Enter your VPN details. Insert the details of your manual VPN configuration and select “Done.”

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 easy way to access your usual content and services while you travel — just like you would back home. 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.

How to choose the best VPN for your iPad

Every VPN provider has different merits, so it’s important to pick the right one for your iPad. When choosing a VPN, focus on the features that enhance your network security and performance:

• Strong encryption. A reputable VPN should use strong encryption standards, such as AES with 256-bit keys or ChaCha20.
• High-speed performance. Any VPN can cause a minuscule slowdown in your connection speeds. But with a good VPN, it will be minor enough that you won’t even notice. NordVPN, the fastest VPN,* is an excellent choice in this respect.
• Native iOS app integration. A VPN with native iOS or iPadOS integration is developed with iPhone and iPad users in mind, ensuring that 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 Apple TV VPN.
• Multi-device compatibility. Finding a VPN 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, having a service that also covers Android, Windows, and Linux could be useful later on.
• A transparent privacy commitment. The provider should clearly explain what data it does and doesn’t collect, ideally with independent verification.
• A kill switch. This feature helps stop unprotected traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
• DNS leak protection. DNS requests should remain inside the protected connection rather than being sent to your normal network provider.
• No restrictive bandwidth limits. Heavy data caps can make a VPN unsuitable for video, work, gaming, or everyday browsing.

^{* Information related to "Fastest VPN" is based on testing conducted by West Coast Labs} opens in a new tab ^{in October 2025, with the full report available here} opens in a new tab^{. This is further supported by other multiple sources, including editorially independent evaluations and insights, internal tests, as well as statements from media articles, some of which were published through paid partnerships.} 

How to choose the best VPN protocol for an iPad

Your iPad can support several types of VPN protocols. For example, the NordVPN app offers NordLynx, NordWhisper, and OpenVPN. IKEv2/IPsec is also available but requires manual configuration. Which protocol will work best for you depends on your priorities.

OpenVPN is available via a VPN client, while IKEv2/IPsec is only available through manual iPadOS configuration. IKEv2/IPsec is natively supported by Apple, so it’s a stable, well-established option for iPadOS. 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.

NordLynx is NordVPN’s proprietary implementation of WireGuard®, combining its speed with additional privacy enhancements. It offers NordVPN users fast connection speeds, making it the recommended VPN protocol for keeping your iPad secure without the wait.

^{** 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.}

What is the best iPad VPN?

The best iPad VPN is a service that combines strong encryption, a verified privacy policy, reliable connection safeguards, fast protocols, and an easy-to-use native app.

With all these aspects in mind, you should always prioritize premium paid VPN services. They have the resources to build a better infrastructure and don't need to monetize their users. Unpaid services might seem more easily accessible, but they usually come with a catch. When comparing free VPNs with paid VPNs, check what the provider limits and how it funds the service rather than judging it by price alone.

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 all these boxes, which is why Forbes Advisor opens in a new tab named it the best VPN for individuals and SMBs in 2025.***

^{*** Information related to "Best VPN" is supported by multiple sources (unless specific ones are mentioned), including, but not limited to, editorially independent evaluations and insights, as well as statements from media articles, some of which were published through paid partnerships.}