Apple is known for many things, and its positive association with privacy is one of its most recognizable traits. That connection is intentional: Apple has built privacy-focused messaging into its core brand marketing strategy for years. In fact, his privacy. That’s iPhone campaign has been shortlisted for D&AD’s 2023 Poster Campaign Award.
However, spyware attacks are on the rise, and can sometimes bypass even Apple’s strong security measures by attacking undetected flaws in your phone’s OS (also known as zero-day vulnerabilities). This means that cybercriminals can record you on your camera, view your private messages and access sensitive information without your knowledge. Talk about a digital nightmare.
Why you need a VPN on your iPhone
A VPN encrypts the connection between your iPhone and the Internet, hiding your IP address and network activity. It also allows you to change the location of your device by routing your traffic through servers in different locations. This privacy-based software acts as an extra layer of security for your phone by masking your traffic and your device’s location from third parties like your ISP and cybercriminals.
You need a VPN on your iPhone because cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated: they can even bypass the built-in security protocols on your iOS device. Because iPhones are so popular, they tend to attract cybercriminals who want to exploit more victims for financial gain.
While some cyber attacks (such as spyware) are difficult to fully protect against, there are many other cyber attacks that can fight with the right security and privacy software (like VPNs). Some other common network threats that VPNs can help you avoid include:
A robust VPN acts as a bodyguard for your data, encrypting it and making it unreadable, even on unprotected networks. It prevents outsiders from accessing your data, so digital thieves can’t use your data for personal gain. When you combine a VPN with smart security practices like using strong passwords, you’re building walls around your phone’s vulnerabilities. With these steps, you can enjoy the Internet without worry, knowing that your data is protected from prying eyes.
What is an iPhone built-in VPN?
The iPhone doesn’t actually offer pre-installed VPN services, but they do come with built-in VPN settings. This allows you to manually configure a VPN connection provided by a third-party VPN service. Setting up a VPN manually still requires you to purchase a VPN subscription and connect to your VPN provider’s server. A more common (and simpler) solution is to download your service provider’s VPN app to your iPhone.
Manually configuring a VPN on your iPhone can be a clumsy task and can cause unnecessary headaches (especially if you’re not super tech-savvy). We recommend downloading an iOS VPN app instead for a simple, seamless installation.
The best VPN iPhone apps even come with additional features that make it easy to customize your VPN connection to your needs. Here’s an example: Is protecting your personal information and location a big concern? Use PIA VPN’s multi-hop feature to route traffic through another server for an extra level of privacy.
How to set up VPN on iPhone: 2 methods
Choosing the best iPhone VPN setup option depends on your needs, technical knowledge, and comfort level. We will list the most common methods used when adding a VPN to your iPhone. You’ll also discover some pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Setting up the iPhone VPN app
While different mobile VPN apps may have slightly different installation procedures, the instructions are generally pretty straightforward. We’ll use PIA as a more concrete example:
- Go to the App Store on your iPhone.
- Look for Private internet access and tap Get.
- After the application is fully installed, select Open.
- Sign in to your VPN account (or purchase a subscription if you don’t already have an account).
- Allow your VPN app to add VPN configurations to your iPhone.
- Turn on the VPN connection through your app (with PIA, it’s as easy as tapping the on/off button)
Installing a VPN using your iPhone’s settings
You can set up your VPN manually using the VPN settings built into your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:
- Sign up for a VPN service and log into your account.
- Configure the VPN protocol and select your VPN server.
- To go settings on your iPhone and tap In general.
- Scroll down to VPN and device management and tap the button.
- Press Add VPN configuration and select your VPN protocol
- Fill in the fields for your VPN, including a description, server, and remote ID.
- Enter the username and password of your VPN account.
- Choose to manually or automatically enable the proxy server (if used).
- Click Done
Your iPhone’s connection is now encrypted via your VPN settings.
Which is better: VPN app or manual VPN setup?
For most people, a VPN app is the better option. It’s easy to set up, takes just a few minutes to get up and running, and offers an easy-to-use experience. PIA’s premium VPN app even offers extra features (like Siri integration and an ad blocker).
Although using the mobile app is easier, manual installation comes in handy in various situations. Your VPN provider’s app might not be available in the App Store. Maybe your school or work doesn’t allow you to install new or unauthorized apps.
