How to Use a VPN on iPhone?

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to use a VPN on iPhone—because let’s be real, digital security matters, and so does keeping your online activity private. Whether you're dodging snoops, accessing global content, or just flexing your cyber know-how, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your iPhone’s best friend.

Why Use a VPN on iPhone?

Still wondering why you need a VPN on your iPhone? Here’s why:

• Enhanced Security – Cybercriminals are lurking in coffee shop Wi-Fi like hipsters on a Sunday. A VPN encrypts your connection, making sure hackers, nosy ISPs, and potential cyber thieves can’t peek into your online activity. Whether you’re shopping online or checking sensitive emails, you stay protected.
• Stay Anonymous – Governments, ISPs, advertisers – they all want a piece of your data pie. With a VPN, your IP address is hidden, ensuring that your secure connection keeps your identity and online habits away from prying eyes. The less data they can track, the less they can monetize.
• Avoid Censorship – Some networks and even entire countries think they get to decide what you can and cannot access online. With a VPN, you break free from these restrictions and regain control over your own internet experience. Browse freely, without limitations.
• Reduce Data Tracking and Targeted Ads – Ever searched for a product and then seen ads for it everywhere? That’s because advertisers track your IP and online behavior. A VPN helps cut down on this invasive tracking, meaning fewer creepy targeted ads following you around.
• Protect Against ISP Throttling – Internet providers sometimes slow down your speed based on your activity (like streaming or gaming). A VPN hides your usage, preventing ISPs from deliberately slowing your connection when you're doing something data-intensive.

How to Turn On VPN on iPhone (The Easy Way)

The simplest way to use a VPN on iPhone is to install a dedicated VPN app like Mysterium VPN. Here’s how:

1. Download the Mysterium VPN App from the App Store.
2. Sign Up and Subscribe – Premium VPNs like Mysterium offer fast and reliable connections with residential IPs.
3. Open the App and log in.
4. Tap “Connect” to choose a location and enable the VPN.
5. Boom! You're secure.

How to Add VPN Configuration Manually on iPhone

Want to do it the techy way? Manually add VPN configuration like a pro:

1. Open Settings > General.
2. Tap VPN & Device Management > Add VPN Configuration.
3. Choose your VPN protocol (IKEv2, L2TP, or OpenVPN, depending on your provider).
4. Enter your remote server address, account details, and password.
5. Tap Done, then toggle on your VPN.

P.S. If all this sounds like a lot, just stick to Mysterium VPN’s app. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

How to Change Location on iPhone with a VPN

Want to teleport to another country digitally? Here’s how to change location on iPhone using a VPN:

1. Connect to a VPN server in your desired country.
2. Confirm your new location by checking your IP (more on that below).
3. Access region-locked content or browse the web as if you were there.

How to Find IP Address on iPhone (And Check If Your VPN Works)

You might be asking: Is my VPN working? Here’s how to check:

1. Before connecting to a VPN, Google “what is my IP.”
2. Connect to Mysterium VPN.
3. Google again – if your IP and location have changed, congrats! Your VPN is working.

How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone

Sometimes, you may need to turn off VPN on iPhone (for certain apps, banking, or network troubleshooting). Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap VPN & Device Management.
3. Toggle VPN Off.

Alternatively, you can do it straight from your VPN app.

How to Turn On Location on iPhone Without Affecting Your VPN

A common question: Can I use a VPN and still enable location services? Yes! Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
2. Toggle on Location Services.
3. Select apps and choose While Using the App for the best balance between privacy and functionality.

Your VPN won’t interfere, but apps may still detect location via GPS. It would also be smart to check app permissions to see if any of them use more sensitive data than they should.

How to Turn On Private Browsing on iPhone (For Extra Privacy)

Want to go full incognito? Here’s how to turn on private browsing on iPhone:

1. Open Safari.
2. Tap the tabs icon in the bottom-right corner.
3. Tap Private and start a new private tab.

Warning: This won’t hide your IP or encrypt traffic like a VPN. Use Mysterium VPN for real privacy.

How to Turn Off Private Browsing on iPhone

Accidentally stuck in private mode? Here’s how to turn off private browsing on iPhone:

1. Open Safari.
2. Tap the tabs icon.
3. Switch back to Regular Mode.

Now your browsing history will be saved again.

Fixing the "This Connection is Not Private" Safari Error

Seeing the dreaded "this connection is not private Safari" warning? This happens when Safari thinks a website is insecure. Fix it by:

1. Checking your VPN connection – A secure VPN like Mysterium can help protect against insecure sites.
2. Refreshing the page.
3. Manually overriding the warning (risky, unless you trust the site).

Boost Security: Use a VPN Router

Want always-on VPN protection? Get a VPN router! This ensures all devices on your Wi-Fi stay protected, including your iPhone, laptop, and even your smart fridge (because why not?). It also means you don’t have to install a separate VPN app on each device—just connect to your Wi-Fi and boom, you’re encrypted.

With a VPN router, you don’t need to turn on VPN on iPhone manually—it’s always active. Plus, it’s great for devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like gaming consoles and smart TVs. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working remotely, a VPN router ensures your connection stays private and unrestricted. And if you're using Mysterium VPN, you get access to a residential VPN network that makes your connection look natural and undetectable by VPN blockers.

Double the Security with Double VPN

For extra protection, use a double VPN (routing traffic through two VPN servers). This gives you an added layer of encryption and privacy, making it twice as hard for anyone to track you.

VPN Protocols Explained: Which One Should You Use?

Different VPNs offer different VPN protocols, each designed for a specific balance of security, speed, and reliability. Here’s a more detailed cheat sheet:

• OpenVPN – A well-established and widely used protocol that offers a great balance of speed and security. It’s open-source, meaning security experts continuously analyze and improve it. While it may require a bit more power and resources, it remains one of the most reliable options.
• WireGuard – The newest and fastest VPN protocol on the block. It’s lightweight, meaning it requires less processing power, making it great for mobile devices. It also boasts state-of-the-art encryption, ensuring both speed and security without compromise.
• IKEv2 – Ideal for mobile devices, as it quickly reconnects if your network drops or switches between Wi-Fi and cellular data. It’s known for being stable, fast, and well-suited for users who frequently move between networks.
• L2TP/IPSec – While older, it is still considered secure when paired with IPSec encryption. However, it is slower than newer protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. It is mainly used for compatibility reasons when newer protocols are unavailable.
• PPTP – One of the oldest VPN protocols, but it's generally not recommended due to its weaker encryption. Some legacy systems still use it, but if security is a priority, opt for more modern protocols.

And that’s everything you need to know about how to use a VPN on iPhone! Whether you’re looking for privacy, security, or the ability to change location on iPhone, a VPN is your ultimate tool.

Stay safe, stay private, and enjoy the open internet! And if you have another famous Apple device, make sure to stay safe there, too.