How to set up a VPN on iPhone: The ultimate guide

You’ve probably heard recommendations from cyber experts that a VPN (virtual private network) is the best way to keep your devices safe and reduce risks. Here’s the ultimate guide on how to install Surfshark VPN app on your iOS devices like iPhone and iPad.

Surfshark stands out as one of the best VPN providers with its award-winning service, unlimited concurrent connections, and advanced VPN features. From WireGuard and IKEv2 to Open VPN protocols, Surfshark has the features everyone needs to build the ultimate digital defense network.

Apple has created a robust private architecture, but adding a VPN to your iPhone or iPad provides even more protection.

Why do I need an iPhone VPN?

The rise in cybercrime threatens mobile data when using devices in public. You’ve always heard warnings about never connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, but with an iPhone VPN app, you can eliminate those worries.

A VPN is the best way to encrypt your internet traffic, keeping you safe while roaming the internet on unprotected networks. A VPN also allows you to access geo-restricted content such as TV shows and sporting events.

A VPN is also essential when traveling, as you never know when you might come across a censored website. Additionally, you can avoid price gouging based on your browsing history by using a VPN that masks your browsing history.

How to set up a VPN configuration on iPhone

Now that you know why iOS VPN apps are so valuable, let’s explain how to install them on your iPhone. First, purchase a Surfshark VPN subscription from the website. Monthly plans are also available, but they are quite expensive.

Instead, we recommend choosing a long-term option, such as a 12-month or 24-month option. These long-term deals cost just $2.39 per month, and our most popular option, Surfshark One, costs just $3.06 per month at the 24-month tier, giving you 79% off and 2 months free.

Once you’ve purchased your Surfshark subscription, it’s time to activate the VPN app for your iPhone and take steps to protect your browsing traffic.

5 easy steps

1. Download the Surfshark iOS app from the App Store.
2. Log in to your account (or purchase a subscription and log in from within the app).
3. Log in to connect for the first time. A pop-up will appear indicating that the VPN settings need to be downloaded to your device.Tap To give permission Allow your iPhone or iPad to receive these settings required for a successful connection.
4. Tap quick connect Automatically connect you to the fastest Surfshark server (usually the one closest to your location). However, you can manually select a server based on your needs.
5. You will receive a notification when the connection to the server is successful. On the dashboard, connected and secure A banner indicating that the connection is valid.

The steps to set up Surfshark VPN are the same on iPad, making it easy to set up a secure connection on your Apple device. Similarly, once your connection is active, you can manage your server location and access additional features.

Choose from 3,200 server locations worldwide

With 3,200 servers worldwide, Surfshark users can find the right VPN server for them based on their location and content preferences. Flag your favorite locations using the star icon to the right of your server location so you can quickly access them whenever you need them.

Once you’ve connected to your desired VPN server, you can adjust your IP address settings. For example, if you choose a static IP, you will be given the same IP address every time you connect, but with a multihop connection your traffic will be routed through two servers.

You can also choose a Dedicated IP, which is a separately purchased, user-specific, dedicated IP address. Finally, a Surfshark One subscription provides additional features to keep you safe.

Other security tools include:

• Surfshark Alert – Receive alerts when your personal information is compromised.
• Alternate ID – Generate a new ID and email to use online.
• Surfshark Search – Free yourself from the tyranny of Google search.

The Surfshark app is a central hub for accessing and changing these settings, making it easy for everyday users to customize their VPN connection.

How to test if your VPN connection is working on your iPhone

Using a VPN for iPhone is a practical solution for hiding your browsing traffic and accessing blacked-out content, but it may not work properly. You may also want the peace of mind that your VPN connection is secure and working, so your credit card and personal information remains encrypted.

Fortunately, there are some tests you can run to ensure everything is secure end-to-end. These tests include IP address leak test, DNS leak test, and WebRTC leak test. The first indicator that everything is safe is the Surfshark app homepage. connected and secure At the top.

Test IP address leakage

Your IP address tracks your web activity as a user. To perform an IP leak test, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Surfshark IP leak test page.
2. Below the IP address checker, you’ll see a box with your connection details. Secured connections will display their protection status along with the Surfshark logo, IP address information, and server location.

Make sure your DNS numbers aren’t leaked

DNS numbers further identify users and devices and direct traffic to private data. DNS leak testing is similar to IP leak testing.

1. Switch tab from IP Leak Test to DNS Leak Checker on the previous test page.
2. DNS Tester will notify you that it is protected, along with your IP address and server location.

WebRTC leak reveals IP addresses

Finally, you can test for WebRTC leaks on the same Surfshark test page. A WebRTC leak is when your browser connects to a chat room or other live information transfer, creating an environment where your IP address is exposed. Here’s how to check for WebRTC leaks:

1. Switch tabs to WebRTC Leak Checker again.
2. The protected status indicator, IP address, and status are displayed again.

However, you can take your testing one step further and check for WebRTC leaks. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect from your VPN.
2. Go to Google and search for “What is my IP address?”
3. Make note of the IP address listed.
4. Close the web page and reconnect to your VPN.
5. Please search on Google again. If the IP address is the same as before, a breach has occurred. Otherwise, it’s fine.

If there are any leaks, it means your VPN isn’t fully protecting you. You should troubleshoot your VPN settings, make sure you’re connecting to Surfshark servers, or restart your device to keep your valuable data out of the hands of cyber thieves.

Surfshark VPN service protects you no matter what network you use.

An iPhone VPN is a piece of network protection that everyone should use, regardless of the type of network they connect to. Additionally, the premium VPN provider guides iPhone users through step-by-step instructions on how to set up their VPN, making the process easy.

The best iPhone VPN service will unlock blacked out content, bypass website censorship, and protect your browsing data. Although it seems like a difficult tool to use, setting up a VPN is actually very easy.

Similarly, to verify that your VPN is working, you only need to visit one website and you can check the IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. With Surfshark, you can rest assured that your data is safe and the VPN iPhone app has your back.

Frequently asked questions about VPN for iPhone

When using a VPN with your iPhone mobile device, you’ll often be asked a few questions. Here are some common questions and their answers.

Do I need to keep my VPN provider turned on?

While your home Wi-Fi internet connection is likely secure, it’s a best practice to always turn on your VPN when using your computer. A VPN adds an extra layer of security to keep your personal information and browsing data safe.

Does iPhone have a built-in VPN server?

iOS devices such as iPhone and iPad have built-in VPN support. However, without the help of a premium VPN mobile app like Surfshark, you’ll need to know the manual details of the server you want to connect to.

Unfortunately, when you connect to a server using manual native support, you miss out on other great features that the best VPN iOS apps can offer, such as instant server switching, kill switch functionality, and customer support.

Are VPNs dangerous for iPhone?

The main point of deploying a VPN service on your iPhone is to make your device more secure. The only way using a VPN provider is risky is if you use a shady, untrusted organization, or an unknown free VPN service.

When you use Surfshark, you don’t have to worry about harmful changes being made to your device’s network settings. Additionally, Surfshark has a robust help site and guides to answer any questions you may have.