In these cases, manually enabling VPN on your iPhone may be a better choice. Here are a few more examples where manual VPN setup shines:
| Reason | Explanation |
| Storage problems | Some people may not want to install additional apps on their iPhone because they take up space and limit storage. |
| Privacy concerns | Some people may not believe that their VPN app is not tracking their activities. This is a valid concern, which is why all PIA applications are completely open source. |
| Work/school restrictions | A work or school phone may not allow iPhone apps to be installed without administrator permission |
| Technical knowledge | People who are particularly tech-savvy (like IT professionals) may prefer to manually configure the VPN settings themselves |
| Standalone VPN | Some people prefer a personal VPN setting. This means they set up their own VPN server and manually configure it on their devices. |
Setting up a VPN manually can be a good alternative to downloading a VPN app on your iPhone. Setting up a VPN on your own can mitigate any security risks created by potential app-related vulnerabilities. The downside of this method is that you need real technical knowledge and you can face potential security or connection issues if your iPhone VPN settings are configured incorrectly.
We’ve compared some key aspects between using a VPN app for iPhone and setting it up manually:
| characteristic | iPhone VPN app | Manual VPN setup for iPhone |
| Ease of use | Very simple! Just install the app and follow the instructions. | heavy. It requires more technical knowledge. |
| Interface | Easy to use, tailored to your iPhone. | A simple settings menu, but with a highly technical interface. |
| Feature | Basic to advanced capabilities, but limited to VPN app features. | Less control over VPN features. |
| Accessibility | Limited to VPN providers that offer iPhone apps. | Works with most VPN providers (the setup process will depend on your VPN provider). |
Manage your VPN settings on iPhone
If you’re using a VPN app for iPhone, you can access your VPN settings by going into the app and finding the settings menu. Once there, you can access several options such as choosing a region, your dedicated IP, privacy features, and more. How much you can customize your VPN app and connection depends on the settings made available by your provider.
Using a manual VPN setup instead? You can access the settings by going to In generaltapping VPN and device management, and click your existing VPN configuration. You can add, delete or customize your VPN profiles and settings as needed.
How to choose the best VPN for your iPhone
Choosing the best VPN for your iPhone depends on your individual needs and preferences. Need a starting point? Here are some key features you should look for when comparing VPN providers:
VPNs: The key to ultimate digital privacy on your iPhone
Think of your iPhone as your network hub, where it stores everything from banking information to personal messages. PIA offers premium security features to protect your digital footprint. You can set up PIA and protect all your iPhone apps (not just Safari) with military-grade encryption. As a bonus, you can also enjoy bufferless streaming on 10 Gbps servers and stay connected to your favorite platforms when you’re on the go.
Still on the fence? Rest easy knowing you can try PIA risk-free, with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
Questions
When using an iPhone, you should always keep your VPN on as it keeps your web activity private. If you use your iPhone with the VPN turned off, you run the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands and your ISP constantly tracking everything you do online. Using a VPN consistently gives your data the highest level of protection.
iPhones do not come with a built-in VPN app. They come equipped with pre-installed VPN settings, allowing you to manually configure the VPN connection on your device. Manually setting up a VPN on your iPhone is a tricky process, and you’ll still need to purchase a VPN subscription to make it work. Consider installing a VPN app for easier access.
Looking for the perfect option to protect your iPhone? PIA encrypts your digital activity across all your mobile apps and offers customizable VPN protocols. Our MACE ad blocker even helps save your iPhone’s battery and cellular data.
To check if a VPN is active on your iPhone, you can look for the VPN icon in the status bar at the top of the screen. However, on some iPhone models, the VPN status icon only appears briefly when you connect to a VPN. Another way to check if your VPN is on is by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen to access the Control Center, where the VPN status should be displayed. Additionally, you can use VPN widgets on your lock screen or home screen to get a quick overview of your VPN connection and its status.
Your iPhone’s VPN is not turned on automatically. If you use manual VPN setup, you will need to manually enable VPN on your phone to use it successfully. One way to ensure that your iOS device automatically connects to your VPN is to enable it connection on demand option within your iOS VPN settings. Just go to your phone’s VPN profile in the Settings app to turn this feature on.
A VPN can change the location of your iPhone if you choose a server outside of your country. VPNs change the location of your iPhone by routing your connection through a server in a different region. Let’s say you want to see trending news in Canada, for example: PIA VPN allows you to connect to a server in Toronto, which causes your search engine to see an IP address located somewhere in The 6.
Choosing a server in another location doesn’t just protect your privacy: it expands your digital freedom. It’s like an online passport that allows you to visit almost any country in the world.
