What is a VPN on iPhone, and why do you need one?

Apple is known for its robust security features, and they certainly deserve all the praise. But when it comes to online threats, even an iPhone isn’t invincible. If you really want to keep your data safe, you need an extra layer of protection — and that’s precisely what a VPN (Virtual Private Network) offers.

From keeping your data safe from hackers to giving you more freedom online, a VPN provides more flexibility in how you use your iPhone. Stick around as we break down all the reasons why adding a VPN to your device might be the smartest move you make this year.

What is a VPN on an iPhone?

A VPN on an iPhone protects your online privacy by masking your IP (Internet Protocol) address, location, device ID, and other online activity. By encrypting your iPhone’s internet traffic, a VPN helps mask your activity from potential snoopers, hackers, government surveillance, and ISP (Internet Service Provider) throttling.

VPN on an iPhone at a glance

With a VPN on an iPhone, you can:	Stay safe on public Wi-Fi; Shield yourself against targeted advertising; Protect yourself from traffic-based ISP throttling and data logging; Avoid price discrimination; Improve access to information in internet-restrictive countries; Access home content while abroad; Stay protected when online shopping; Improve your online security when working.
When choosing a VPN provider, consider:	Encryption: look for strong, up-to-date security; No-logs policy: essential for privacy protection; Server network: more servers mean better speed and access; Protocols: choose modern options like WireGuard or OpenVPN; Speed: ensure fast, stable connections; Device support: check for multi-device compatibility; Price: free VPNs often come with risks; paid is safer.
The quickest way to get VPN protection on an iPhone	Download the Surfshark app, log in, and connect to a server.
Should I keep the VPN turned on on my iPhone?	You should keep your VPN turned on when you’re online unless you’re having trouble accessing your banking or running out of mobile data.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

Do you need a VPN on your iPhone? Pros and cons

Thinking about using a VPN on your iPhone? Smart move — but like with any tool, it’s not all upsides. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks to help you decide if getting a VPN is the right choice for you and your device:

Pros of using a VPN on iPhone	Cons of using a VPN on iPhone
Safer on public Wi-Fi	Slower speeds
Reduced advertiser tracking	Compatibility issues with some apps
Protection from ISP bandwidth throttling and data logging	Free VPNs can be risky in terms of privacy and security
Better online shopping deals	Drains battery slightly faster
Improved access to information in restrictive countries	Account flagging from location changes
Access to home content when abroad	Small learning curve
Secure online payments	Not a complete privacy solution
Safer remote work	Subscription costs for paid VPN services

Pros of using a VPN on iPhone:

• Safer on public Wi-Fi: a VPN encrypts your connection and keeps hackers away when you’re on unsecured networks like a coffee shop or airport Wi-Fi;
• Reduced advertiser tracking: VPNs mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic, which helps prevent advertisers from tracking you across websites based on your location or network;
• Protection from ISP bandwidth throttling and data logging: a VPN makes it harder for your ISP to track your activity, sell your information to third parties, or throttle your connection speed based on this data;
• Better online shopping deals: a VPN helps you save money and avoid price discrimination while letting you compare prices from different regions;
• Improved access to information in internet-restrictive countries: because a VPN changes your virtual location, you can use it to access a more open part of the internet when you’re passing through a country that censors content and blocks access to the apps and websites you’re used to;
• Continued access to your home content while abroad: a VPN lets you keep streaming and using your favorite services while traveling, as if you never left;
• Secure online shopping and payments: protects your financial info and activity while you shop online, keeping snoops out of your business;
• Safer remote work: VPNs can be used to encrypt your work data and keep everything private and professional.

Cons of using a VPN on iPhone:

• Slightly slower internet speeds: encryption and rerouting can slow things down a bit, especially if you’re connected to a distant server;
• Occasional app or website issues: some services (like banks or streaming apps) may block VPN traffic or require extra verification when they detect it;
• Risky free VPN options: free VPNs often come with strings attached (like ads and data caps), or worse, they log and sell your data for profit;
• Increased battery usage: VPN apps running in the background can drain your iPhone battery slightly faster than usual;
• Account restrictions from frequent location changes: some services might flag your account if it looks like you’re jumping between countries too often;
• A small learning curve: picking the right server or knowing when to turn it on might take a little trial and error for new or less tech-savvy users;
• Not a complete privacy solution: although a VPN helps a lot, it won’t protect you against phishing, malware, or weak passwords — it’s just one piece of your online safety toolkit.
• Subscription costs: high-quality VPNs usually come with a monthly or yearly fee. While the protection is worth it for many, it’s still an added expense to consider in your budget.

