How to set up a VPN on your Android or Apple phone

By Editorial Team | 9th January 2019

Online security for your phone is just as important for your mobile device as it is for your PC. The last thing you want is to browse the internet on a connection that is not secure and allow cybercriminals to see your browsing data.

There are a number of protocols that iOS and Android can take advantage of which include PPTP, L2TP, and IPsec. VPNs are ideal for accessing services or websites that are restricted in your region for censorship or business reasons.

Why should you install a VPN on Android or iOS?

A lot of internet users use VPNs for their PCs as the services allow internet traffic to be re-routed through a different server or computer located somewhere in the world. The most important reason for installing a VPN is, of course, security. You do not want your online browsing data to be visible to prying eyes.

Today we will help you install a VPN on your Android or Apple phone, so you can have a secure browsing experience. The first step to securing your browsing experience is to get a good VPN app. Some of the options you can look at include:

How to set up A VPN on Apple phones - automatic configuration

If you own an iPad or iPhone, setting up a VPN is quite simple. We will guide you step by step and simplify the process so you understand how to setup a VPN.

All modern VPN services come with dedicated apps these days. Download the official app and follow the step by step process which will involve things like choosing a VPN location and setting up your account.

Once you set up the VPN app head to the Settings Menu from your iPhone/iPad home screen.
Tap on General
Tap on VPN
If you configured your VPN app correctly, it should show up in the menu.
Click on the toggle button and turn it “on.” (It will turn green)

If you have a limited data connection, remember to turn it off once you are done browsing over a secured connection. If you plan on using a VPN regularly, you should consider opting for unlimited data plans as they are extremely cost-effective.

VPN apps offer extra protection for your Apple iPhone (Picture: iStock by Getty)

How to set up A VPN on Apple phones - manual configuration

If you need to configure your VPN manually here’s how:

Launch the Settings menu
Tap on General
Tap on VPN
Tap on Add VPN Configuration
Tap on Type
Choose your VPN type (IKEv2/IPSec/L2TP)
Head to Add Configuration (top left corner)
Enter the VPN settings listed by your VPN provider.
Enter your login credentials.
Set proxy to Manual or Auto depending on your VPN provider.
Tap on Done

Once you complete the above steps simply turn on the Status toggle under VPN Configuration once your VPN is set up properly on your iOS device. If the settings do not work correctly on your device, seek assistance from your VPN service provider who will be able to help you enter the configuration settings correctly.

How to set up a VPN on Android phones

If you own an Android phone or tablet, setting up a VPN is a breeze compared to iOS. You can simply install your VPN app, and that’s it! You do not need to enable it from your OS settings manually. However, if you are looking for a manual configuration for your VPN service, you can follow the steps below:

Open your Settings menu
Head to “Wireless & Networks” (or equivalent name) and Tap on “More”
Tap on VPN
Click on the “+” sign on the top right corner
Enter the VPN information you receive from your VPN’s network admin.
Hit “Save”

You can follow the above steps for multiple VPNs, and you simply need to tap on the VPN you want to use to enable it. You can also tap on the three-dot menu beside the VPN names to set any one of them to “always on.” We recommend doing a speed test to ensure your VPN is working as intended.

Installing a VPN on your Android phone is simple (Picture: iStock by Getty)

Conclusion

When choosing a VPN service, we strongly recommend options that do not collect or track any personal user information. Always consider server locations when choosing a VPN service as they greatly affect your browsing experience and you do not want to end up paying for a slow browsing experience on your mobile device. Top VPN services do not collect or share user data and keep their users secure.

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Editorial Team

Our Editorial Team is constantly watching for new and exciting services to report on. They aim to bring balanced, honest reviews to the site to give you the best comparisons and ensure you have the knowledge to choose the product right for you. Read more.