What Is a VPN on My Phone? Why You Need It & How to Use It (2024)

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Why you should be using a VPN on your smartphone

Co-authored bySurfsharkand Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: December 20, 2023Fact Checked

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  • What is a VPN on my phone?
  • |
  • What a VPN Does
  • |
  • Why You Need a VPN
  • |
  • How a VPN Works
  • |
  • How to Use a VPN on Your Phone
  • |
  • Tips

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If you've seen the "VPN" menu on your phone and wondered what it does, you've come to the right place. This wikiHow guide will teach you what a VPN is, how VPNs work, and how to use a secure VPN to browse privately on an iPhone or Android phone.

Things You Should Know

  • You can use a VPN on any phone to encrypt internet activity and hide your IP address.
  • VPNs let you browse the internet privately, even hiding your activities from your ISP, employer, school, and the government.
  • Installing a VPN on your phone is easy—just sign up with a VPN service (we like Surfshark), install their app, and tap "Connect."

Section 1 of 5:

What is a VPN on my phone?

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  1. 1

    A VPN is a secure connection between two devices. When you connect your smartphone to a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you're creating an encrypted (truly private) connection to a server that hides your identity from the rest of the internet. Anything you do on the internet while connected to the VPN—from casual web browsing to online banking—is completely hidden from the rest of the internet.

  2. 2

    While both iPhone and Android support VPNs, they don't provide one for you to use. Instead, you'll need to subscribe to a VPN service and install its mobile app on your iPhone. We recommend Surfshark, a reputable VPN provider with a simple, straightforward mobile app with extra-strong security. You can also use Surfshark to protect your other devices, like your home computer, iPad, and even your family members' phones.

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Section 2 of 5:

What a VPN Does

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  1. 1

    Encrypts your internet connection. When your phone is connected to public Wi-Fi, it doesn't take more than rudimentary hacking skills for someone on the network to see your activity, including your passwords! A VPN protects your internet activity by encrypting it so it's not visible to anyone but the VPN server.

  2. 2

    Cloaks your IP address. When you browse the web, download content, send email, or do anything else online, your IP address is visible to the websites and services you connect to. If you browse with a VPN, the IP address visible to websites belongs to the VPN server, and your real IP address gets encrypted and secured.

  3. 3

    Bypasses censorship. A VPN cloaks your internet activity so it can't be tracked by your ISP, your school admin, your boss, or whoever runs your network. While they may be able to find out that you're using a VPN, they can't see what you're doing while connected.

    • If bypassing censorship and staying undetectable is important to you, choose a VPN that doesn't keep logs. This way, if your ISP or government tries to subpoena your activity from the VPN server, they won't have logs to turn over.[1]
  4. 4

    Changes your location. Want to watch a streaming movie or show that's not available in your country? Most premium VPN providers make it easy to change your phone's IP address to one in another country.

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Section 3 of 5:

Why You Need a VPN

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  1. 1

    Without a VPN, hackers can see your passwords and sensitive data. VPN encryption prevents hackers from capturing your browsing history, passwords, and personal information. If you ever connect your phone to public Wi-Fi at school, in a cafe, at the airport, or any public network, your data is not safe without a VPN.

  2. 2

    You can access websites and media from other regions. If you live in a country that censors the internet or want to watch streaming video that isn't available in your region, you can use a VPN to change your location to almost any country.

  3. 3

    You don't have to worry about surveillance and web filters. If you're tired of your work, school, or government's internet filters limiting the sites you can visit while connected to the network, a VPN makes it easy to bypass these restrictions.

  4. 4

    You can get better rates for flights, hotels, and more. Online retailers and travel booking sites artificially raise prices based on your location and what they know about you from tracking cookies. If you're shopping for a subscription, plane tickets, or virtually anything else, use a VPN (in tandem with incognito mode) to change your location and hide your identity to get better prices.

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Section 4 of 5:

How a VPN Works

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  1. 1

    When you connect your phone to a VPN, you're creating a tunnel. Everything you do on the internet goes through this tunnel instead of its usual route. Think of a river with two types of crossings—a bridge, and a one-lane tunnel just for you. If you take the bridge, people in other cars can see you. If you take the tunnel, your trip is hidden from other travelers.

  2. 2

    The VPN server encrypts your activity in the tunnel. Encryption makes everything you do completely hidden from anything outside that tunnel, preventing interception by hackers, overzealous network admins, and even your ISP.

  3. 3

    Your IP address is replaced by the VPN server. Usually, when you visit a website on your phone, the site's owner can see your IP address. If you connect through a VPN, your real IP address stops at the end of that tunnel—websites and servers on the other side of the tunnel can only see the IP address of the VPN server. This helps keep you anonymous on the internet.

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Section 5 of 5:

How to Use a VPN on Your Phone

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  1. 1

    Subscribe to a reputable VPN service. To choose the best VPN, consider your needs. You definitely need a VPN that works on your mobile platform (iOS or Android) and fits your budget, but also one you can trust. Rather than entrust your private data with a free provider with no accountability, opt for a VPN with a no-logs policy backed up by privacy audits, fast servers, and an easy-to-use app like Surfshark.

  2. 2

    Install your VPN provider's app. Once you create an account with Surfshark (or your preferred VPN service), download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store, launch it, and sign in with your account.

  3. 3

    Tap Connect and follow the on-screen instructions. If you're using Surfshark, you'll be prompted to add the VPN configurations to your settings—tap Allow when prompted. These settings are crucial for creating the VPN tunnel that encrypts your internet activity.[2] Once you're connected, you can browse privately!

