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 can transform 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.
Table of contents
What is a VPN on an iPhone?
A VPN on an iPhone is a service that encrypts the data sent from an iPhone and routes it through VPN servers to decrypt it at the destination. This way, the VPN creates a secure tunnel, protecting your iPhone against hackers, government surveillance, and ISP (Internet Service Provider) throttling.
VPN on an iPhone at a glance
With a VPN on an iPhone, you can: | |
|---|---|
When choosing a VPN provider, consider: | |
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 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. |
Why using a VPN on your iPhone matters
iPhones are as prone to malicious attacks as any other device. In 2021, Apple publicly admitted that iOS exploits allowed NSO, a state-sponsored private company, to spy on journalists, activists, and government officials.
Using a VPN on an iPhone prevents IP (Internet Protocol) tracking and ensures all online activities remain private. It can also help you save on online shopping and improve your streaming experience.
Let’s look at all the reasons why using a VPN on your iPhone should be your top priority in 2024:
It keeps hackers away — especially on public Wi-Fi
Hackers are always looking for their next target. VPN services help you establish a secure connection and use encryption methods to make your data extremely difficult to read. This is especially important when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as their inadequate security commonly attracts hackers.
It shields you from targeted advertising
Ever searched for something once and then felt bombarded by ads for it? That’s targeted advertising at work. Advertisers track your behavior to build profiles and flood your screen with personalized ads. A VPN disrupts this by masking your IP address and hiding your browsing history.
It protects you from ISP throttling and data logging
Your ISP knows more about your browsing habits than you’d want them to. If you’re not using a VPN, they can monitor your data usage and log your activity to throttle your bandwidth or even worse — sell your information to third parties. With a VPN, the ISP’s ability to snoop on you is limited, improving your safety and keeping your connection speed high.
It helps avoid price discrimination
You probably noticed how online prices change depending on where you are. Airlines, car rentals, and even e-commerce sites adjust their rates based on your location. A VPN lets you compare prices from different regions, so you save money and avoid falling victim to price discrimination.
It improves access to information in internet-restrictive countries
Some countries censor content, blocking access to specific websites and apps. A VPN changes your virtual location, routing your connection through territories with open internet policies to let you access the information and services you need, no matter where you are.
It lets you access home content while abroad
Traveling is great, but missing out on your online time? Not so much. Having a VPN on your iPhone when you travel abroad lets you access your favorite content and services as if you never left home. Just switch your VPN location to your home country, and you’re good to go.
It protects you when online shopping
Your iPhone is the gateway to your wallet — for better or worse. But by encrypting your connection, a VPN keeps your financial transactions safe, whether you’re buying clothes, booking flights, or paying bills. No snooping hackers, no compromised bank accounts — just shopping.
It makes remote working more secure
With remote work now the norm, securing online workspaces is a hot topic. A VPN encrypts sensitive data and keeps your work communications private, ensuring corporate information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands and stays within the company.
How to start using 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:
- Sign up for a VPN.
- Download an iOS VPN app from the provider’s website or get it from the App Store.
- Install the app.
- Open the app, sign in, and choose a location.
- 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 setting up a VPN on an iPad works analogously.
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:
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings and choose General.
- Click on VPN and Device Management.
- Choose VPN.
- Click Add VPN Configuration.
- 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, providing 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 2024.
- Whether their service is free: 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.
- How strong their encryption is: 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.
- If they have a no-logs policy: if the VPN provider employs a no-logs policy, they commit to no tracking or storing 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.
- How big their server network is: the more servers a VPN provider offers, the better. A wide server network means faster connection speeds, less congestion, and more options for bypassing geo-blocks. Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, ensuring you always have a smooth and private connection.
- Which protocols they offer: VPN protocols determine how your data is encrypted and transferred. A good provider will offer a range of protocols to suit different needs, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. Having options means you can get the best experience every time.
- If they’re fast enough: 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.
- Whether they offer support for multiple devices: 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 allows unlimited connections with one account, meaning your entire online life stays protected.
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 anonymity, 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 a dedicated 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, and steer clear of IP blocklists with ease.
Should I keep a VPN always on?
When browsing the web on your iPhone, you should do your best to keep your VPN on. There are a few circumstances where having it off might be beneficial, though:
When to turn a VPN on | When to turn a VPN off |
|---|---|
When on public Wi-Fi | When banking with an IP that is not native to the bank (banking apps can be fussy about using a VPN) |
When carrying out operations that involve sensitive data | When you absolutely need to reduce mobile data usage |
When you need to overcome blocks and censorship | When your connection is slow, and you want to stream a video |
When shopping online |
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.
FAQ
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 public Wi-Fi.
What does a VPN do on an iPhone?
A VPN on an iPhone encrypts your internet connection, hides your IP address, and shields your data from hackers and snoopers. It also allows you to maintain access to services and content from home while traveling abroad.
Is there a VPN already implemented on my iPhone?
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.
How do I use a VPN on iOS 15?
To use a VPN on iOS 15, download a VPN app from a trusted provider or manually configure it in the VPN tab in Settings. Once set up, turn on the VPN to encrypt your connection.
What is the difference between Private Relay and a VPN on iOS 15?
Private Relay hides your IP address and encrypts Safari traffic, but it’s limited to Apple’s ecosystem. A VPN covers all internet activity on your iPhone, providing more comprehensive protection across all apps and services.
Do I need a VPN on my iPhone?
Yes, a VPN is essential for safeguarding your privacy and security on an iPhone. It protects your data from hackers, hides your online activity, and ensures a secure connection when traveling abroad.
