Why use a VPN on your iPhone? Protect your privacy anywhere

Your iPhone is built for convenience — but without extra protection, your data can easily be tracked. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your connection, shields your traffic from prying eyes, and helps you browse more freely, even on public Wi-Fi.

Without a VPN, mobile traffic can be exposed to your ISP, hackers, advertisers, and even unsecured Wi-Fi network owners — especially when switching between public hotspots and mobile data.

Benefits of using a VPN on iPhone

• Stronger security: Protect your personal data from hackers, snooping apps, and unsecured networks

• Bypass geo-restrictions: Access websites, apps, and content that might be blocked based on your location

• Prevent tracking: Stop advertisers, ISPs, and third parties from building detailed profiles about your browsing habits

• Protect sensitive activities: Banking apps, private messages, work emails, and video calls stay encrypted through a VPN

Want to learn how VPNs protect more than just your browsing? Check out our guide to ISP privacy risks.

How to set up a VPN on iPhone

Getting started is simple and only takes a few minutes:

• Download a trusted VPN app: Choose a provider like NymVPN that’s built for privacy and optimized for mobile

• Install and open the app: Grant necessary permissions and follow the on-screen setup instructions

• Connect to a server: Choose a location – select one nearby for speed or one internationally for content access and better privacy protections

• Stay protected: Enable auto-connect features to make sure your VPN is always active, even when switching networks

Why choose NymVPN for iPhone privacy

At Nym, privacy isn't an afterthought: it's the foundation.

• Strong encryption: Advanced protocols like WireGuard protect your data with minimal speed loss

• Can't log design: Your browsing history, metadata, and DNS queries always stay private since your identity can never be connected to what you do online

• Seamless iOS integration: Fast setup, one-tap connections, and automatic reconnect across networks

• Mixnet routing: Unlike basic VPNs, NymVPN protects who you are, where you're connecting from, and who you're talking to thanks to innovative anti-surveillance technology

Curious about how metadata exposure works? Start with our explainer on metadata.

Why privacy on iPhone matters more than ever

Your iPhone holds sensitive data — messages, banking apps, health records, and private photos. Without extra protection, that information can be exposed to internet service providers, advertisers, and unsecured networks.

A VPN helps encrypt your traffic, shielding your activity from surveillance and keeping your data private. It’s especially important when connecting to public Wi-Fi, working remotely, or managing personal information on the go.

If privacy matters to you, adding a VPN gives you essential control over who can see your online life—and who can't.

Comparing top VPNs for iPhone

Choosing the right VPN for your iPhone depends on factors like pricing, features, and privacy policies. Here's a comparison of some popular VPN services:

NymVPN

Pricing

Monthly: $12.99 Annual: $6.99/month (billed as $83.88) Two-Year: $5.49/month (billed as $131.76)

30-day pro-rated refund policy.

Notable features

• 5-hop Mixnet for enhanced privacy
• Decentralized 2-hop AmneziaWG mode (WireGuard)
• Can't log network (better than a no log's policy)
• Supports up to 10 devices

Platforms

Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux

NordVPN

Pricing

Monthly: $12.99 Annual: $4.99/month (billed as $59.88) Two-Year: $3.39/month (billed as $81.36)

30-day money-back guarantee

Notable features

• Threat Protection for malware and ad blocking
• Supports up to 10 devices

Platforms

Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux

ExpressVPN

Pricing

Monthly: $12.95 Annual: $6.67/month (billed as $99.95) Two-Year: $4.99/month (billed as $139.72)

30-day money-back guarantee

Notable features

• TrustedServer technology for enhanced security
• No-logs policy
• Supports up to 8 devices

Platforms

Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux​

Surfshark

Pricing

Monthly: $15.45 Annual: $3.19/month (billed as $47.85) Two-Year: $2.69/month (billed as $72.63)

30-day money-back guarantee

Notable features

• Unlimited device connections
• CleanWeb ad and malware blocker
• No-logs policy

Platforms

Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Taking iPhone privacy seriously

Your iPhone deserves more than default settings. With NymVPN, you can turn your device into a real privacy-first tool — securing your browsing, blocking surveillance, and opening up the web wherever you go.

Whether you're traveling, working remotely, or simply browsing at a coffee shop, using a VPN ensures your connection stays safe and private across every network.