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Download an iOS VPN for iPhone and iPad

Take control of your online privacy with a risk-free iOS app

  • Enjoy greater internet speeds with the fastest VPN on the market
  • Encrypt your internet traffic for enhanced online security
  • Connect instantly on an easy-to-use app
  • Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee

What is a VPN on iOS?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) on iOS encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address and location. It routes your data through a VPN server, creating a secure connection and keeping your online activity private — even on public Wi-Fi or your mobile data network.

A VPN on an iPhone or any other iOS device lets you browse more safely and freely at home or on the go.

Try Surfshark worry-free

If you’re not sure whether Surfshark is the best iOS VPN for you, we offer a 7-day free trial. To get access, just download the Surfshark app from the App Store*.

Here’s how:

  1. Download the Surfshark iOS app for free on the App Store.
  2. Open the VPN app and choose Start free trial.
  3. Create an account and select the 12-month option.

You can also test-drive our iOS app risk-free thanks to our 30-day money-back guarantee. Subscribe to Surfshark on our website and take it for a spin. If you want a full refund, just request one within the first 30 days.

*Subscriptions purchased through the App Store are eligible for our 7-day free trial, while those bought on the Surfshark website come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try Surfshark worry-free

How to set up an iOS VPN

You can set up a VPN on your iPhone or iPad in two ways: automatically via an iOS app or manually using a VPN protocol like OpenVPN or IKEv2.

Create an account

1. Create an account

Pick a pricing plan and subscribe to Surfshark.

Install the app

2. Install the app

Download the VPN for iPhone or other iOS devices on the App Store.

Connect and surf!

3. Connect and surf!

Choose the VPN server closest to your physical location to get the fastest internet connection.

Get your credentials

1. Get your credentials

Get Surfshark’s service credentials and download the files for your preferred server locations.

Install OpenVPN

2. Install OpenVPN

Download the free OpenVPN Connect iOS app from the App Store and add your VPN configuration files.

Connect and surf!

3. Connect and surf!

Connect to the VPN with a secure connection on a reliable VPN protocol.

Check out the full guide on how to set up OpenVPN manually on iOS.

Get your credentials

1. Get your credentials

Get Surfshark’s service credentials and find the right VPN server hostnames.

Download your IKEv2 profile

2. Download your IKEv2 profile

Download the IKEv2 certificate in your Surfshark VPN app and fill in the required fields.

Connect and surf!

3. Connect and surf!

Connect to the VPN and enjoy encrypted online traffic with a trusted VPN protocol.

Check out the full guide on how to set up IKEv2 manually on iOS.

Note: For manual setup, you’ll need a device running iOS (iPhone or iPad) and an active Surfshark subscription.

Why use Surfshark for iOS?

RAM-based privacy

RAM-based privacy

Surfshark’s VPN server infrastructure is RAM-only, which means that any information is wiped off automatically whenever a server is turned off. Achieve greater privacy and peace of mind with Surfshark.

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Protect all your devices — and your entire family — with a single account. Even if they’re not using an Apple device, you can still show ‘em some love with a VPN.

Elevated security

Level up your online safety on your iOS devices. Protect yourself from ads and malicious sites with CleanWeb and boost your privacy with our Dynamic MultiHop double VPN feature.

Download an iOS VPN app on iPhone and iPad

A VPN app for your iPhone

An iPhone VPN keeps your browsing activity private and boosts your online security, even on public Wi-Fi. iPhone users can even choose between the WireGuard or IKEv2 VPN protocols, which are excellent choices when using a VPN on your mobile device.

A VPN app for your iPhone

A VPN connection on your iPad

The best iPhone VPN apps shouldn’t have any trouble working on your iPad. Get a secure VPN connection and keep your personal data from your ISP’s (Internet Service Provider’s) hands. Mask your IP address and stay safe from trackers and intrusive ads with an iPad VPN.

The Surfshark iOS VPN app works on all iPad models, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini.

