We use the internet to find quick answers (like you did), upload images to social media, make banking transactions, and much more 😏. All of these activities endanger privacy. Since data breaches are common, you can use a VPN to keep your data hidden from your Network Provider, Internet Service Provider, Government, etc.
Read along to learn what a VPN is and how you can connect to a VPN service through an app or manually through your iPhone.
- What is a VPN on iPhone?
- How to choose a VPN service?
- How to connect VPN on iPhone (with apps)
- How to manually configure VPN on iPhone
- How to turn off VPN
What is a VPN on iPhone?
VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network. It helps transmit sensitive data in an encrypted format. Masking your Internet Protocol (IP), hiding your IP address even from your ISP. Several restrictions set by services and governments on what content can be accessed on the internet can be bypassed with the help of a VPN.
Many people use a VPN on their iPhone to bypass/fake their location to access content with a geo-location lock. Also, it is recommended to steer away from free internet access points as they raise security concerns. Hackers can intercept these Wi-Fi networks and will steal whatever data they have access to.
Connecting to a VPN will guard your data and ensure that you are not a victim of such attacks. If the topic of VPN interests you and you’d like to delve into the subject more, we have the perfect guide.
How to choose a VPN service?
I can assure you there is no shortage of VPN providers. Most of these services also offer applications for the iPhone, iPad, etc. We have a list of the best VPN apps for iPhone and iPad, and you should check it out. But how do you decide which service is good for you?
Well, certain aspects qualify a VPN service provider as a good VPN. It would be best if you looked at these criteria before subscribing to the service:
- Encryption level: Good VPN services offer 256-bit key encryption and pair it with a strong encryption protocol like OpenVPN.
- Activity log: For many users, the main aim of using a VPN service is to increase their privacy. But what if the VPN service you’re using keeps your data log? Well, that eliminates the primary reason for using a VPN. So, head to the service provider’s website and check if they keep data logs in their servers.
- Speed and Servers: Always buy the trial version of a VPN service, use it for the trial period and check the speed it provides. Apart from speed, the number of servers also makes a difference. Limited servers will result in the bandwidth being shared with several users on the same network, ultimately resulting in lower streaming speeds.
How to connect VPN on iPhone (with apps)
Connecting your iPhone to a VPN through an application is the easiest method. In this day and age, most VPN providers also offer their own iPhone applications. Once you’ve selected a VPN service or you decide to use a free service, follow these steps to connect to the VPN (we’ve used Windscribe as an example),
- Install your desired VPN app.
- Open the VPN app.
- Tap Allow on the dialogue box that reads “Name VPN” would like to Add VPN Configurations.
- Select the region you want to connect to or select the Best Location option.
- You are now connected to the selected region.
How to manually configure VPN on iPhone
There’s no denying that connecting to a VPN through a mobile application is the easiest method. However, some VPN providers do not offer a mobile app. Or there are several other reasons one would like to manually connect to a VPN service. Whatever your reasons are, you will need to configure these iPhone VPN settings before you proceed,
- Username
- Password
- VPN Protocol
- Remote ID
- Server Address
You can gather all these details from your VPN service provider’s web page or the System Administrator. Please ask your manager for login details if you use a company-provided VPN. Note that the username and password will likely differ from your login email ID and password.
Once you have these details, here’s how to configure and connect your iPhone to a VPN manually,
- Open Settings on iPhone/iPad.
- Tap General.
- Navigate to VPN & Device Management.
- On the next page, tap VPN.
- Select Add VPN Configuration…
- Tap Type and Select the VPN Protocol. You can select from IKEv2, IPsec, and L2TP.
- Fill in the Description, Server, Remote ID, and Local ID.
- Now tap User Authentication and select None, Username, and Certificate.
- Depending on the choice made in the previous step, you’ll need to fill in the Username and Password, Certificate, or enable the Use Certificate toggle.
- You can set the Proxy to Off, Manual, or Auto in the next step.
- Tap Done.
- Toggle on the Status button to turn on the VPN connection.
How to turn off VPN
iOS no longer automatically disconnects from a VPN service. You can connect to a VPN and never worry about being disconnected from the service unless there are network connectivity issues. But how do you disconnect your iPhone from a VPN service?
Well, since there are two ways to connect your iPhone to a VPN service, there are two ways to disconnect your iPhone from a VPN service. For those that want to disconnect their iPhone connected to a VPN app,
- Open the VPN app you are connected to.
- Tap the disconnect button.
- You have now disconnected from the VPN network.
If you’ve manually connected to a VPN network or even if you are connected through an application, this method works for both:
- Head to the Settings app → go to General.
- Scroll down and select VPN & Device Management.
- Select VPN → toggle off the VPN button.
Ensure you do not use a VPN to pirate content or indulge in any other illegal activities. We do not promote VPN use; this article is only for educational purposes. If you have any other queries, leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you with a solution as soon as possible.
Read more:
- 13 Ways to fix low iPhone volume in headphones
- How to to fix VPN not working on iPhone and iPad
- 14 Finder tips and tricks every Mac user must know
Consumer Technology and Motorcycles are the two things that excite Darryl the most. Why? Because Tech helps better people's lives, and solving people's problems related to tech is something he enjoys. And what about bikes, you ask? Well, drop a gear and disappear.