Should I leave my iPhone VPN on all the time? (2024)

Should I leave my iPhone VPN on all the time? (1)

One of the main dilemmas when it comes to a VPN is whether or not you should have it running at all times. Considering we are constantly checking our smartphones and they're always running in the background, it makes sense where iPhone VPNs are concerned we're particularly curious to know the answer.

The long and short of it is there are pros and cons to keeping your iPhone VPN app switched on and turning it off, and we're going to explain them all below.

Pros to leaving your VPN switched on

The very best VPN will keep your device secure, concealing your online identity and encrypting ingoing and outgoing data. The moment you switch it off, you'll remove that layer of protection.

It follows, then, that the biggest perk of keeping your VPN connected on your iPhone at all times is having that reassurance your device is as secure as possible, both while you're using it and while its tinkering away in the background.

It also means you won't constantly have to go back and forth onto the app in order to turn it off and then back on again when you want to use it, or wait the few seconds it takes to connect to a server before proceeding.

Cons to leaving your VPN switched on

There are so many reasons why an iPhone VPN is useful, but it's fair to say there are potential drawbacks to your Apple smartphone when keeping a VPN switched on all the time. The first one that will likely come to mind is battery life.

iPhones aren't known for having the best battery life when compared to their Android phone competitors, but general use is expected to see users get through the day without needing to put their iPhone on charge. However, having a mobile VPN app running in the background is a sure to eat away at your battery life, adding another piece of software to your daily usage beyond aimless doom scrolling, watching content, and general browsing.

There's also the matter of speed. While the fastest VPN should mean your connection remains stable and sees little reduction to your normal internet performance, it would be silly to assume when connecting to long distance servers that you wouldn't potentially see a slight lag in what you're otherwise used to.

Should I leave my iPhone VPN on all the time? (2)

Should I leave my iPhone's VPN app switched on or not?

There are reasons for and against leaving your VPN app switched on on your iPhone at all times. While there is a question of it slowing down your connection, when you have your VPN running in the background, while carrying out day-to-day tasks on your smartphone we'd expect you to be connected to a local server. In this case, you shouldn't detect much difference in performance.

In terms of battery life, while there's not a unanimous percentage on how much battery life your VPN uses up on an iPhone per day (this will be dependent on a lot of factors including the model of iPhone you have and the health of your battery cell), it's fair to say it won't 'drain' your battery and instead will use up your juice just like any other app.

That said, if you are finding it having a negative effect, there is an argument to say you can just connect to your VPN when using a public Wi-Fi network and/or when you're carrying out particularly sensitive tasks where you want that additional layer of security.

Much like antivirus, a VPN is built to tinker away in the background and help protect your device. But that isn't always practical, so we'd recommend at the least switching on your iPhone VPN in those scenarios were your connection is more vulnerable - and, of course, when you want to get American Netflix from abroad.

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Should I leave my iPhone VPN on all the time? (3)

Alice Marshall

eCommerce Editor

Alice is eCommerce Editor at Future with a focus on streaming services, such as Disney Plus and HBO Max, and VPN. She predominantly writes buying and streaming service guides, as well as how to watch articles. Previously a Commercial Content Writer at Trusted Reviews, Alice has five years experience giving online buying advice, and over two years writing about consumer tech.

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Should I leave my iPhone VPN on all the time? (2024)

FAQs

Should I leave my iPhone VPN on all the time? ›

Should a VPN be on or off on an iPhone? You should always keep your VPN on, regardless if you're using an iPhone or any other device connected to the internet. There are only a few exceptions, mainly related to banking apps and other services that may not work well with a VPN.

Should I keep my VPN on at all times? ›

Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Always use a VPN when you go online.

What happens if I turn off VPN on my iPhone? ›

If you disconnect your VPN app, you will disable the additional online security and privacy it provides. Your online activity will become visible to the ISP provider instantly, while websites you visit will know your real IP address and location. So your connection will be less private.

Is it okay to use a VPN on 24/7? ›

Yes, you should always keep your VPN on whenever you're online. It keeps your sensitive information away from prying eyes and ensures a private, secure connection to the internet. On top of that, setting up and using a VPN is super simple, making it easy for you to protect yourself online.

Should your iPhone be connected to VPN? ›

In a word, yes. Having a VPN an iPhone ensures its security and privacy.

Is there a downside to always using a VPN? ›

Free VPN services are known to log your data and use that information to make money by selling your data to advertisers and marketing agencies. The worst part is that those data logs of your activity could end up in the hands of cybercriminals, who could use them to steal your identity or target you with cyberattacks.

When should you turn VPN off? ›

Despite the inherent security risk, there are legitimate reasons to do so, such as: Troubleshooting a faulty or slow internet connection. Accessing local services such as online banks that do not allow signing in from a foreign country. Accessing corporate networks that do not allow VPN usage.

What happens if I turn off my VPN on my phone? ›

The More You Know: When you disable your VPN, all of your internet traffic becomes visible to your ISP. The websites you visit also see your real IP address, which is tied to your physical location. And if you're on public Wi-Fi, hackers connected to the same network can see and even steal your online data.

What happens when you turn on VPN on iPhone? ›

A virtual private network or VPN on an iPhones cloaks your IP address, location, device identifiers, and other online activity by encrypting your internet traffic.

How to keep VPN on all the time on iPhone? ›

One way to ensure that your iOS Device auto connects to the VPN is to enable “Connect on Demand” within your iOS VPN Settings, by going to General> VPN & Device Management> VPN> Private Internet Access.

Should I turn off VPN at night? ›

Since your VPN is your best form of protection against hackers and helps keep your information private, it's best to leave your VPN on whenever you're on the internet.

Can I turn a VPN on and off? ›

Tap Network & Internet. Tap More connection settings. Tap VPN. Under the VPN section, tap the toggle next to the VPN that you want to turn off.

Does running a VPN slow down internet? ›

A VPN will slow down your internet connection. With a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network), that slowdown should be unnoticeable. But no matter whether it is paid or free, a VPN will slow down your connection because it needs some of that bandwidth for encryption purposes. And without encryption, a VPN is just a VN.

Does Apple have a free VPN? ›

You can use Free VPN with your Apple ID on other iPhone, iPad and iPod devices. You can also register a unlimited number of devices. Free VPN, blocks 98% of ads, providing a better and seamless experience.

How do I know if my iPhone is connected to VPN? ›

To find out, search within settings for these words: VPN, profile, firewall, and filter.
  1. On iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, then swipe down to reveal the search field.
  2. On Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then use the search field in the corner of the window.
Apr 11, 2024

When should I use a VPN on my phone? ›

Yes, a VPN on your phone can enhance phone security, ensuring secure browsing. Consider that mobile phones are frequently connected to public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, and hotels. These Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can be exposed to cyberattacks, so you're better off with a VPN.

Should you disconnect a VPN when not in use? ›

It is not safe to disable a VPN, even when you're connected to your home network. Without a VPN, ISPs can see what you're doing online. However, if you really must disable your VPN, don't forget to turn it back on.

Should VPN be on or off on my phone? ›

Yes, You Should! A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that provides a secure Internet connection by using private servers in remote locations.

How do you know if your VPN is really working? ›

How do I check if a VPN is working? Visit websites such as WhatIsMyIP or IPLocation to see your original IP address. After connecting to a VPN, revisit the IP address checking website to recheck your IP address. The VPN works if the displayed IP address differs from your original IP address.

Should I use a VPN on mobile data? ›

Using a VPN on mobile data does come with certain advantages, for example, it allows you to bypass ISP throttling, keeps you safe online, and masks your browsing history from your ISP – all of this when away from home.

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