How to set up a VPN on your iPhone or iPad

You can set up and use a VPN either through an app or manually. Let’s break down both options:

Quick setup with an app

The fastest way to get your VPN up and running is to download an app. VPN providers, like Surfshark, offer dedicated apps that work right out of the box. These apps sometimes also come with extra features, like a dedicated IP or IP rotators and randomizers.

 All you need to do is:

1. Sign up for a VPN.
2. Download an iOS VPN app from the provider’s website or get it from the App Store.
3. Install the app.
4. Open the app, sign in, and choose a location.
5. Hit Connect to get started.

And that’s all it takes. When it comes to iPads, their operating system is pretty much the same, so follow the steps above to set up a VPN on an iPad.

Manually setting up a VPN on your iPhone or iPad

If you prefer a hands-on approach, iPhones also let you configure the VPN manually. While it’s not as quick and convenient as using an app, it may give you additional control and insight into what’s going on under the hood. To find the settings:

1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings and choose General.

2. Click on VPN and Device Management.

3. Choose VPN.

4. Click Add VPN Configuration.

5. Choose the VPN type and enter your VPN provider’s configuration and authentication data.

Not sure where to find this information? Check out our dedicated guide on how to use a VPN on iPhone.

VPN vs. Apple’s Private Relay

iCloud+ subscribers have access to a VPN-like feature called Private Relay. While both Private Relay and VPNs enhance privacy, they serve distinct purposes and operate in different ways.

Private Relay focuses primarily on obscuring the IP address and encrypting browsing activity. However, it only protects Safari and a few select apps — it doesn’t cover your entire device.

VPN protection, on the other hand, is more comprehensive. It encrypts internet traffic across all apps and browsers, enhancing anonymity beyond what Private Relay can offer. Also, VPNs let you specify your virtual location, which can be useful when traveling. If privacy across all online activities is a priority, a VPN is the way to go.

7 things to consider when choosing a VPN provider for your iPhone

Not all VPNs are created equal. Choosing the right provider is crucial to getting the protection and performance you need. Here’s what you should consider when choosing the best VPN provider for your iPhone in 2025.

1. Encryption: the heart of any VPN lies in its encryption. Look for providers that use the AES-256 algorithm, which offers military-grade protection against hackers and snoopers.
2. No-logs policy: if a VPN provider has a no-logs policy, it means they don’t track or store your online activity. If they don’t, you’re just shifting your privacy concerns from your ISP to the VPN provider. At Surfshark, we have a strict no-logs policy, and we made sure to prove it through an independent audit.
3. Server network: the more servers a VPN provider offers, the better. A wide server network means faster connection speeds and less congestion. Surfshark offers over 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, ensuring you always have a smooth and private connection.
4. Protocols: VPN protocols determine how your data is encrypted and transferred, impacting security, speed, and stability. A good provider should offer a range of protocols to suit different needs. For example, IKEv2 works well on mobile devices, OpenVPN is a reliable choice for strong security, and WireGuard offers a great balance of speed and encryption. 
5. Speed: a VPN shouldn’t slow you down. High-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth are the keys to seamless browsing. Whether streaming or working remotely, you need a VPN that can keep up with your needs. For ultra-fast speeds, all Surfshark’s servers are now 10Gbps.
6. Device support: even though most of us surf primarily on mobile, it is not just iPhones that need protection. A good VPN lets you secure multiple devices at once — Surfshark offers unlimited connections with one account, meaning your entire online life stays protected.
7. Price: free VPNs may sound appealing, but they come with hidden risks. To cover their costs, they often log and sell your data to third parties. Plus, free VPNs tend to have limited servers, slow speeds, and weak encryption — which is exactly what you don’t want. When your privacy is on the line, cutting corners is definitely not the way to go.

