The VPN button on your iPhone and iPad turns on a system called a virtual private network. It hides your location when traveling and prevents social media hackers from finding out where you are. It also unblocks regional media content and allows you to access websites only available in specific geographical regions.
Is it a free VPN solution from apple?
You don’t have to pay to access your device’s built-in VPN configuration panel. However, most third-party VPN connection services recognized for their reliability do charge a small fee come time to access anonymous online servers.
If you’re not sure which private browsing app to use, you may have time to try it out for free for at least seven days. The best ones will not slow down website loading times, for instance.
Beware of issues that arise when using forever-free virtual private browsing services, which you also can find. For instance, complementary VPN apps may only provide you with the same, unstable gateways offered to infinite numbers of users. This excess traffic on the same network may slow down your internet speeds.
Not all free VPNs offer poor service. However, your chance of having your data collected and sold to a third party increases when using them. Malicious providers decrease your mobile internet safety, not increase it, so watch out. Choose your private browsing app wisely.
Does it switch on a VPN?
Yes, the VPN button does turn on the VPN service. However, you need to follow through with the manual or automatic configuration steps. This starts after you download, install, and open your preferred, third-party VPN app and work through the steps to activate the private internet connection service.
After you configured the virtual private network app the first time, go to your iOS device’s general settings and choose the VPN you want to use. Switch on that service and begin your browsing or phone app usage session.
What do I need to do to use a VPN?
First, you need to make sure you have found a trusted VPN app. Some people recommend Clario. However, you could also try ExpressVPN, Strong VPN or NordVPN. Otherwise, you could use TunnelBear if you prefer the free service.
These virtual private browsing apps do offer automatic configuration options, which can make your life easier. Download your preferred app. Then, try the automatic VPN setup instructions if you have access to the account credentials required to run it. In some cases, you’ll have to use the manual VPN setup instructions instead, such as when you’re on a work network with limited permissions.
Automatic VPN Setup Instructions (Configuration Steps)
Use these instructions after you downloaded, installed and registered for VPN usage using a preferred app. Make sure you have your app username and password handy and that you can get into your iPhone or iPad account before you attempt to start the setup.
1. Open the VPN app and sign into your account. Enter the username and password you created (or the one given to you) when you signed up for the VPN service.
2. Tap the button that starts the configuration. This button may say “complete setup” or similar direct phrase. Once you press this button, you move onto the permissions screen.
3. Press “allow” when the permission prompt appears. Once asked if you want to allow your device to access the VPN service, press “yes,” “allow,” or another indicator.
4. Enter VPN setup passcode. Some virtual private connection apps may provide this code as an extra layer of security beyond just signing in with a username and password.
5. Launch “VPN” menu. Go to “Settings,” tap “General,” and select “VPN.” You’ll see the “Status” button from here.
6. Tap the “Status” button. Look at the top of the “VPN” (or “Personal VPN” screen). If it shows “green,” and/or “connected” the VPN connect is on. If it’s not green, press that button to toggle it to the “on” position.
7. Choose the preferred VPN option. All the VPN services you have installed on your device will show up on the list of possible connectivity options in a list on the “VPN” page. Choose the one you think would work the best in the location you are, and it will run.
Manual VPN Setup Instructions (Configuration Steps)
Configurations don’t always complete as easy as we like them to. Thus, you may instead resort to manual setup. Otherwise, your employer might require you to perform the manual configurations to limit your permissions. Regardless of why you have to setup your VPN manually, follow these steps.
After you downloaded and installed the app you want to use for private browsing, retrieve the VPN information sent to you by your provider. If receiving setup details from your employer, use it to fill in the blanks on the first screen of setting up your manual VPN configuration. Otherwise, check your email or whatever documentation you received when signing up for a subscription virtual private network service.
Go to “Settings” on your iOS device. Then select “General.” After that, select “VPN,” and choose the “Add Configurations” option. From there, fill in the following information on the screen.
- Type – It’s usually IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP unless otherwise specified.
- Description – Enter name of server here to remember what it is later.
- Server – Usually, you need to input a server domain name in this blank.
- Remote ID – Re-enter the server domain name unless another ID is specified.
- Username – Enter the network username that authorizes you to use your VPN.
- Password – Put your network password here.
Once you’ve filled in the necessary details on the first manual VPN configuration page, move onto the “How to Use” steps.
How To Use
After you have completed either the automated or the manual VPN configuration, all you need to do is go to your “VPN” screen from the “General” settings menu selection. Tap the “Status” toggle switch to the “on” position, which will appear green. You can also tap the switch again to turn off the VPN connection service when finished using it.
FAQs
Are iOS devices the only ones that have VPNs?
No, Windows computer users have applied them before smartphones and tablets rose in popularity. Android and Mac devices also have VPN functions.
What issues may arise when using VPNs?
Make sure the VPN accommodates other phone apps you frequently use. Otherwise, you might experience iOS software errors. Some private browsing services also may not provide encrypted Proxy IP addresses that serve the location you’re in right now. You need a private browsing app that has enough varieties of IP addresses to use no matter where you are.
Why can’t I automatically configure my VPN?
Several factors determine how well an automatic VPN setup will work. For instance, it sometimes depends on your preferred browsing protocol. Some iOS users run anonymous browsing sessions on IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP, for example.
Does a VPN prevent data breaches?
VPN browsing does provide an extra encryption layer not always provided by standard proxy servers. They also do safeguard you better than when engaging in public “incognito” browsing sessions.