A VPN connection on your iPad
Note: Surfshark supports all iPhones and iPads running iOS 13 or later with 64-bit architecture (which is what most modern devices have).

Audited security

As every reputable VPN company should, Surfshark regularly has its services tested by leading independent auditors.

Cure53 audited our browser extensions and verified their robust security. They also checked Surfshark’s server infrastructure and found it sound with no significant flaws. In addition, Deloitte confirmed our no-logs policy, highlighting our commitment to user privacy.

Audited security

Explore paid iOS VPN benefits

For better privacy and an enhanced user experience, paid iOS VPNs outperform free alternatives across the board.

No activity logs

Your iPhone already knows a lot about you — your VPN service doesn’t have to. Paid VPNs like Surfshark prioritize privacy, meaning they don’t collect or sell your data to advertisers.

Modern mobile protocols

Modern VPN protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 provide top-notch encryption to keep your iPhone and iPad safe from evolving threats, all while ensuring a seamless connection.

Unlimited data

Surf and scroll without limits on your iPhone or iPad. Paid iOS VPNs let you browse without restrictions on bandwidth, speed, or connection time — perfect for uninterrupted use on the go.

Advanced security

A paid VPN app often goes beyond the basics. Features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and double VPN add extra layers of privacy, enhancing your security whether you’re on public Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Wide server coverage

More server locations make it easier to connect to an uncongested VPN server that’s close to you, bringing you a faster connection. Paid VPNs usually have an extensive server network for your iPhone or iPad.

Lightning-fast speeds

Paid VPN providers like Surfshark have high-speed 10Gbps servers to keep your connection stable. They also support multiple simultaneous connections, making them great when you want an iPhone VPN app that works on iPad and other devices.

Testimonials proving excellence

At Surfshark, we strive to offer a hassle-free experience for all our users. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what the world has to say about us.

The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
Tom's guide

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

4.5/5 ★

Techradar

“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”

4.5/5 ★

CNET

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

4.5/5 ★

The reviews quoted on this section have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

MRWHOSETHEBOSS 20.2M subscribers

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

SAM CHUI 3.61M subscribers

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

MAX & OCCY 265K subscribers
The reviews quoted on this section have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit
The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Stay iSafe on iOS

Protect your iPhone and iPad with a VPN

Get Surfshark
30-day money-back guarantee
Stay iSafe on iOS

Frequently asked questions

No, iOS devices don’t have a built-in VPN, but they can still support VPNs. You can use a VPN on an iOS device by downloading a VPN app from the App Store and connecting to a VPN server.

Yes, using a VPN on your iOS device is safe if you use a reliable service like Surfshark. Free VPN providers aren’t recommended as they offer limited services, have unclear privacy policies, and may make money by selling user data.

No, iPhones don’t come with a pre-installed VPN — but they have built-in VPN support. Manually setting up a VPN is possible, but simply downloading a VPN from the App Store is the best way for most users to get an iPhone VPN app.

Yes, having a VPN on your iPhone and iPad is a good idea. By masking your IP address and encrypting your internet connection, a VPN increases your safety on Wi-Fi and mobile networks, making it vital for private, more secure internet use.

Follow these steps to use a VPN on iOS:

  1. Choose a VPN provider — like Surfshark.
  2. Download the VPN app from the App Store.
  3. Open the app and log in.
  4. Connect to a VPN server.

Yes, Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial option for users who purchase the VPN app directly from Apple’s App Store.

Free VPNs aren’t the best iPhone VPN apps because free options generally aren’t safe. Some expose users to intrusive ads or sell sensitive data to third parties. Free VPNs also often limit data. For the best VPN for iPhone, look for paid VPN services.

No, you shouldn’t use a free VPN for iOS. It’s best to avoid free VPNs, as they usually limit speed, data usage, device connections, and the number of available servers. Using a free VPN may also expose your personal data, with many free iPhone apps selling user data.

A free VPN for iOS usually lacks the resources to provide high-quality service, so the best VPN — for iOS or any other operating system — is a paid VPN.

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