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Take control of your internet privacy
- Access websites and apps safely on Wi-Fi
- Change the IP of your iOS devices
- Manage the VPN easily with the iOS widget
- Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Get Surfshark Download on App Store
What is a VPN on iOS?
A VPN on an iPhone (or any other iOS device) protects sensitive data when accessing public Wi-Fi networks, helps access content safely, and maintains online privacy.
A VPN, which stands for a Virtual Private Network, provides a secure and encrypted connection to the internet, routing your data traffic via the VPN provider’s servers. It hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic.
Safety online & offline
Take care of your online activities, device security, and digital identity
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Change your IP address & stay safe online with a VPN
Secure your device with malware, spyware & virus protection
Get real-time email, credit card, & ID breach alerts
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How to set up a VPN on iOS
1. Create an account
Pick a pricing plan and subscribe to Surfshark.
2. Install the app
Download the VPN app for iOS.
3. Connect and surf!
Connect to the server closest to your physical location to get the fastest VPN speed.
Set up a VPN on iOS manually
For those who love to tinker
OpenVPN setup on iOS*
- Get Surfshark’s service credentials from here.
- Download the configuration files of your preferred location.
- Install the OpenVPN app.
- Import the configuration files to the OpenVPN app.
- Connect to the VPN.
Check out the full guide on how to set up OpenVPN manually on iOS.
IKEv2 setup on iOS*
- Get Surfshark’s service credentials from the manual setup page.
- Find server hostnames under the Other configuration files tab on the same page.
- Download Surfshark’s IKEv2 profile and install it.
- Go to Add VPN Configuration under the VPN tab and fill in the required details.
- Connect to the VPN.
Check out the full guide on how to set up IKEv2 manually on iOS.
*You will need a device running the iOS operating system and an active Surfshark subscription
Why use Surfshark for iOS?
RAM-based privacy
Surfshark server infrastructure is RAM-only. This means that all data is stored in the short-term memory of RAM. When the servers are restarted, all the data on the RAM is lost, and the servers are wiped.
One account = unlimited devices
Protect all your devices simultaneously — your entire family and friends, too! Even if they might not use an Apple device, you still love ‘em, right?
Extra security features
Enjoy enhanced security on your iOS devices — block ads, customize your web experience with CleanWeb, and increase your online anonymity with MultiHop!
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A VPN that will protect your iPhone
Our iPhone VPN app will keep your browsing activity private and protect you on public Wi-Fi. Plus, you can choose between WireGuard or IKEv2 protocols, which are great protocol choices when using a VPN on your mobile device.
Surfshark supports all iPhone devices with versions 14.0.0 (with 64-bit architecture) and up.
A VPN your iPad can’t live without
A secure VPN connection will keep your streaming data out of your ISP’s hands. Hide your IP address and stay safe from trackers and ads with an iPad VPN!
Surfshark supports iPads with 64-bit architecture, versions 14.0.0 and beyond.
Should I use a free VPN for iOS?
It’s best to avoid free VPNs altogether — they limit speed, data usage, device connections, and the number of available servers. Using a free VPN may lead to exposing your personal data. Some free VPN providers sell user data to maintain their business.
When it comes to free VPNs, saving money often means sacrificing privacy. A free VPN for iOS doesn’t have the resources to provide top-notch service.
Premium VPN vs. free VPN
“The best things in life are free” — not for VPNs it isn’t. Here’s why:
No activity logs
Many free VPNs keep your data, as they often depend on its sale to maintain their services. A premium VPN service would never do that.
Modern protocols
Modern protocols are optimized to deal with the newest threats and work with the latest systems. Free VPNs don’t offer them.
Unlimited data
Free VPNs limit how long you can be connected or how much data you can download. Premium VPNs don’t.
Prioritizing security
A paid VPN app has the necessary resources to put your security first. Free VPNs simply do not.
Thousands of servers
More servers mean they’ll be less crowded, resulting in a faster connection. Paid VPNs have significantly more servers than free ones.
Good speeds
Maintaining fast servers and minimizing speed drops takes a lot of resources — resources that free VPNs don’t have.
Verified security
No-logs statement verified
Deloitte, an independent auditor and member of the Big Four, looked into how Surfshark complies with the no-logs policy. The test was successful, providing further assurance that Surfshark does not record your data.
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Browser extensions audited
“To sum up, Cure53 is highly satisfied to see such a strong security posture on the Surfshark VPN proxy extension, especially given the common vulnerability of similar products to privacy issues.”
Dr. Mario Heiderich, Founder & CEO of Cure53
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App security certified
Surfshark’s Android app passed an independent MASA security audit in December 2023, ensuring that it meets global MASA requirements and is safe to use.
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Try Surfshark
Try us out worry-free
We offer a 7-day free trial, and to top that off, our subscription has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can take Surfshark for a spin stress-free. If you want a refund, request it within the first 30 days of your subscription.
Note: The7-day free trial is only available if you download the Surfshark app from the Google Play Store or the App Store*. Here’s how you can get it:
- Download the Surfshark app for free on the Google Play Store or the App Store;
- Open the app and choose Start free trial;
- Create an account and select the 12-month option.
*Refunds for purchases made on the Apple Store and the Google Play Store are handled by the respective platforms. While they also offer money-back guarantees, we can ensure a smooth refund process only when a purchase is made on the Surfshark website.
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Experts recognize us
Independent Advisor Best Value VPN 2023
Forbes Advisor Best VPN for Unlimited Connections 2023
VPN Solution of the Year at CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards 2022
Get a VPN for your iOS
and stay iSafe everywhere
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FAQ
Is an iOS VPN safe?
Yes, using a VPN on your iOS device is safe if you use a legit, premium service. It’s better to stay away from free VPN providers because they offer limited services, and some have unclear privacy policies or even make money by selling users’ data.
Does iOS have a built-in VPN?
iOS has a built-in VPN capability but not a service. You can set up a VPN connection on an iOS device manually. However, to do so, you’ll need to have a server ready to route your data.
Though it may be easier to get a VPN like Surfshark by downloading the app, creating an account, and trying it out for 7 days.
Is there a VPN already implemented on an iPhone?
All iPhones have native VPN support, just like every modern operating system you’ll encounter (OS X devices, Windows PCs, Android phones, etc.). The tricky part is that the setup and usage are not user-friendly, and you still need a VPN service to provide a server for connection.
Do I need a VPN on my iPhone and iPad?
Yes, you do. From keeping trackers and ads at bay to accessing censored content to staying safe on public Wi-Fi, a VPN is a necessity for modern online life.
How do I use a VPN on iOS devices?
It’s very easy:
- Sign up for a VPN service.
- Download the app.
- Log in and connect to the desired service.
And that’s it — you’re done!
Is there a free trial of Surfshark?
Yes, there’s a 7-day free trial option for those who download the app from the Apple app store.
Which free VPN is best for the iPhone?
Free VPNs are inherently less safe than any paid VPN. Free VPNs often limit data. Some expose their users to malvertising or, even worse — sell their sensitive data to third parties.
