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If you’re looking to ensure maximum safety and privacy while browsing the internet on your iPhone, or access services restricted to certain countries on your iPad, using a VPN is your answer. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to set up and use a VPN on your iPhone or iPad.
Why Use a VPN on an iPhone?
A VPN provides several benefits:
- Ensures private and secure browsing by encrypting your online traffic and making you and your device invisible to the internet.
- Protects your data against lax data security laws or curious governments.
- Helps work around location-based restrictions on services and websites.
- Allows access to home or business networks remotely.
- Facilitates access to services restricted to other countries such as US Netflix from UK or BBC iPlayer from the US.
This guide focuses on how to use a VPN on an iPhone or iPad. We also have guides on setting up a VPN on a Mac and setting up a VPN on an Apple TV.
Some of the most recommended VPN services include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PureVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark. For more information, check out our article on VPNs for iPhone.
How to Use a VPN on iPhone/iPad for Anonymous Browsing
Here’s how to set up and use a VPN for anonymous browsing:
- Sign up for a VPN service like NordVPN or any other VPN of your choice.
- Download the NordVPN app from the App Store.
- Open the NordVPN app and log in to your account.
- Tap on the Quick Connect button on the app to connect to the VPN.
- Click Allow when prompted to verify adding VPN configurations to your iPhone for secure internet access.
- If you have Touch ID or Face ID, use it to add VPN configurations. Otherwise, enter your passcode.
- You can now see a map with different servers all over the world. The server you’re currently connected to is indicated by a green icon.
- Your browsing is now completely anonymous while connected to the VPN through the NordVPN app.
How to Use a VPN on iPhone/iPad to Access the Internet from Another Country
If you want to access the internet as if you were in another country, follow these steps:
- Choose the map or list view and select the country you want to route your connection through.
- For instance, if you want to access content restricted to the US, select a server located in the US.
- Tap the power icon to activate that server.
- Wait for a few seconds for the connection to establish.
- Your browsing should now be from the country where the server is located.
- You can now access services that may only be available in that country (though this may be a violation of the terms of those services).
- A VPN icon will appear at the top of your screen beside the mobile network and Wi-Fi connectivity icons.
For detailed instructions on how to watch US Netflix in the UK on iPad, iPhone, or Mac see our guide.
How to Disable a VPN on an iPhone
If you want to stop using the VPN, you can easily disconnect from it. Here’s how to disable a VPN on an iPhone:
- Open the NordVPN (or any other VPN app) and click Disconnect.
- The VPN icon will disappear from the menu once you’re disconnected.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > General, select VPN, tap on the Status switch to disconnect.
- To stop the VPN connection, click the (i) icon next to the VPN and click the switch next to Connect on Demand.
Is a VPN Secure to Use?
Using a VPN on your iPhone provides greater security than accessing the internet without it, especially on public networks. However, the security of a VPN depends on the service you use. If you use a paid VPN, chances are your data is safe. Free VPNs may collect and use your data to generate revenue, or there may be VPN scams going around. It’s recommended to read our article on the best VPN services before choosing one.
FAQs
1. Will using a VPN on my iPhone/iPad slow down my internet speed?
Yes, a VPN may slow down your internet speed as your online traffic has to be encrypted and transmitted through a secondary server. However, this is not always the case, and some VPNs like NordVPN use advanced technology to minimize speed loss.
2. Can I use VPNs to access websites and services forbidden in my country?
Yes, VPNs can help work around restrictions on services and websites that are not available in your country. However, it’s important to note that accessing some copyrighted or illegal content may still be illegal regardless of whether you use a VPN.