What Is VPN on iPhone and Why Do You Need It (2024 Guide)
I use my iPhone’s large internal storage to keep everything — my photos, videos, banking details, and more. But with so much information in one place, it’s easy for hackers to bypass Apple’s iOS security and steal your private data.
If you’re an iPhone owner who uses social media, connects to the internet, or simply sends text messages, you need a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to ensure your data stays protected. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, hiding your IP address and location from prying eyes.
I tested 30+ VPN iOS apps and found 3 with premium security features to safeguard your iPhone data. ExpressVPN is the best option due to its TrustedServer technology, which never stores any of your data. You can try ExpressVPN’s iOS app risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied, you can get a full refund in less than 5 days.
Protect your iPhone with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Simple Steps To Get a VPN on Your iPhone
- Get a VPN. ExpressVPN fully protects your iPhone with AES 256-bit encryption, which makes it nearly impossible for hackers to decrypt. Download ExpressVPN’s dedicated iOS app.
- Connect to a server in the country of your choice. You’ll gain access to military-grade encryption and no-logs policies that hide your internet history and data.
- Start browsing securely. Use the internet safely without the risk of your data being intercepted by hackers.
Install ExpressVPN on your iPhone
The Best VPNs for Your iPhone in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — TrustedServer Technology Ensures Anonymity When Using an iPhone to Browse the Internet
- 3,000+ servers in over 105 countries so you can safely connect your iPhone from anywhere
- Advanced security, including AES 256-bit encryption, IKEv2 and Lightway protocols, an automatic kill switch, and Threat Manager
- Protects 8 iPhones simultaneously (iOS 12 and later)
- 24/7 live chat, customer support, and email helpdesk to solve your issues instantly
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN currently has over 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, incorporating TrustedServer technology to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection. These RAM-based servers provide an added layer of protection by deleting all data after every reboot — leaving nothing for hackers to find.
In addition to protecting your data privacy, ExpressVPN excels at accessing your home catalog on your favorite streaming platforms. While testing the service, I connected to its New York server and streamed The Witcher in Ultra-HD on my Netflix US account using my iPhone.
ExpressVPN was also about to unblock the following platforms for myself and my colleagues around the globe:
| Netflix | Hulu | HBO Max | ESPN |
| Disney+ | Amazon Prime Video | YouTube TV | BBC iPlayer |
ExpressVPN protects iPhone users from prying eyes such as ISPs, hackers, and other governmental agencies using a dedicated iOS app. During the testing process, I found that ExpressVPN is compatible with any iOS device currently running iOS 12 or higher. Additionally, its iOS compatibility ensures that you’re protected whenever you use your iOS device to send and receive data over the internet. Your information is kept secure when using a WiFi connection or mobile data, including 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G.
ExpressVPN provides an abundance of advanced security features and protocols such as:
- AES 256-bit military-grade encryption,
- An automatic kill switch
- IKEv2 and Lightway protocols
- Split-tunneling for unlimited flexibility
- And a strict no-logs policy.
Besides protecting your data using end-to-end encryption, I found that ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway is one of the best VPN protocols. It’s considerably faster than IKEv2 and equally as secure as OpenVPN and WireGuard. Additionally, ExpressVPN allows you to leverage its no-logs policy and automatic kill switch in combination with Lightway — increasing your privacy by collecting no identifiable data and disconnecting you from the internet until your VPN connection restarts.
ExpressVPN’s iOS app also benefits from a DNS-based traffic blocker called Threat Manager, which prevents malicious third party websites and trackers from communicating with your iPhone. While Threat Manager is bit limited since it doesn’t block ads and only shields you from servers that are on ExpressVPN’s “blocklist,” it’s worth turning on as an added security tool (Threat Manager is also available on ExpressVPN’s Mac and Linux apps).
If you’re looking for premium security and privacy against hackers and ISPs, ExpressVPN’s dedicated iOS app, military-grade encryption, and Lightway protocol are the best option. If you’re not ready to commit to a subscription, you can download ExpressVPN on your iPhone risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied, you can message its 24/7 customer support via its live chat and get a refund in less than 5 working days.
ExpressVPN works with: macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, routers, Chrome, Kindle, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
Protect your iPhone with ExpressVPN
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Fast iPhone Streaming
- Over 11,800 servers in 100+ countries (NoSpy servers available on every annual subscription)
- Integrated ad and malware blocker protects you against ads, malicious websites, and trackers
- AES encryption on up to 7 iOS devices simultaneously (iOS 13 and later)
- 24/7 customer support is available to answer any and all questions
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cyberghost offers a range of optimized servers that boost your iPhone’s speed and performance for activities like streaming and torrenting. Even if you can’t find an optimized server for a specific streaming service, you should still be able to access it with CyberGhost. I successfully accessed my Peacock account to watch Just Go With It on my iPhone by connecting to a US server optimized for Netflix.
