It’s a virtual private network that keeps data snoopers and cybercriminals out of your iPhone. All data travelling to and from your iPhone will be encrypted if you install a VPN app and connect to a VPN server.
When you use a VPN on your iPhone, the IP address of your device is hidden, so the websites you visit are unaware of your location. When you connect to the internet, this adds an extra layer of security.
Yes, you must. We’ve been hearing a lot about virtual private networks (VPNs) and their advantages for both individuals and businesses. People are becoming increasingly concerned about their privacy and data security, and many have already installed a VPN app on their computers or Android phones. However, this cannot be said of iPhone users, as many of them still suffer from “the Apple syndrome,” believing that they are safe because they use iOS.
Although hackers are more likely to target Android or Windows due to their popularity, vulnerabilities in macOS and iOS have been discovered in the past.
So, if you have an iPhone, it’s high time you took some precautions to safeguard your online traffic.
Why should you use a VPN on your iPhone?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, making it impossible for hackers or other third parties to see what you’re doing or what data you send over the internet.
A VPN service is required:
If you use public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious.
It’s never been easier to stay connected all the time now that almost every coffee shop, library, airport, and shopping mall has a free Wi-Fi hotspot. You’re safe with just one click.
Using public Wi-Fi networks, on the other hand, puts your iPhone’s security at risk. These networks are frequently unencrypted and have no security. People who connect to them are vulnerable to being hacked. Your credit card information, passwords, and other private information could fall into the hands of cybercriminals if you aren’t careful.
Your data is instantly secured if you use a VPN connection on your iPhone. All of your internet traffic is encrypted from the moment you connect to a remote server, so no one can see what you’re doing online, even if you’re using unsecured Wi-Fi.
When selecting a VPN provider, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Now that we’ve persuaded you that using a VPN on your iPhone or Android device is a good idea, you must choose a VPN provider. You’ll find plenty of options if you do a quick internet search — some are free, while others require a monthly fee. While using a free mobile VPN may seem appealing, they usually come with limitations that can be frustrating. Free mobile VPNs, on the other hand, are an excellent way to test a VPN service before deciding which one to purchase.
What’s the best way to narrow the field? While researching mobile VPN providers, keep the following questions in mind:
Is this a secure connection?
What kind of encryption does the VPN service use? A good VPN will almost certainly use 256-bit encryption and a stronger protocol like OpenVPN (more on this later), whereas a free service may use a lower level of security. Some free VPNs don’t use any encryption at all, which means they’re good for unblocking content but not for security.
Is your VPN provider keeping track of your online activities?
If your primary concern with a VPN is privacy, make sure the service you choose does not keep a log of your activities. Examine the privacy policies of the products you’re considering to see if they’re something you’re comfortable with.
What are the company’s revenue streams?
When you use a VPN that is paid by subscription, you can see how the company makes money. With a free VPN, you can’t be sure exactly how the company is making a profit. You may simply have to deal with a lot of ads while browsing, or they may be selling your personal information to advertisers, defeating at least one of the purposes of using a VPN.
What is the speed of the connection? What is the total number of servers?
Will the VPN significantly slow down your internet experience? You may have to share bandwidth with other users if a service has fewer servers in fewer locations, and you may not always have access to the VPN when and where you need it. A lot of paid VPN services offer a free trial to try out their features.
Is there a limit to how much you can use?
Some free services may have a daily or monthly usage limit. Some VPN providers provide a free tier with limited access and the option to upgrade to a subscription with unlimited access.
iPhone VPN configuration guide
Because your iPhone lacks a built-in VPN, you’ll need to use a VPN service to manually configure a network. With a quick Google search, you can find several free options. Even if a free service appears to be a good idea, we do not recommend it as a long-term solution for the following reasons:
Because VPN data servers are costly to maintain, these “free” services may have an unintended (and undesirable) cost. Some providers, for example, may be selling your data to cover their maintenance costs.
It is not always safe to use free VPNs.
Free services may be limited in terms of server locations and data and speed.
Once you’ve decided on a VPN service, you’ll need to gather the following information:
- Type
- Description
- Server
- Remote ID
- User authentication
- Username
- Password
When you have this information, you can proceed to configure the VPN on your phone.
- Launch your iPhone’s Settings and select General.
- Tap VPN.
- Tap Add VPN Configuration… .
- Select the type of your network by tapping Type.
- Choose the network type — IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP.
- Fill in the Description, Server, and Remote ID fields.
- In the Authentication section, enter a Username and Password.
- Tap Done.
- Now, you’re done configuring your network, you can turn your VPN on and off as described above.
Let’s take a step back and look at what VPNs are and why you need one on your iPhone.
