VPN on an iPhone.

 

VPN on an iPhone: here’s why you need one in 2024

 

Experts and users often praise Apple devices for their security features. But they’re not bulletproof, especially when you’re online. You need extra protection to stay away from the dangers of the internet.

That’s where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes into play — it’s the best tool to keep hackers, snoopers, and other bad actors from messing with your data when you’re surfing on your iPhone.

What is a VPN on an iPhone?

A VPN on an iPhone is a service that masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address and online activity. It does so by encrypting the connection between your iPhone and the internet. It protects you from data snoopers and cybercriminals while you’re online.

Do you remember the game children play — two cans and a string? A VPN is similar. In the same way that two children can share a secret conversation in public over two cans and a string, a VPN lets two devices have a private connection over the open internet, all thanks to VPN encryption.

To save you some time, we’ve packed a table with the key VPN on iPhone points. If you’re interested in a detailed explanation, you’ll find it further in the article.

VPN on an iPhone essentials:

With a VPN on an iPhone, you can:	·  Stay secure on public Wi-Fi ·  Overcome network restrictions ·  Avoid content censorship ·  Stream throttle-free ·  Get better deals
When choosing a VPN provider,  consider:	·  Encryption and protocols available on the VPN app ·  Number of servers and available locations a VPN provider offer ·  Whether the VPN provider follows a no-logs policy ·  Avoiding free VPNs or free proxies
The quickest way to get VPN protection on an iPhone	Download the Surfshark app, log in, and connect to a server
Should a VPN on an iPhone be on or off?	You should keep your VPN turned on when you’re online. But you may want to turn it off if you have a limited data plan.

VPN on an iPhone: two meanings

When it comes to a VPN on an iPhone, there are two things we may be talking about. One is a VPN app — something you download and use to connect to a VPN server without any hassle. The other is a native VPN capability available on all iPhone devices. Unlike an app, it requires a manual setup and a server to connect to.

For most people, using a VPN app is the best option. It’s easy to use and accessible to everyone. The manual VPN setup is a great option for a small niche of tech-savvy individuals who happen to have a VPN server lying around somewhere.

Wish to deepen your VPN knowledge? We wrote an article on what a VPN is, to help you navigate the VPN landscape.

Why you should use a VPN on your iPhone

Using a VPN on your iPhone encrypts your connection and hides your IP. By doing that, it helps you overcome oppressive censorship, IP-based tracking, and ISP (Internet Service Provider) throttling. As an added benefit, VPNs help you access your favorite content from your home country whenever you’re traveling abroad. 

And, of course, a VPN may help resolve security issues. Despite appearing harder to hack, iPhones are as prone to malicious attacks as any other device. 

Shwed also said that 95% of smartphones accessing core enterprise systems don’t carry security software. A VPN could reduce that number. Also, regardless of Apple’s fight against the rising threats to privacy, a VPN will provide you with peace and quiet anywhere.

Let’s look at some of the main reasons you should use a VPN on your iPhone.

Stay safe and secure on public Wi-Fi networks

Do you want to wire the money to your friend for the coffee while waiting for the barista to prepare it? Using a VPN on an iPhone ensures you won’t risk exposing your banking app’s info on public Wi-Fi.

Hackers are always on the lookout for people who are exposed online. Unsafe public Wi-Fi is one of their favorite hunting grounds. The private data shared over public Wi-Fi is often not encrypted, making it easy for bad actors to intercept it.

VPN services help you establish a safe and secure connection on public Wi-Fi. They encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, which makes it extremely hard for hackers to get any information from you.

Overcome network restrictions at work and school

Can’t play a track on SoundCloud during recess at school or share a video on YouTube in the office break room? Turn on the VPN on your iPhone and share the vibe.

Schools and workplaces block access to certain websites or online content for reasons such as “productivity” and “to lessen the network load.” Nevertheless, you can overcome such blocks — all thanks to VPN apps!

Just connect to a VPN server in a location of your choice and enjoy the wonders of the internet freely once again.

Avoid censorship wherever you go

You left your UK home and went to China for a week. The newest episode of The Graham Norton Show is about to drop, but you can’t watch it because the service is no longer available. Turn on the Surfshark app on your iPhone and tune in to your favorite home shows.

To avoid censorship, change your location with a VPN. For example, if you want to access BBC or the New York Times in a country that blocks them, simply connect to a US location.

Stream privately and throttle-free

Is Netflix buffering for too long? Or maybe Raid: Shadow Legends is lagging? Experiencing random speed drops? Your ISP might be capping your bandwidth because they see you streaming. Yes, ISPs do that, and it’s called throttling.

A VPN hides your traffic from your ISP, so they don’t know what you’re doing. This way, you can avoid throttling and stream privately with a VPN.

Defeat price discrimination

It’s not a secret that most shopping is done using smartphones. With that in mind, are you looking to order a present online but the budget is tight?

Location plays a vital role when it comes to purchasing things online. Here’s the thing: companies set prices based on your zip code, IP address, purchase history, and even the Wi-Fi you’re using. This is price discrimination. And often, you pay more for an item if you’re from a higher-income country. 

However, using a VPN allows you to switch locations to get the best deals. This way, you can defeat price discrimination and save significant amounts of money when shopping online. 

How to use a VPN on an iPhone or iPad

You can set up and use a VPN automatically (an easier option) or manually. The quickest way to start enjoying an encrypted connection is by choosing a VPN provider — we’ll talk about that later on — and downloading their app.

The easiest way — get an app and use it straight off the bat

The advantage of an app is that the setup and most settings are automated — you’ll save time and won‘t need to fiddle with the different settings of various protocols. A VPN service also has additional functions, like a dedicated IP or an IP rotator and randomizer.

By the way, setting up a VPN on an iPad is roughly the same, so here’s the process for most VPN apps:

1. Sign up for a VPN;
2. Download an iOS VPN or get it from the App Store;
3. Install the app;
4. Open the app, choose a location, and tap Connect.

Now, you’re set to enjoy the benefits of a VPN.