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How to Use VPN on iPhone – A Complete Guide

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How to Use VPN on iPhone

A VPN is the key to unlocking full access to the world wide web — breaking down the regional content barriers and letting users enjoy a complete experience, bypassing any geo-blocks that are put in place to limit you from accessing certain types of content. Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to set up a VPN on your iPhone.

What is a VPN

A VPN, or a Virtual Private Network, is a handy online tool that shields your online session—giving you that extra layer of protection when browsing online. VPNs are a useful way to unlock certain types of content that you would otherwise be blocked from, as well as shield your data from the hands of advertisers and hackers.

Using a Virtual Private Network will cloak your actual IP address and use a different address in its place making your online session anonymous and removing your digital footprint. A survey that was carried out by security.org as part of a VPN usage study, revealed that 52% of respondents used VPN on their iOS devices.

How to set up a VPN on your iPhone

Setting up a VPN on your iPhone may sound a little daunting if you are not a tech wizard. Luckily, a lot of VPN providers recognize this and have created a quick and easy, automatic method to install and use a VPN. For those who enjoy full control over their devices, we have you covered as well and will explain how you can manually install your VPN.

Automatic VPN configuration

To install a VPN automatically and skip the hassle of configuring it yourself, go ahead and install a trusted VPN App. You may want to research which VPNs are going to offer you exactly what you want before making your decision to make sure you are maximizing your experience. If you don’t want to spend time looking then check out our 10 best VPN browsers With built-in VPN.

We’ll use an example VPN App as the steps to install this all-in-one security App are very similar to other providers on the market.

6 quick steps to automatically set up an in-app VPN:

  1. Download the VPN App.
  2. Install the App.
  3. Open the App — create an account or log in to your existing account.
  4. Tap the button to complete the setup, and turn on the VPN.
  5. Press Allow when your iPhone asks your permission to add a VPN configuration for your device.
  6. Enter your passcode (if required) to add the VPN to your settings.

Once your VPN has successfully been installed, you will need to turn it on when you want to browse the internet privately. Here’s a quick guide on how to find it in your iPhone settings:

  1. Open the Settings page in your iPhone.
  2. Click on General.
  3. Select VPN.
  4. Tap the button beside Status to turn it green, and when you are finished with your session, repeat the instructions to turn it grey and switch it off.

Manual VPN configuration

Your iPhone isn’t equipped with a VPN when you first purchase it, but that doesn’t stop you from configuring your own VPN into the phone to create your own manual network. You’ll need to choose a VPN provider as discussed above, and this can be found online via a quick Google search. You may be tempted by the wide array of free VPN providers advertised online but here are some reasons why a ‘Free VPN’ may not be as enticing as it sounds.

  •  VPN data servers are costly to maintain, so “free” VPNs may incur hidden costs or have alternative ways to raise funds such as selling your data to third parties.
  • Some free VPNs are not 100% safe to use.
  • Free services can often limit your server locations and performance can be restricted to slower speeds and limited data.

After you have researched and found your VPN, you’ll need the following information:

  • Type
  • Description
  • Server
  • Remote ID
  • User authentication
  • Username
  • Password

Once this information has been retrieved, you can begin the configuration steps below:

  1. Launch Settings on your iPhone and select General.
  2. Tap VPN.
  3. Press Add VPN Configuration.
  4. Tap Type and select your network type.
  5. Fill in the Description, Server, and Remote ID option fields.
  6. Enter your Username and Password in the Authentication section.
  7. Press Done.

Once the VPN has been manually configured, you can access the turn it on and off via the settings page as shown above.

Why and when to use a VPN

A research expert at Statista has revealed a study on the frequency of VPN usage in the United States and United Kingdom in 2020—which saw 41% of respondents admit to using a VPN at least once a week, as well as 36% using it every day. So you have just installed your Virtual Private Network…but what’s next? Here are some helpful hints on how to get the best from your VPN.

Access websites or services unavailable in your current location

It’s local knowledge now that Netflix has better options depending on what country you are living in. If you are living in the UK, you may not have access to some of your favorite shows, that your neighbours across the pond, in the United States have access to. Using a VPN, you can set your IP Address to an American address and trick Netflix into giving you full access to the American catalogue.

This is also handy when on holiday in a foreign country, as you can change VPN location to stay up-to-date with your favourite shows.

Access your work intranet remotely

Sometimes your work network is only accessible from the office. Using a VPN, you can gain access to these small isolated networks from the comfort of your own home.

Encrypt your connection and hide your online activity

Safeguard your data and location by using a VPN and it’ll be like you’re using the internet with an invisibility cloak covering your whereabouts and sensitive data. Don’t fall prey to hackers or third-party advertisers who want to extract your data and safeguard your online experience.

Protect your data when using public Wi-Fi

A VPN can secure your information even when using a public Wi-Fi network that may have been compromised. This can save you valuable time and money by preventing information theft before the hackers are able to make their move.

Now that you have the top tips to secure your online browsing on your mobile phone, you can feel a lot more confident as you browse the internet.

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