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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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.

Should my VPN be on iPhone? ›

Whether you're accessing public Wi-Fi networks or simply want more privacy online, installing a VPN onto your iPhone can help you to maintain your digital security and privacy.

Does VPN slow down my iPhone? ›

Does a VPN slow down your internet on your iPhone? Yes, a VPN will slow down the internet speed on iPhones. Some more than others, depending on the device's capabilities. If your device is running slower with a VPN than usual, check out how to fix slow connection issues on iOS.

Is there a downside to always using a VPN? ›

One reason why you may not want to use a VPN is because it could slow down your internet connection speed significantly. There are several factors that affect your internet speeds when using a VPN, including the fact that a VPN encrypts your data and routes it through different servers, which slows down the process.

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.

Why does my iPhone keep using VPN? ›

Persistent VPN connectivity on iPhone could be due to auto-connect settings, VPN profiles, network settings, app background activity, or iOS VPN integration.

Do Apple users need VPN? ›

Typically, you shouldn't need a VPN. A VPN can help you to hide your location or access certain content (like content on a company intranet for your employer). If you're worried about privacy and you subscribe to iCloud+ you can use Private Relay.

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.

Does VPN interfere with Wi-Fi? ›

While VPNs, or virtual private networks, are great at protecting your privacy, there's an unavoidable trade-off: slower internet speeds, often by 50% or more. It's the nature of how VPNs work, where your data has to bounce to another server to be encrypted, and there's really no way around it.

Does VPN drain iPhone battery faster? ›

Everything you do on your smartphone or laptop drains the battery, so yes, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) does drain the battery. It's simple, really: a VPN needs the power to do all the encryption and decryption, something it must do every time you do anything online.

Does VPN affect phone calls? ›

Remember, only internet data is encrypted.

As a result, your VPN will not encrypt your standard voice calls or texts. For voice encryption, use voice over IP (VoIP) services. Phone features like Wi-Fi calling and services like Skype and LINE use the internet for calls.

Should you disconnect 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? ›

Should I Run a VPN on My iPhone or Android Smartphone? Yes, You Should! A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that provides a secure Internet connection by using private servers in remote locations. All data traveling between your computer, smartphone or tablet and the VPN server is securely encrypted.

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.

Do you need VPN on home Wi-Fi? ›

Using a VPN at home is preferable, advised even, but it isn't always essential. The main reason it may not be necessary, is that your internet activity should already be shielded by your password-protected Wi-Fi network. The other concern is connecting to a remote server can slow your connection speed.

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