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 from a trustworthy VPN service, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, or by following the manual setup process. To get started, simply visit the Apple App Store, search for your preferred VPN, and install the app. From there, you'll be able to connect to servers worldwide. 

Let’s delve into the details of installing a VPN on your phone and explore why you might want this added layer of 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 that you can download from 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 Allow for NordVPN to be added to your iPhone VPN configurations.

5. In the main dashboard, you have the option to connect other devices or connect to specialty servers.

6. You can also navigate to Settings to manually change the default protocol or configure advanced features, such as using the kill switch.

And that’s it. Your VPN app is now configured and ready to use with your iPhone. NordVPN is a paid service, which means you need to purchase a subscription and create an account to use the NordVPN app.

Why use a VPN on your iPhone?

VPNs help keep your data safe while you browse the web, and let you access content that's not available in your location. 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 bad actors.

The primary concern with public Wi-Fi is that it compromises your security and privacy, as other users may be able to intercept your internet traffic, potentially exposing 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 a lot of freedom in terms of what we can access online in the U.S. But this isn’t the case for many countries around the world.

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

However, keep in mind that you must verify whether VPNs are legal to use in your current location.

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.

Top VPNs for iPhone compared

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.
   

   

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 essentially a set of instructions for routing your online traffic 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 for 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 connect each device to a VPN individually, and some VPN services have restrictions on the number of simultaneous connections allowed. It could also be helpful if you have smart devices, such as a Wi-Fi-enabled fridge or door lock, that typically can’t 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. Selecting a VPN service can help you narrow down which type of router might work best for your specific situation. You can typically find router compatibility on each VPN provider’s website or by browsing through a website like FlashRouters. We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for routers because it offers the Aircove router for complete network protection.

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 ensure your router is configured correctly is to purchase a preconfigured router from a reputable company, such as FlashRouters. We've compiled a list of the best VPN routers so you don't have to deal with the hassle of 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 a 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.

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 reputable provider, such as NordVPN or Surfshark. You can also set up a VPN manually through your phone's settings or via a VPN router.