What is VPN on iPhone and Why You Need It (2024)

What is a VPN on an iPhone?

VPN stands for virtual private network. VPN on iPhone encrypts your online traffic and hides your IP. A VPN service routes your traffic via remote VPN servers, so neither your internet provider nor other third parties can intercept and snoop your traffic and sensitive data. As a result, you have an encrypted connection and hidden location.

Users can access VPN services by using VPN apps. We strongly recommend going for paid premium services over free VPN services. Free VPNs frequently collect your data, flood you with ads and have limited functionality.

A VPN service encrypts your traffic between your iOS devices and the internet. It protects your privacy. A virtual private network also protects your iPhone from data snoopers and cybercriminals. If you install a VPN app on your iPhone and connect to a VPN server, all the data traveling to and from your device will be encrypted. Using a VPN service on your iPhone will also hide your device’s IP address, so the websites you visit won’t know your location. This adds an extra layer of privacy when you connect to the internet.

Should I use a VPN on my iPhone?

Yes, you should. We’re hearing lots of discussions about VPNs and their benefits for both individuals and businesses. People are getting more concerned about their privacy and data security, and already have a VPN app installed on their desktops or Android phones. However, the same couldn’t be said about iPhone users – many of them still have what may be called “the Apple syndrome,” and believe they are safe because they use iOS.

PRO TIP: Though hackers target Android or Windows more often because of their popularity, you should also be careful while using macOS and iOS, as vulnerabilities have been discovered in these systems in the past.

So if you own an iPhone, it’s about time you take some steps to protect your online traffic. With a VPN, it’s never been easier to secure your iPhone!

What does a VPN do on an iPhone?

Even if the iPhone is super-secure, it can’t stand up alone to threats that lurk behind public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN connection secures your online traffic and data against eavesdropping, constant ad-tracking, Wi-Fi spoofing and cybercriminals, whenever you’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

Why you need a VPN on iPhone

When you enable a VPN service, your traffic travels through an encrypted tunnel. Your traffic gets encrypted before it leaves your device. A VPN service also hides your IP address, so hackers or other third parties can’t see what you are doing or what data you send through the web.

You need a VPN service:

If you use public Wi-Fi networks

Staying online all the time has never been easier now that you can find a free Wi-Fi hotspot at almost every coffee shop, library, airport, or shopping mall. One click and you’re protected.

However, every time you use public Wi-Fi networks, you put your iPhone security at risk. These networks are usually unencrypted and have absolutely no protection. People who connect to them can be easily hacked. If you are not careful enough, your credit card details, passwords, and other private information might end up in the hands of cybercriminals.

But if you use a VPN connection on your iPhone, your data is instantly secured. From the moment you connect to a remote server, all your internet traffic travels through an encrypted tunnel, so no one is able to see what you are up to online, even on unsecured Wi-Fi.

If you’re an avid traveler

When you go abroad for a holiday, studies, or work, a VPN will let you browse with an IP address in your home region. This is especially useful if you’re traveling in a country known for heavy censorship and restrictions.

So before you leave, make sure to download a VPN app to your iPhone. By connecting to a remote VPN server, your device will get the IP address of that server, so it will look like you are browsing from a different country than you really are. It will protect your privacy from snoopers and local internet service providers (ISPs).

NordVPN also offers Meshnet, a feature you can use to access your devices remotely. That means that, while traveling, you can still view and retrieve files on your home computer, and even browse online using your home IP address.

If you care about your privacy

Too many privacy skeptics claim they aren’t worried that someone might be watching them online because they don’t do anything illegal or embarrassing. Therefore, they claim they have nothing to hide.

People who think that way are often unaware that their ISP can see what websites they visit. Or that online platforms collect data about them and sell it to advertisers so that they can use targeted ads. Not to mention cybercriminals who can use this personal data for tailored phishing attacks against you and people close to you.

The right VPN provider will protect you from anyone tracking your online activities. When you connect to a remote VPN server, your data is securely encrypted, and even your ISP can no longer see it.

Securing your iPhone: What to remember

So, how can you access the best VPN for iPhone? You can get a VPN on your iPhone and establish a secure connection between your device and the internet without any technical background. Your data will be redirected through an encrypted tunnel to keep your connection secure.

The NordVPN iOS app does exactly that and more. Here’s a checklist of what to consider:

• Lots of servers. NordVPN for iPhone lets you choose from more than 5200 servers in 60 countries. A vast network of servers and modern VPN protocols guarantees better speeds and a stable VPN connection.
• 24/7 customer service. Our award-winning customer support agents are there for you anytime you need help. Just drop us a line!
• Secure connection. NordVPN uses the AES encryption protocol with 256-bit keys so that no one can decrypt your data.
• User-friendly interface. Our iOS app is nice to look at, but more importantly, it’s incredibly easy to use. Download, log in, click the “Quick connect” button and you’re done!
• Threat Protection Lite. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Lite, available on its mobile apps, can block malicious ads and blocks access to malicious websites. In case your phone has been infected, check out our blog post on how to remove malware from your iPhone. However, keep in mind that with NordVPN’s Threat Protection Lite you can avoid malware infections in the first place.

How do I get a VPN on iPhone?

You can either configure a VPN on your iPhone manually or download the app and let the installation wizard do everything for you. However, the former option takes more time and you can’t use extra features in the NordVPN app. Here’s how to get a VPN on your iPhone with a couple of clicks:

1. Go to the App Store and type “NordVPN.”
2. Tap the “Download” button.
3. Open the app and tap “SIGN UP” to create a new account or “LOG IN” if you already have one.
4. If you don’t have an account yet, you will be transferred to the Nord Account website to create it.
5. Once you sign up, you will be brought back into the NordVPN app to choose your subscription.
6. A notification will appear. Click “Agree & Continue.”
7. Click the “Quick Connect” button, which will connect you to the fastest server available.
8. When connecting for the first time, you will be asked to allow the NordVPN app to add VPN configurations to your device and confirm your choice with a fingerprint (if you’re using Touch ID feature).

What is the VPN configuration option on iPhone settings?

You can notice that there is a VPN option available in the iPhone “Settings” section. However, it is not an in-built free VPN. This feature still needs to be configured manually by adding a remote server info. Once the VPN has been installed, you should have the NordVPN icon appear at the top of your device screen. If it isn’t showing up, you need only delve back into your settings and change the configuration for what icons appear on your screen.

To do this you should:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Choose “General.”
3. Go to “VPN & Device Management.”
4. Choose “VPN.”
5. Tap “Add VPN Configuration” and add all the data required.

However, it’s easier to use the NordVPN app that you can set up in a few seconds and get connected with a single click. Moreover, it provides you with top-notch security and privacy. Luckily, learning how to set up a VPN is never too complex.