Cyberghost had no issues granting access to the following platforms as well:
| Netflix | Disney+ | HBO Max | ESPN | Yie |
| Hulu | Amazon Prime Video | BBC iPlayer | Crunchyroll | And More! |
If you’d prefer increased security over speed, CyberGhost also includes NoSpy servers on all of its subscription plans. These servers are physically located and operated within CyberGhost’s Romanian headquarters — ensuring zero logs or access from third parties who profit from selling your data. To access these servers on iPhone, simply select Romania from the country list and you’ll automatically be connected to a NoSpy server.
CyberGhost offers an integrated ad and malware blocker to protect your iPhone from malicious websites, trackers, and advertisements. For example, while testing CyberGhost, I didn’t experience any annoying ads and felt much more secure than before the testing process. It’s also easy to turn this feature on, reducing the risk of your iPhone falling prey to phishing schemes, spyware, and viruses.
CyberGhost provides best-in-class encryption and protocols. You can take advantage of the following security features on any annual plan:
- AES 256-bit military-grade encryption
- IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols
- A kill switch
- NoSpy obfuscated servers
Additionally, a differentiator I found was CyberGhost’s WiFi protection, which detects when you use public WiFi and automatically connects you to one of its secure servers. This feature is handy, allowing you to remain safe and secure even when using public, unsecured WiFi — a nesting ground for hackers and other third parties who want to steal your data.
CyberGhost is an excellent VPN that leverages AES 256-bit encryption and WiFi protection to keep your iPhone secure against cyber threats. You can even download CyberGhost’s iOS app before committing to a long-term subscription. Its 45-day money-back guarantee works like a free trial — if you’re not satisfied, you can contact its 24/7 customer support and receive a full refund in less than 7 days.
CyberGhost works with: macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV.
Protect your iPhone with CyberGhost
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Protect Up to unlimited iOS Devices Simultaneously With International Servers Ordered by Latency
- Over 35,000 servers in 91+ countries
- AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy encryption, and a variety of security protocols for added iPhone protection
- Protect up to unlimited iOS devices simultaneously (iOS 12.1 and later)
- 24/7 live chat and customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA is an excellent VPN for iPhone users with multiple iOS devices, allowing you to simultaneously protect up to unlimited iOS devices. I installed PIA on all of my household’s iPhones and iPads and was able to connect on every single device using just one account.
Additionally, PIA puts a strong focus on usability and convenience by ordering its encrypted servers by latency — fastest to slowest. Thanks to its user interface, I was easily able to connect to servers more than capable of protecting my data without sacrificing my internet connection speed. Many VPNs struggle to balance and speed on long-distance servers so I was pleased to find that PIA excelled at this.
Surprisingly, PIA offers more than the standard OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. You can manually configure PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, ShadowSOCKS, and SOCKS5 proxy protocols depending on your needs.
ShadowSOCKS and SOCKS5 proxy provide an added layer of protection, allowing your internet traffic to travel through two intermediary servers simultaneously rather than just one. Although this feature is unnecessary for most users, you may want to consider it when protecting valuable data stored on your iPhone.
During my tests, I found that PIA offers Perfect Forward Secrecy encryption in addition to the standard AES 256-bit encryption. Perfect Forward Secrecy is a feature all iPhone users should consider when trying to ensure their privacy, as it uses unique, private keys to prevent hackers from accessing past and future data exchanges. Private keys are essential, protecting your data even when hackers break one encryption key. While not as robust as the other options on this list, PIA does have the added benefit of being able to access the following streaming platforms:
| Netflix | HBO Max | Disney+ | Amazon Prime Video |
PIA is an affordable option if you’re looking for an added layer of iPhone protection and require multiple simultaneous connections. However, before committing, I recommend you download PIA’s iOS app using its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can contact its 24/7 customer support and get a full refund in less than 7 working days.
Private Internet Access works with: macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Amazon Fire Stick
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
What Is a VPN and Why You Need One on Your iPhone
Although Apple’s built-in security is good, iOS devices are still prone to exploits that leave your data vulnerable to hackers and other nefarious groups. An iPhone VPN encrypts the data your phone sends and receives, enabling you to browse the internet freely without third parties tracking your activity.
A VPN protects your iPhone by hiding your IP address and location from the websites you visit, allowing you to use unsecured public WiFi safely, travel internationally without restrictions, and ensure your privacy when using the internet.
When you connect to an iPhone VPN like ExpressVPN, you minimize the risk of hackers or third-party apps stealing your data. Your ISP, third parties, and hackers will be unable to see what you do on your iOS device, giving you peace of mind.
Download ExpressVPN on your iPhone
What Are the Benefits of Using an iPhone VPN?
A VPN is a valuable tool for anyone using an iPhone, providing advanced security features within a dedicated app that can hide your internet history from your ISP, bypass geo-restrictions, and protect yourself from hackers using military-grade encryption.
