Privacy is a big thing in today’s world, and it’s no longer surprising how cybercriminals and fraudsters work overtime to circumvent it and get their hands on your data. Among the easiest ways to establish a layer of protection for your precious data is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that you can trust.
VPN apps prevent trackers from following your online footprint and activities by creating a direct connection from your computer to another network. A VPN creates a secure online connection when you log onto a public WiFi, redirecting you to a different endpoint such that you aren’t seen as using the public network.
The good news is that Apple makes it rather quick and convenient to set up a VPN client supporting L2TP, PPTP, and IPSec. You don’t need mad IT skills to set up and configure VPN services on your iPhone or iPad!
Before You Set Up VPN on Your iPhone…
A VPN service can be set up to make your iPhone look like it’s physically present in a different location. This comes in handy for those who seek to access regional content or services that aren’t available in their country or current location.
What you need to do is to download the VPN app of your choice onto your iPhone, or configure the VPN client manually. You should have the setup information beforehand, and this includes the server, remote ID, username, and password – stuff that you can ask your system admin or tech support specialists about (if you’re working for a company). You can contact your specific VPN service for assistance, too.
Steps for VPN Configuration on iPhone
Here are the steps to follow if you intent to establish a VPN service on your iPhone or iPad:
- Download on your iOS device a VPN app that best suits your needs and preferences.
- Tap Allow to enable the VPN to be automatically configured on your phone.
- Once prompted, enter your passcode or Touch ID to allow your VPN settings to be changed.
Now it’s time to set up the VPN service on your device. At this point, you should have the setup information available:
- Launch Settings on your iOS device.
- Tap General and then VPN.
- Pick the VPN client you aim to use.
- Next, toggle the Status switch on.
Don’t forget to follow the same instructions to turn off the VPN once you’re done using it, particularly if you’re on a free, limited plan.
Next is manual VPN configuration on iPhone. Follow these steps:
- Open Settings, and then tap VPN.
- Hit Add VPN Configuration.
- Tap Type.
- Choose your VPN type from three options: IKEv2, IPSec, and L2TP.
- In the upper left corner, tap Add Configuration in order to go back to the previous screen.
- Enter the VPN settings information, including description, server, and remote ID.
- Enter your authentication login, such as your username/certificate as well as password.
- Tap Manual or Auto based on your preferences, e.g., Auto if you use a proxy. Hit Done.
- Under VPN Configuration, turn on the status switch.
Don’t forget to return to Settings > VPN to turn off the VPN on your iPhone when you’re done, and return to the same location in the future to enable the VPN once more.
Final Notes
There are different types of VPNs that suit varying needs, and our quick beginner’s guide contains anything from when to use a VPN to how to choose a reliable VPN service. We have also previously reported on the untold risks of free VPN services that you should know about.
The long and short of it is to choose a high-quality VPN service that secures your internet experience across all devices, whether you are at home or on the go.
It should be fairly easy and simple to set up a VPN on your iPhone with the steps we outlined above.
If you have issues when manually configuring a VPN client on your iPhone or if you have questions on how to turn off VPN on iPhone, then hit us up in the comments and we’ll do our best to help you out!