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.

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.

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.

Is there a downside to always using a VPN? ›

Slower connection

The encryption process and routing your traffic through remote servers can slow down your internet connection. However, premium VPN services usually have fast protocols and a powerful infrastructure that make the speed drop barely noticeable.

Is it good to always have a VPN on your phone? ›

It makes you more secure.

The bank-grade encryption used by a strong VPN shields your data and information while it's in transit, which makes it terrifically difficult for hackers to spy on your connection. (Think of your data and information traveling through a tunnel that no one else can use or see into.)

Should iPhone VPN be on or off? ›

You should use a VPN on your iPhone because it further ensures your smartphone's security, keeps your online activities private and prevents IP-based tracking. As an added benefit, VPNs help you access your favorite content from your home country whenever you travel abroad.

When should you turn off VPN? ›

When you may need to turn off your VPN
  1. Banking: some banks may prohibit signing in from a foreign IP. ...
  2. At home: if your internet seems to be lagging and you need to get on that very important conference call, turning off your VPN for a while might be a good idea;

What are the disadvantages of always on VPN? ›

AO VPN works only with Windows 10. It is not supported for Windows 7 or other operating systems. While AO VPN does add extensive filtering options, no additional blocking technologies exist to prevent viruses or malware, such as crypto locker, from encrypting files.

Does VPN drain battery? ›

Although overall battery use was higher, the difference in the Android device's battery consumption with VPN vs. without VPN was comparable to the iPhone.

Is it safe to stay connected to a VPN? ›

A VPN connection is made through highly secure protocols at a level of encryption that has never been cracked. This, coupled with the anonymity of IP masking and location spoofing, renders your online presence nearly untraceable. If you or your organization handle sensitive information, then a VPN is a must.

When shouldn't I use VPN? ›

If you don't want your internet connection to be unpredictable at times, it's best not to download a VPN. Many reputable services can offer fast servers, but encrypting all your online activity can sometimes slow down connection speeds. The second most common downside to using a VPN is also linked to unpredictability.

What is the best free VPN for iPhone? ›

PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, Windscribe, Hotspot Shield, and Atlas VPN are some of the most trustworthy providers that offer completely free VPN apps for iPhone. You can use their free plan for as long as you want. They do not cost a single penny—and they don't ask for your credit card details, either.

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

Methods to Keep VPN On All the Time on iPhone

Create and install a VPN configuration profile on your iPhone. Enable the “Connect On Demand” option to automatically connect to the VPN whenever an internet connection is detected.

Can I turn my VPN on and off? ›

Most VPNs come with a software program or app from which you can manage the VPN. If you're using a Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS VPN, simply launch the VPN software and click, tap, or toggle the same button you used to enable it. The button might read Disconnect, Turn Off, or Stop, or it might just be a power icon.

Who really needs a VPN? ›

VPN use is important for online privacy whenever you're logging into the internet from a public spot because cyber snoops could track your online activity when you are using public Wi-Fi, whether it's on your computer or your mobile device.

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.

Is My iPhone safe without a VPN? ›

Stay safe in public Wi‑Fi networks

Your data is at risk when using free public Wi‑Fi without a VPN connection. Therefore, you are more vulnerable to hacking, spying and other forms of cyber crime. A VPN app encrypts your private data and hides it from outsiders, preying on victims in public networks.

What is the purpose of VPN in iPhone? ›

A “VPN on an iPhone” means a virtual private network you use on your iPhone to securely connect to the internet. A VPN service routes your traffic via remote VPN servers, hiding your IP address, so neither your internet provider nor other third parties can snoop on your online activity.

Does VPN slow down the 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 VPN turn off location on iPhone? ›

A VPN hides your iPhone's IP address and gives you a new one from one of its servers. Essentially, changing your IP address alters your phone's virtual location, so ISPs (internet service providers), Netflix, websites, and apps won't know where you really are.

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