A virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to unblock geo-restricted content and protect your digital privacy from snoops and cybercriminals. Virtually all of the best VPNs on the market offer iPhone apps these days, so you can take your security with you on the go.
Despite all the rumors, iPhones are not immune to viruses, so a VPN is crucial kit that will have your back when connecting to notoriously insecure Wi-Fi hotspots. Plus, you’ll be able to stream all your favorite shows and movies, no matter where you live, by spoofing your IP address.
Read on and I’ll walk you through the process of downloading a VPN on your iPhone and my top three recommendations.
The three best VPNs for iPhone in 2024
Looking for a VPN with super slick iOS apps and a smooth user experience? Here are my best iPhone VPNs in 2024:
How to install a VPN on iPhone
Installing a VPN on your iPhone is a piece of cake. The process is quite similar to setting up a VPN for Android or a VPN for Windows, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can get up and running in no time.
- Open the app store and search for the VPN provider of your choice. Alternatively, you can head to the provider’s website and download the iPhone app directly. This is a safe way to ensure you don’t accidentally download a malicious copy of a VPN app.
- Check out the app information and reviews. Once you are sure that the app you have found is legitimate, tap on it.
- Download the application and, since you’re using an iPhone, you’ll be asked to confirm the installation with a passcode or Face ID.
- Wait for the download to complete.Exit the App Store and open the VPN app.
- The application will ask you to grant access permissions to the system – and you should. It is safe to do so (and quite essential), although can Please decline any request to submit user data as it is not essential and is only intended to assist in the development of the application.
- Create and verify an account via VPN app. This is where you will need to choose your subscription plan and duration.
- You are ready to go. Press the “Connect” button in the center of the home screen to pair with a VPN server automatically, or you can scroll through the list of servers yourself to choose locations in a certain country or servers dedicated to specific use cases (like streaming, gaming, etc.) . )
Frequent questions
What is the best VPN for iPhone?
ExpressVPN is the number one VPN for iPhone, thanks to a clean and uncluttered iOS app interface that comes with strong security, powerful unblocking capabilities, and plenty of servers to help you bypass geo-restrictions.
Plus, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for beginners, as its iPhone VPN app comes with a one-click connect feature (as well as an always-on VPN), meaning you can get things up and running without having to check the settings. There’s also 24/7 friendly customer support and an in-depth knowledge center with tons of useful articles for help on the go.
Do I need a VPN on my iPhone?
Although iPhones (and Apple in general) have a reputation for solid security, they are not completely foolproof. Like any other device, iPhones are prone to malicious attacks by cybercriminals.
Without a VPN on your iPhone, hackers, ISPs, and government authorities can track your online activities through your IP address. It’s a terrible invasion of privacy, but a VPN can change all that.
Additionally, VPNs can also unblock content geo-restricted in your region and grant access to government-banned streaming sites and services such as VoIP apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, X, etc.). This is particularly important for users who are frequently on the go, on vacation or work commitments, and want to use their iPhones as they do at home.
Does iPhone have a built-in VPN?
No, an iPhone does not come with a built-in VPN. You get VPN settings that you can use to manage VPN connections, which is useful, but you’ll need to get a third-party VPN.
Can I use a free VPN for iPhone?
While there are a handful of good free VPNs on the market, they tend to have bandwidth restrictions, monthly data caps, and fewer servers than their premium counterparts. Furthermore, they also lack advanced features and unlocking capabilities, which significantly reduces their usefulness for daily use.
What’s more, some free services are simply scams designed to infect your device with malware or steal identifiable information. The best alternative is to check out a cheap VPN or try a risk-free premium service with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s also worth remembering that some of the best budget providers come with impressive feature sets that trail even the most expensive VPNs.
