How to Turn On a VPN on Your Phone: Android and iPhone Step by Step

The easiest way to turn on a VPN on your phone is to install the official app of a VPN provider you trust and tap “Connect” in the app. If you need to connect to your company’s or your own server’s VPN, you can also add the profile manually in the built-in VPN section of Android and iPhone settings.

In this article we explain how to turn on a VPN on your phone step by step for Android and iPhone, how to check whether the connection works and how to deal with common problems.

What Is a VPN and What Does It Do on a Phone?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your phone and the VPN server. Your internet traffic passes through this tunnel, so on open Wi-Fi networks in cafés, hotels and airports your data can’t be read by others. Connecting remotely to a company network is another common use.

Method 1: Using a VPN App (Easiest)

1. Download the official app of the VPN provider you want from Google Play or the App Store. Check the developer name.
2. Open the app and sign in with your account.
3. Choose a server location and tap Connect.
4. If the phone asks “Add VPN configuration?”, allow it.
5. Once connected, a key icon appears in the notification bar on Android, and VPN appears in the status bar on iPhone.

Method 2: Adding a VPN Manually on Android

If your company or server administrator gave you a server address, protocol and login details:

1. Go to Settings → Network & internet → VPN. On Samsung devices the path is Connections → More connection settings → VPN.
2. Tap + or Add VPN profile.
3. Enter the profile name, type (e.g. IKEv2/IPSec), server address and credentials.
4. Save, then tap the profile and choose Connect.

If you use WireGuard or OpenVPN, install the relevant official app (WireGuard, OpenVPN Connect) and import the configuration file or QR code you were given. These protocols aren’t in Android’s built-in VPN menu.

Method 3: Adding a VPN Manually on iPhone and iPad

1. Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → VPN.
2. Tap Add VPN Configuration.
3. Choose the type (IKEv2, IPSec or L2TP), then enter the description, server, remote ID and authentication details.
4. Tap Done and turn on the VPN switch.

On company devices, the VPN is usually installed automatically with a configuration profile. Only install such profiles from sources you trust.

Is the VPN Working? How to Check

• Confirm that the VPN icon appears in the status bar.
• Check that the IP address shown on an IP lookup page matches the VPN server’s location.
• If you use a company VPN, try opening a resource that’s only reachable from the internal network (intranet, file server).

Common Problems and Fixes

Problem	Possible cause	Fix
Connects but no internet	DNS or routing setting	Try a different server in the VPN app, temporarily turn off “Private DNS”
Authentication error	Wrong user name/password or expired account	Re-enter the details and check the account is active
Won’t connect on mobile data	The carrier may restrict some ports	Choose a different protocol in the app (e.g. WireGuard ↔ IKEv2)
Frequent disconnects	Battery saving stops the app	Exclude the VPN app from battery optimisation and use “Always-on VPN”

Tips for Using a VPN Safely

• Prefer providers with a clear privacy policy and logging policy.
• Be careful with “unlimited free” VPN apps of unknown origin; some work for advertising or data collection.
• On Android, the Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN options prevent data leaks when the VPN drops.
• Use the VPN in line with the laws of the country you’re in and the terms of the services you use.

Setting Up Your Own VPN Server

Teams and technical users can run their own VPN by installing WireGuard or OpenVPN on a virtual server, so traffic only passes through a server they manage. For the setup steps, see the WireGuard and OpenVPN installation guides on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using a VPN on my phone slow down my internet?

Some slowdown is normal because traffic is encrypted and passes through an extra server. Choosing a server location close to you reduces the speed loss.

How do I turn off the VPN?

Tap Disconnect in the app, or turn off the switch in the VPN section of Settings.

My banking app doesn’t work with the VPN on. Why?

Some apps restrict connections from foreign IP addresses for security reasons. You can turn the VPN off while using these apps or choose a server located in your own country.

Is a free VPN safe?

Not every free VPN is unsafe, but those with an unclear business model may share your data. Read the privacy policy and prefer well-known providers.