The numerous benefits of using a VPN have attracted much attention over the years. From being an unknown service where few ventured to understand it and use it to appreciating its value and adopting it wholeheartedly, the status of VPN providers in the market has changed dramatically. As people use smartphones indefinitely, they look for ways to implement using a VPN on their cellular and non-cellular devices as well. VPN providers understand people’s needs, and today iPhones and iPads are integrated with VPN protocols like PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and Cisco IPsec. This makes it easier to setup a VPN on iPhones and iPads.
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People using Apple smartphones were always daunted with the task of how to setup a VPN on iPhones and iPads, but the process is quite simple. In this article, we discuss the different ways used in setting up a VPN on iPhones.
Using integrated Protocols
As mentioned earlier, iPhones and iPads today are configured to integrate VPN protocols like PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and Cisco IPsec. So if users want to connect to a VPN that is compatible with their iPhone or iPad and uses one of these three protocols, then it is rather simple to set up that VPN. All you need to do is:
- Tap General in the Settings menu.
- Tap VPN which will be somewhere around the bottom part of the list
- Tap “Add a VPN configuration” in order to be directed to the menu to enter the details of your VPN on your iPhone or iPad.
- Enter the details of your VPN connection. You can choose the protocol type on top of the menu according to the protocol used by your VPN connection.
- Once you have entered the details of your VPN connection, simply toggle the VPN slider in the General category in settings to connect to the VPN. Multiple VPNs can be set up using these steps. You can switch between them from the list.
Using OpenVPN connection
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, people usually want to go for an OpenVPN VPN. Its high level of security and privacy make it one of the best VPN for iPhones. Although there is no direct way like PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and Cisco IPsec to setup an OpenVPN on Apple devices, it is not impossible to do so. Similar to the method used by android, Apple allows the usage of OpenVPNs using third-party applications that can be downloaded from the App store.
All you need to do is download this third-party application called OpenVPN Connect. Configuring this VPN, however, requires importing of the .ovpn file. It’s not a big issue, though. You simply need to connect your device on a desktop or laptop, open iTunes, and add the .ovpn file to the OpenVPN Connect app and you’re good to go. This app will then automatically connect you to the OpenVPN.
Using HideMyAss
HideMyAss, like other VPNs, has a dedicated app on the App store which iPhone and iPad users can download to set up this VPN. HMA Pro is really easy to set up and offers great services. No manual configuration is required as the app simply prompts users to install the VPN-related data and then you are connected to the VPN.
Final Note
The importance of VPNs and people’s reliance on it is a reason why most developers are changing their device’s configuration to help it support VPN connections better. Apple users complained about VPN connections being dropped as soon as their devices went on Sleep, but that issue has been resolved after iOS 8, making it easier to setup a VPN on iPhones and iPads, remain connected to it.
