How To Use a VPN on an iPhone (With Step-by-Step Instructions)

It can be easy to learn how to use a good VPN on an iPhone by installing a third-party app (e.g., NordVPN or ExpressVPN) or by going through the process manually. All you have to do is visit the Apple App Store, search for your VPN of choice, and install the app. From there, you'll be able to connect to servers worldwide. 

Let’s dig into the details of how to install a VPN on your phone and why you might want this additional cybersecurity.

How to set up an iPhone VPN app

The easiest way to learn how to get a VPN on an iPhone is typically by using a third-party application. Many popular VPNs offer apps for Android and iOS devices you can download on the Google Play store or the Apple App Store. Here are a few providers that have iPhone apps:

• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• ExpressVPN
• CyberGhost
• Private Internet Access
  

• IPVanish

• Proton VPN

Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up a VPN on your iPhone (we used NordVPN in this example):

1. Open the Apple App Store and search for your VPN provider. For example, type “nordvpn” to find the NordVPN app.

2. Install the VPN app and open it. Then select the LOG IN option.

3. Once you’re logged in, connect to the VPN using the QUICK CONNECT button.

4. In the pop-up, choose the Allow option for NordVPN to be added to your iPhone VPN configurations.

And that’s it. Your VPN app is configured and ready to be used with your iPhone. Keep in mind that NordVPN is a paid service, which means you have to create an account and buy a subscription to use the NordVPN app.

Why use a VPN on your iPhone?

VPNs help keep your data safe while you're browsing the web, and let you access content that's not available where you live.

Here are some popular VPNs and their features:

Here's more info on why you might want to use a VPN on your iPhone:

Browsing safely while using public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are convenient for connecting to the internet if you don’t want to use cellular data, don’t have access to data, or your cellular connection is running slow. But public Wi-Fi networks are prime hunting grounds for unethical hackers and other unsavory individuals.

The main issue with public Wi-Fi for your security and privacy is that other people might be able to access your internet traffic, which could potentially include your private information.

But with proper VPN encryption in place, your internet connection is much more secure, even on a public network.

Streaming regional content

Netflix and certain other streaming services have regional content libraries due to licensing restrictions. This means that what’s available on Netflix in the U.S. is typically different from what’s available on Netflix in the U.K. or other regions.

You can use a VPN to watch Netflix content from just about anywhere. This could be helpful if you’re traveling abroad and want to continue watching content that’s available in the U.S., but not where you’re currently located. It could also be helpful if you want to access content from other countries while you’re in the U.S.

Unblocking restricted content

We generally have loads of freedom with what we’re able to access online in the U.S. But this isn’t the case for many countries around the world.

For example, Egypt, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, China, and many other countries limit the types of internet content you can access. In some cases, a VPN can help bypass these restrictions.

But keep in mind that you have to find out if VPNs are legal to use where you're residing.

Hiding your IP address for privacy

Your internet protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier attached to your internet-connected devices. Knowing your IP address can reveal certain information, including your internet service provider (ISP) and your general location.

This doesn’t mean someone will immediately find your home address by having your IP address, but they could know the city or general area where you’re located. VPNs provide privacy by masking your true IP address behind an encrypted tunnel.

How to set up an iPhone VPN manually

It’s typically easier to download an app to connect to a VPN, but you can set up a VPN manually through your iPhone VPN settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
   

   

2. Select the General option.
   

   

3. Choose VPN & Device Management.
   

   

4. Select the tab that says VPN.
   

   

5. Press the Add VPN Configuration button.
   

   

6. Add your VPN configuration settings from your VPN provider.
   

   

Keep in mind that iPhones don’t have built-in VPNs. This means you can’t connect to a VPN with only the available iPhone settings. You still need information from a provider to establish a secure VPN connection.

That includes having a username and password already set up with a service provider. You also have to include a description, server, remote ID, and choose your VPN protocol.

VPN protocols

A VPN protocol is basically a set of directions for how your online traffic is sent through an encrypted VPN tunnel. Although no protocol is necessarily foolproof, some are typically considered more secure than others.

VPN protocol	Security
OpenVPN	Excellent
WireGuard	Excellent
IPSec/IKEv2	Good
SSTP	Good
L2TP/IPSec	OK
PPTP	Poor

Apple provides native support of IKEv2, IPsec, and L2TP protocols on iPhones.

How to install a VPN on a router

You might want to install a VPN on a router if you want all internet-connected devices in your home, including your iPhone, to benefit from secure and private connections.

This could be helpful because you wouldn’t have to individually connect each device to a VPN, and some VPN services have restrictions on the number of simultaneous connections you can have. It could also be helpful if you have smart devices, such as a Wi-Fi fridge or door lock, that can’t typically connect to a VPN.

Here are the basic steps for installing a VPN on a router:

1. Select a VPN and check router compatibility

Not all VPNs can be installed on every type of router. So, selecting a VPN service can help you narrow down which type of router might work best for your situation.

You can typically find router compatibility on each VPN provider’s website or by browsing through a website like FlashRouters.

2. Configure your router

You need a VPN installed on your router for it to function as a VPN router. This will allow you to manage the VPN through your router settings.

The easiest way to get your router configured correctly is to buy a preconfigured router from a company such as FlashRouters. We've compiled a list of the best VPN routers so you don't have to deal with the hassle installing a VPN on your router.

You can also follow online guides about configuring specific routers. For example, here’s a guide on how to set up custom DD-WRT firmware for NordVPN.

3. Test your router

Once your VPN is set up on your router, it’s time to see whether it’s working. First, disable the VPN and check your IP address using a site such as WhatIsMyIPAddress.com. Keep note of the information you’re able to see.

Now, turn on your VPN and check your IP address again. Your VPN is likely working if the information is now different than before. You can perform this test with multiple devices if you want.

iPhone VPN FAQs

Bottom line

Knowing how to use a VPN on an iPhone could provide you with increased security and privacy when you’re at home, at the office, running errands, or traveling. It can also help you stream regional content using popular services, such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

The easiest way to set up a VPN on your iPhone is typically by installing an app from a provider, including NordVPN and Surfshark. But you can also set up a VPN manually through your phone settings or through a VPN router.