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Configure your VPN settings in a few simple steps
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This wikiHow teaches you how to enable and set up a Virtual Private Network—which allows you to use the internet anonymously—on your iPhone. You can do this easily with a VPN app, which does most of the work for you. If you’re connecting to a private network for school or work, you may need to configure the VPN manually.
Using a VPN on iPhone
To set up a VPN for personal use, install a VPN app, create an account, and then connect to a server. If you need to configure a VPN manually, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN . Tap Add VPN Configuration… and enter the required information.
Steps
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Download a VPN from the App Store. If you just want a VPN for personal use on your iPhone, there are tons of options available in the App Store. Select the option with your favorite features and download it to your iPhone. Most VPNs are available for a low monthly subscription fee, although there are some free options as well.
- Some highly rated paid VPN apps include NordVPN, SurfShark, and ExpressVPN.
- A few of the best free options include PrivadoVPN Free, ProtonVPN Free, and Windscribe Free.
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Create an account. Once you’ve installed your VPN, launch the app, sign up for an account, and log in. If you’ve already created an account on the VPN provider’s website, just sign in.Advertisement
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Choose a server. Most VPN apps will give you the option to automatically connect to the fastest server. You can also choose your own server if you want to connect to one in a particular location.
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Connect to the server. Depending on the VPN you chose, you might see an option that says On , Connect , or something similar. Activate the connection, then enjoy browsing the internet privately on your iPhone.
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Gather the information you need. Most of the time, you won’t need to configure a VPN manually on your iPhone. However, you might need to do this if you’re connecting to a private network for school or work. Ask the network administrator or your supervisor for information such as the protocol type, server name, and remote ID. You may also need to set up a username and password ahead of time.
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Open the Settings app on your iPhone. "Settings" is the grey cog icon ( ) on one of your Home screens. It may also be in a folder named "Utilities" in your App Library.
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Scroll down and tap General . It's in the third group of settings.
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Scroll down and tap VPN & Device Management . It’s toward the bottom of the page. This is where you can enter your new VPN settings.
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Tap VPN . Here you'll have the option to add a new configuration. The configuration options you enter should be provided to you by your network administrator.
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Tap Add VPN Configuration… . This option is at the top of the screen. The "Add Configuration" window will expand.
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Tap Type and choose a connection type. This will be dictated by your network configuration. Your available connection types include the following options: [1] X Research source
- IKEv2
- IPSec
- L2TP
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Add the rest of your VPN details. Type your VPN's information into the pertinent fields. Depending on the type of connection you're using and your system administrator's configuration settings, this will include some or all of the following information:
- Description
- Server
- Remote ID
- Local ID
- Username and password
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Choose a proxy setting. Choose one of the three proxy options at the bottom. If your VPN uses a proxy network—that is, a network separate from your own that's used to hide your IP address—you'll need to tap one of the following options at the bottom of your screen:
- Manual : This option allows you to configure the server, port, and authentication preferences for your proxy.
- Auto : If you have the specific web address for your chosen proxy, you can paste it into the "URL" section of this option.
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Tap Done to save. You'll see at the top-right corner of the screen. Your VPN should now be configured and ready to turn on.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionAre the VPN details the same for all iPhones?ZanderJ644Community AnswerYes, they should be the same for all iPhones, but they're different for all other phones.
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Tips
- After configuring your VPN, you can turn it on by sliding the VPN switch at the top of the Settings menu from left to right. It will turn green, signifying that your VPN is on and ready to connect.Thanks
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Warnings
- Without the proper support from your system administrator, you won't be able to configure your VPN.Thanks
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About This Article
Article Summary
X
1. Open Settings
.
2. Tap General
.
3. Tap VPN
.
4. Select Add VPN Configuration
.
5. Enter your VPN's information.
6. Tap Done
.
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 77,470 times.
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