What does a VPN mean on an iPhone?

An iPhone VPN app sets up and manages VPN configurations on your device, allowing you to quickly and easily encrypt your online connection and change your IP address to help hide your identity, location, and online activity.

How do I know if I am connected to a VPN?

When you’re connected with a VPN, a VPN symbol will usually be displayed in the upper-right corner of your device. Alternatively, you can open the Settings app and see if the VPN option currently says Connected.

Should an iPhone VPN be on or off?

You should turn on a VPN on your iPhone whenever you shop online, log into your bank, or want to safeguard personal information you share over the internet. But it’s advisable to keep your iPhone VPN turned on for round-the-clock privacy protection. With a premium VPN app offering fast and stable server connections with no download limits or bandwidth restrictions, you’ll likely want to keep your VPN turned on.

Is it safe to turn on a VPN on an iPhone?

Yes, turning on a VPN on an iPhone is perfectly safe as long as the VPN app comes from a trusted provider like Norton. VPNs are one of the best tools to boost your internet connection's security and protect your online activity from prying eyes.

Do I need a VPN on my iPhone?

We recommend using a VPN on your iPhone or iPad. VPNs are vital privacy and mobile security tools that encrypt your web traffic and help prevent third parties from following your activity. VPNs obscure your IP address, identity, and browsing behavior, and they help you access your favorite content.

Is a VPN on an iPhone free?

Yes, there are free VPN apps for iPhones, but you should avoid them as they may have unreliable server connections, limited product features, and weak security. They may even be cracked versions of paid VPNs containing malware, or back-door data access. For a secure, reliable VPN, you’re better off going with a premium service from a well-known and trusted vendor like Norton.

Does the iPhone come with a built-in VPN?

No, iPhones don’t come with a built-in Apple VPN, but they have a built-in client that lets you manually add configurations and connect directly to a VPN server. However, the OpenVPN security protocol is not supported on iOS, so you’ll still need to subscribe to a VPN service or download a VPN app to configure any OpenVPN connections.

Can a VPN hurt your iPhone?

No, a legitimate VPN cannot harm your iPhone. On the contrary, there are many benefits to having a VPN on your iPhone, and they’re perfectly safe to use. But as with any third-party software, you must be mindful of shady developers who might slip malware into their apps. Only install well-reviewed apps from trusted vendors.

How to use a VPN on iPhone or iPad in 2025

Get a secure iPhone VPN

Install Norton VPN on your iPhone or iPad to encrypt your connection and help access the content you love.

Get it now

Get a secure iPhone VPN

Install Norton VPN on your iPhone or iPad to encrypt your connection and help access the content you love.

Get it now

Get a secure iPhone VPN

Install Norton VPN on your iPhone or iPad to encrypt your connection and help access the content you love.

Get it now

Go to Account to download services
Go to account

When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.