Why Surfshark stands out as a VPN for iPhones

Surfshark is more than a VPN — it’s packed with features designed to make your online experience secure, private, and hassle-free:

Double VPN (Dynamic MultiHop)

Surfshark goes beyond basic encryption with its Dynamic MultiHop feature, routing your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. This means double the encryption, double the privacy, and a much tougher challenge for anyone trying to track your online activity. Plus, you get to choose your entry and exit points, adding an extra layer of control.

Obfuscated servers (Camouflage Mode)

Worried about someone spotting your VPN usage? Not with Surfshark. The Camouflage Mode, powered by obfuscated servers, hides not just your data but the fact that you’re even using a VPN. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and anyone else monitoring the network won’t have a clue.

Split tunneling (Bypasser)

Need to access local content without turning off your VPN? Surfshark’s split-tunneling feature, called Bypasser, lets you pick and choose which apps or websites go through the VPN and which don’t. This way, you can access your bank account securely while streaming local content with ease.

Kill Switch

For extra peace of mind, Surfshark offers Kill Switch that automatically cuts your internet connection if your VPN drops. This ensures your data never leaks, even in the rare instance of a VPN disconnect.

NoBorders Mode

Got network restrictions to deal with? NoBorders Mode has your back. It detects restrictive networks and provides a list of servers that will work best so you can still access the open web, even in places with heavy internet censorship.

CleanWeb

Tired of intrusive ads, pop-ups, and trackers? Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks all of these nuisances, plus malicious websites, for an ad-free, safe browsing experience. Say goodbye to cluttered screens and potential threats.

Cookie pop-up Blocker

Cookie consent pop-ups can be annoying. Surfshark’s Cookie pop-up Blocker automatically rejects as many as possible, saving you from having to click through constant prompts while browsing on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Static IP

For those who need consistency, Surfshark’s Static IP feature provides them with a static IP from a set list of servers. Whether you’re hosting a website, creating a game server, or accessing applications remotely, you can keep the same IP address every time you connect.

Dedicated IP

If you need an IP address that’s exclusively yours, Surfshark’s Dedicated IP feature has you covered. With a private IP address that only you use, you can access IP-sensitive sites, avoid CAPTCHAs (prove-you’re-not-a-robot requests), and steer clear of IP blocklists with ease.

Can you use a VPN for free on your iPhone?

Finding free VPN services is possible, but that doesn’t mean you should use them. While the offer of free protection sounds appealing, in reality, it’s far less generous.

Free VPNs come with significant trade-offs. They tend to offer limited server options, slow connection speeds, and unreliable performance. What’s worse, many free VPN providers sustain their business by logging and selling your data to third parties, essentially doing the very thing you’re trying to avoid by using a VPN.

Beyond privacy concerns, free VPNs also lack the robust security features you need. Many fail to offer key protections like a kill switch, strong encryption protocols, or obfuscated servers — leaving you exposed. Additionally, they may restrict data usage, which makes them impractical for anything beyond light browsing.

Ultimately, if you’re serious about protecting your privacy and securing your iPhone, investing in a trusted VPN service is worth every penny. And if you’re still not convinced, we have written a full article comparing free VPNs with paid ones.

Conclusion: iPhones have built-in VPN protocols for a reason

Your iPhone is designed with security in mind, and the presence of built-in VPN protocols proves it. But for true, full-spectrum protection, you’ll need more than just the basics. Setting up a good VPN service on your iPhone lets you stay ahead of hackers, ISPs, and data trackers in a world where online threats constantly evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using a VPN on my iPhone safe?

Yes, using a VPN on an iPhone is completely safe if you choose a trusted provider. It encrypts your data, protects your privacy, and enhances security on your home network and public Wi-Fi.

Does the iPhone have a built-in VPN?

iPhones come with built-in VPN support, allowing you to configure VPN settings manually. However, in order to use these features effectively, you need a VPN provider.

Should I keep the VPN on or off on my iPhone?

Keep your VPN on for constant protection, especially when using public Wi-Fi or handling sensitive data. You can turn it off if you need access to local content or when you’re on a secure, trusted network.

What is the best VPN, according to Reddit?

While opinions vary on the best VPN, there are some standout VPN recommendations in the Reddit VPN community. Many threads highlight services with fast speeds and strong privacy features — like Surfshark. Check out this VPN comparison table, where users rate the VPNs they try and compile the regularly updated results.