How to Turn On a VPN on iPhone (and Fix It When It Won't Connect)

To turn on a VPN on iPhone, install a VPN app, allow it to add a VPN configuration once, then tap Connect in the app or switch VPN on under Settings > VPN. iPhone has no VPN of its own: the switch in Settings only appears after a VPN app has added its configuration. When the VPN is on, a small "VPN" icon shows at the top of the screen.

Checked on 13 November 2026.

Where is the VPN setting on iPhone?

The VPN setting on iPhone is in two places. Settings > VPN appears near the top of Settings once at least one VPN app is installed and set up; it holds a single on/off switch. Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN lists every VPN configuration on the phone, lets you pick which one is active and lets you delete ones you no longer use. If you see neither, no VPN app has added a configuration yet.

How do you turn on a VPN on iPhone in 4 steps?

Install a VPN app from the App Store. Check its privacy label and privacy policy first.

Open the app and sign in or start the free plan.

Tap Connect. The first time, iPhone asks "Would like to Add VPN Configurations". Tap Allow and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.

Look for the VPN icon at the top of the screen. From now on you can also switch it on and off under Settings > VPN.

How do you turn off a VPN on iPhone?

To turn off a VPN on iPhone, tap Disconnect in the VPN app or switch VPN off under Settings > VPN. Turning it off does not delete the app or its configuration, so you can turn it back on in one tap. To remove it completely, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN, tap the (i) next to it and choose Delete VPN.

Why won't my iPhone VPN connect? 6 fixes

Check your internet first. Turn the VPN off and open a web page. If nothing loads, the problem is the Wi-Fi or mobile signal, not the VPN.

Finish the Wi-Fi login page. Hotel, airport and cafe Wi-Fi often need you to accept terms in a login page before anything works. Turn the VPN off, complete the page, then reconnect. See What is a Wi-Fi login page?

Try another server location in the app.

Switch protocol. Many apps offer more than one; one may get through a network that blocks another.

Remove the old configuration and allow it again under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

Update iOS and the app, then restart the iPhone.

How do you know the VPN is actually working?

The VPN icon tells you the tunnel is up; an IP check tells you your traffic goes through it. Visit an IP-check page with the VPN off, then on: the location should change to the server you picked. Our 3-minute VPN check walks through it, including a DNS leak test.

FAQ

Does iPhone have a built-in VPN?

No. iPhone supports VPN connections, but you need a VPN app or a configuration from your workplace. iCloud Private Relay is a separate Apple feature that covers Safari only.

Should I leave the VPN on all the time?

Leaving it on is the simplest way to stay protected on public Wi-Fi. Most VPN apps can reconnect by themselves when the network changes.

Is there a free VPN for iPhone?

Yes. CasperVPN's free plan gives 0.5 GB of data every month on up to 3 devices, with no credit card and no time limit. Read Free VPN vs paid VPN before you choose.