Hide Internet History on Public Wi-Fi or Local ISPs
One of the most significant risks associated with stolen internet history is a “history sniffing” attack, where hackers steal your activity and develop a “fingerprint” in seconds. Surprisingly, hackers use this information to create smart phishing schemes, testing thousands of URLs per second to redirect victims to customized web pages. Examples include banks, social media platforms, google searches, and even Craigslist ads — depending on the victim’s internet history.
iPhone VPNs enable you to overcome these threats using automatic kill switches, no-logs policies, advanced encryption, and even split-tunneling to protect your privacy. Without these features, your ISP and hackers leveraging unsecured WiFi can instantly gain access to your internet activity.
Access Geo-Restricted Websites
Besides increased privacy and security, iPhone VPNs allow you to access local websites when traveling abroad. For example, you’ll be able to watch US Netflix outside the US. The most powerful VPNs even help you avoid content restrictions in countries like China that significantly censor internet activity.
iPhone VPNs provide hundreds of international servers to connect to, including the US. However, some servers are better than others. For example, when connecting to a server within the US, New York, Washington DC, Miami, and Los Angeles are often the most successful in bypassing geo-restrictions. If you’re unable to access streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock TV, or HBO Max, I recommend switching servers to overcome error messages.
Protect Yourself From Hackers With Military-Grade Encryption
Each of the top VPNs I tested has advanced encryption to protect you from hackers. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is almost impenetrable and significantly more secure than other encryption standards. For example, the US government has implemented AES 256-bit encryption to protect confidential information from prying eyes — proving its ability to protect you from hackers.
AES encryption works by leveraging SPN (Substitution Permutation Networks) algorithms to create multiple rounds of data encryption, making it difficult for hackers to break its encryption keys. Without encryption, hackers require less time, money, and other resources to access your data, significantly increasing the risk of getting hacked. However, this is much more important when using an iPhone due to Apple only patching discovered vulnerabilities, leaving you unprotected and susceptible to hackers who will instantly exploit any vulnerabilities within iOS.
Hide your internet history using ExpressVPN
How to Choose the Best VPN to Keep Your iPhone Secure
You risk leaving your iPhone and other iOS devices susceptible to hacks and prying eyes without the following features. To successfully hide your internet activity while traveling abroad or using public WiFi, look for:
- Advanced security protocols — OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and Lightway are the best protocols to ensure fast speeds and a secure, stable internet connection.
- AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — AES encryption is almost impenetrable, using uniquely long encryption keys to reduce the chances of getting hacked.
- Automatic kill switch — Drops your internet connection automatically when your VPN is disconnected, significantly enhancing the security of your iPhone.
- No-logs policy — The VPN will collect no information about you or your internet usage and cannot share this data with your ISP, third parties, or the 5/19/14 Eyes alliance.
- A variety of international servers that cover multiple regions — VPNs with many servers reduce the risk of overcrowding and slowing down your iPhone’s internet connection.
- Multiple device connections simultaneously — Protect more than one of your iOS devices at the same time without compromising your privacy or security.
- 24/7 customer support — VPNs with 24/7 customer support allow you to solve issues instantly, without waiting for long periods to receive a response.
Keep your iPhone secure with ExpressVPN
How to Get A VPN on Your iPhone (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit the Apple store and search for a VPN. I suggest ExpressVPN because of its AES 256-bit encryption and TrustedServer technology. Download ExpressVPN and protect your iPhone indefinitely from hackers.
- Click the “Get” button. The VPN will then be installed on your iPhone.
- Sign in to an existing account or start a 7-Day Free Trial. You will need to input a valid email address email and password to log in to your account and fulfill the requirements of a 7-Day Free Trial. To create a new account, you will be redirected to the VPN’s dedicated website.
![Screenshot of 7-Day Free Trial or sign up page on the ExpressVPN iOS app]()
- Choose a subscription within the iPhone app. You can choose a subscription without compromising your 7-Day Free Trial.
- Click “Agree & Continue” to accept the privacy policy. A VPN’s privacy policy will include holding your personal details, such as your name, email address, and banking information.
- Click “Continue” to set up your VPN. You will then see a pop-up on your iPhone’s screen.
- Click “Continue” to add VPN configurations. You will be redirected to your iPhone settings, where you will be prompted to use touch ID to add the VPN configurations to your iOS device.
- Click “Ok” and “Allow” to receive notifications. This will enable you to see when your VPN is connected and when it’s disconnected, significantly enhancing your security.
- Tap to connect. You will be connected to the fastest available server, or you can choose from the large list of available servers.
![Screenshot of tap to connect button on the ExpressVPN iOS app]()
Reinforce your security with ExpressVPN
Protect Yourself With the Best iPhone VPN Today
If you’re looking to protect the thousands of emails, messages, photos, and login details stored on your iPhone, you need a premium VPN with AES 256-bit military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. A VPN redirects your internet connection through encrypted intermediary servers, protecting the data your iPhone sends and receives from prying eyes, ISPs, and hackers.
After testing over 30 top VPNs, I found that ExpressVPN’s dedicated iOS app can seamlessly protect your iPhone’s data when using unsecured public WiFi or traveling abroad for work. If you want to ensure your privacy without sacrificing your internet speed, download ExpressVPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied, you can get your money back quickly in less than 5 working days.
Summary — The Best VPNs for your iPhone (Updated 2024)