    • Most VPNs, including Surfshark, make it easy to change your location in seconds. Just launch the VPN app and select your preferred country to connect.
    • To disconnect from the VPN, just open the VPN app and select Disconnect.
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      Tips

      • If you subscribe to iCloud+, you can use Apple's iCloud Private Relay feature to encrypt your web browsing in Safari.[3] However, unlike a VPN service, iCloud Private Relay only works on Safari and isn't available in all regions.

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      About This Article

      What Is a VPN on My Phone? Why You Need It & How to Use It (39)

      Co-authored by:

      Surfshark

      Cybersecurity Specialists

      This article was co-authored by Surfshark and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Surfshark is a team of cybersecurity experts based in the Netherlands. Surfshark is focused on developing humanized privacy & security protection solutions to secure people's digital lives. Founded in 2018 as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), Surfshark has quickly managed to become one of the leading brands in the VPN industry and today offers a variety of security products and solutions. The company’s mission is to humanize digital security, creating a world where having full control of one’s digital life is accessible to all. Today, Surfshark’s software solutions secure the digital lives of users in 100+ countries. Its core product is one of the TOP 3 VPNs globally, trusted by millions of users around the world. This article has been viewed 3,749 times.

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      Co-authors: 6

      Updated: December 20, 2023

      Views:3,749

      Categories: Internet Security

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,749 times.

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      What Is a VPN on My Phone? Why You Need It & How to Use It (2024)

      FAQs

      What Is a VPN on My Phone? Why You Need It & How to Use It? ›

      A VPN, or virtual private network, routes your internet connection to a remote server via an encrypted tunnel. That means you're always protected. No one can see what you're up to; no one can access your personal data or any other information about you or your online activities.

      What is a VPN and do I need one for my phone? ›

      A virtual private network (VPN) conceals internet data traveling to and from your device. VPN software lives on your devices — whether that's a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It sends your data in a scrambled format (this is known as encryption) that's unreadable to anyone who may want to intercept it.

      Is it worth having a VPN on your phone? ›

      Should I Run a VPN on My iPhone or Android Smartphone? Yes, You Should! A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that provides a secure Internet connection by using private servers in remote locations. All data traveling between your computer, smartphone or tablet and the VPN server is securely encrypted.

      Should I leave my VPN on all the time on my phone? ›

      Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Always use a VPN when you go online.

      What is a VPN and how do I use it? ›

      A VPN, which stands for virtual private network, establishes a digital connection between your computer and a remote server owned by a VPN provider, creating a point-to-point tunnel that encrypts your personal data, masks your IP address, and lets you sidestep website blocks and firewalls on the internet.

      How do I set up a VPN on my phone? ›

      Step 2: Enter VPN information
      1. Open your device's Settings app.
      2. Tap Network & internet. VPN. If you can't find it, search for "VPN." If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
      3. At the top right, tap Add .
      4. Enter the information from your administrator.
      5. Tap Save.

      How much does a VPN cost? ›

      The average cost of a VPN typically ranges from $3 to $10 per month, depending on the subscription length and features offered.

      Is there a downside to VPN? ›

      While VPNs have a lot of perks, there are potential downsides, too. A VPN can reduce internet speed and increase latency, which slows down online activities. Using a VPN can get your accounts blocked by social media sites for suspicious activity.

      Is there a downside to always using a VPN? ›

      One reason why you may not want to use a VPN is because it could slow down your internet connection speed significantly. There are several factors that affect your internet speeds when using a VPN, including the fact that a VPN encrypts your data and routes it through different servers, which slows down the process.

      What will happen if I use VPN on my phone? ›

      It makes you more secure.

      (Think of your data and information traveling through a tunnel that no one else can use or see into.) In that way, a VPN makes all kinds of online activities more secure—like banking, shopping, and checking up on your finances.

      Who needs a VPN? ›

      VPN use is important for online privacy whenever you're logging into the internet from a public spot because cyber snoops could track your online activity when you are using public Wi-Fi, whether it's on your computer or your mobile device.

      When would I need a VPN? ›

      A VPN is essential to protect private data from hackers, especially when connecting to public hotspots. In addition, it lets users access home content securely while traveling. Businesses and organizations. Companies use VPNs for remote access.

      What happens if I turn VPN off? ›

      Basically, it conceals your online activity from the prying eyes of your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, and even the government. Adversely, when you disable your VPN, your internet traffic goes through public networks unencrypted and thus unprotected.

      How to use a VPN for beginners? ›

      Once you choose a VPN app for Mac or a VPN suitable for Windows, here's how to start using it:
      1. Download a reliable VPN. We recommend NordVPN, which is super easy to use on both Windows and Mac.
      2. Install the VPN app onto your computer.
      3. Connect to your preferred server.
      4. That's it – now you can start browsing safely.
      Jan 12, 2024

      How does a VPN work for beginners? ›

      VPNs are “virtual” because they are a digital service. You don't need a cable or hardware to use them. VPNs are “private” because they encrypt your connection and let you browse the internet without governments, internet service providers (ISPs), cybercriminals, and other onlookers snooping on you.

      Is VPN free? ›

      Yes, technically free VPNs work, but in a severely restricted capacity compared to paid ones. For example, you'll have slower connection speeds, fewer server options, no extra features, limited device compatibility, and other limitations.

      How do I know if I need a VPN? ›

      VPNs are worth it if you need a way to safely access the internet on public or shared Wi-Fi networks. They can also be worth it if you want to avoid targeted advertising or if there's regional content you can't access from your current location.

      Is it worth having a VPN? ›

      It's a common question, especially if you're unfamiliar with the benefits of using a VPN. Getting a VPN is valuable, especially if you prioritize online privacy and want all your internet activity, including communication between devices and servers, encrypted.

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