How to use a VPN on iPhone: set it up, turn it on and know when you need one

A VPN, or virtual private network, sends your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server run by the VPN company. Websites then see that server's address instead of yours, and anyone on the same public Wi-Fi network cannot read what you send. It is useful, but it is not magic. It does not make you anonymous or protect you from a scam link, and a poor VPN can be worse than none. This guide shows how to set one up, how to check that it works and how to decide whether you need one.

How to set up a VPN on iPhone with an app

Most apps let you pick a server location and turn on options such as connecting automatically on public Wi-Fi. Choose a server close to you for the best speed. If you want the VPN to start on its own, look for a setting called Auto-connect, On-demand or Always-on in the app.

How to add a VPN manually in Settings

This method is for work, school or a VPN that gives you server details instead of an app. You need the type (IKEv2, IPSec or L2TP), the server address, a remote ID and your login details from the provider.

How to turn off a VPN on iPhone

• In the app: open the VPN app and tap Disconnect or the power button.
• In Settings: tap the VPN switch near the top, or go to Settings › General › VPN & Device Management › VPN and turn it off.
• To remove it completely: in the VPN settings, tap the info button next to the profile and choose Delete VPN, or delete the app.
• If it keeps turning back on: turn off Connect On Demand in the profile, or Auto-connect in the app.

What a VPN does and does not protect

• It does: encrypt your traffic between the phone and the VPN server, so people on public Wi-Fi cannot read it, and hide your real IP address from the sites you visit.
• It does not: stop phishing links, protect you from malware you install, hide what you do from the VPN company itself or make you anonymous when you sign in to an account.
• It does not: replace updates, strong passwords or a screen lock.

Do you need a VPN on iPhone?

Most of the web now uses HTTPS, so basic browsing on public Wi-Fi is much safer than it used to be. A VPN still helps in a few cases: when you use a hotel, airport or café network, when you want to hide your browsing from your internet provider or a network owner, when you need to connect to a workplace network, or when you travel and want to reach your home services. It is less useful if you already trust your network and mostly use apps that encrypt their own traffic.

VPN vs iCloud Private Relay

iCloud Private Relay comes with iCloud+ and is turned on at Settings › [your name] › iCloud › Private Relay. It hides your IP address and browsing from websites and your network provider, but it works for Safari, some app traffic and DNS only. It does not cover everything your phone sends. A VPN covers the whole device, and it lets you choose where your traffic appears to come from. You can use both, though some VPN apps turn Private Relay off while they run.

How to choose a safe VPN

• A clear no-logs policy, backed by an independent audit if possible.
• A paid plan or a clear business model. If the product is free, ask how the company makes money.
• A named company with a real address, support and a history.
• Modern protocols such as WireGuard or IKEv2, and a kill switch that blocks traffic if the VPN drops.
• No requests for unusual permissions, and no ads or trackers in the app.
• Reasonable speeds and a server near you.

VPN not working on iPhone? Try these fixes

Why does my iPhone say VPN when I did not turn one on?

A VPN badge you did not expect usually has one of four causes. A work or school profile may connect automatically. A security, ad-blocking or parental-control app may use a local VPN to filter traffic. An old VPN app may still be set to connect on demand. Or you may have installed a free app that added a profile without making it obvious. Open Settings › General › VPN & Device Management and look at the VPN section and any configuration profiles. If you do not recognize one, tap the info button and choose Delete VPN, then check which apps are still installed.

If the phone is managed by an employer, the profile may be required, and removing it can remove access to work email and apps. Ask your IT team before you delete anything under Device Management. For a personal phone with a profile you cannot explain, see how to check an iPhone for a virus.

Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi: a short routine

Does a VPN use more battery or data?

A VPN adds some overhead, so expect a small drop in speed and a small rise in battery use, especially on a weak connection. The extra data is a few percent, not a large amount. If battery life matters, leave the VPN off at home and turn it on when you use public Wi-Fi. Many apps can do this automatically by trusting your home network.

Other ways to improve your privacy on iPhone

• Keep iOS and your apps up to date.
• Use a passcode, Face ID and two-factor authentication on your accounts.
• Turn off Wi-Fi auto-join for open networks.
• Review app permissions at Settings › Privacy & Security.
• Learn to spot scam texts and links, which no VPN will stop.

A good place to start is how to spot scam texts. If you want to change how your phone resolves websites instead, see how to change DNS on iPhone, and for IP address questions read how to change your IP address on iPhone.