How to Set Up a VPN on Your iPhone or iPad

This tutorial will guide you through the steps to set up and use a VPN on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

1. To get started, tap the Settings button on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Note: for the duration of this tutorial I’m going to use the word iPhone – the steps and screenshots are nearly identical on all devices.



2. Select the General tab from the Settings column. Then select VPN from the General column.


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3. Select Add VPN Configuration…


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4. Depending on your VPN service provider, you’ll either need to select the L2TP, PPTP or IPSec tab. Refer to the documentation that came with your VPN provider if you’re unsure of which one to use/select.


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5. Enter all of the required information in the provided fields. Again, if you’re not sure what to enter in any given field, refer to the details that your VPN provider gave you. When you’re done, tap the Save button.


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6. Make sure that your newly created VPN entry is listed and selected (has a check-mark next to it) in the Choose a Configuration… list. Now toggle the VPN ON/OFF switch to ON.


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7. Your iPhone will now connect to the VPN and authenticate your credentials.


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8. Once you’re connected, the VPN ON/OFF switch will be set to ON with a “blue background” and the Status will display the length of time you’ve been connected to your VPN.


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9. If your VPN service includes assigning you a new public IP, you can use a service like whatsmyip.org to confirm the connection is working.


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10. When you want to disconnect from your VPN, simply return to your Settings and toggle the VPN ON/OFF switch to OFF.


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11. To connect to your VPN in the future, all you’ll need to do is switch the VPN ON/OFF status to ON – you won’t need to go through the entire setup process again. That’s it!