How To Use a VPN on an iPhone (With Step-by-Step Instructions) | All About Cookies

As a cybersecurity expert with over a decade of experience in cloud data security, I‘m fascinated by all aspects of the internet and emerging technologies. In this post, I‘ll provide an in-depth guide on how to use a VPN on an iPhone, as well as an expert-level overview of cookies – two integral topics when it comes to online privacy and security.

An Introduction to VPNs on iPhones

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a must-have for any iPhone user concerned about their privacy and security online. VPNs work by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server run by the VPN provider. This hides your real IP address and location, preventing hackers, your internet provider, and even government agencies from tracking your online activities.

VPNs provide several key benefits for iPhone users:

• Securing Public Wi-Fi Connections: Using public Wi-Fi at cafes or airports can expose your data to snooping. A VPN secures these connections.

• Accessing Restricted Content: VPNs can bypass geographic restrictions to access content not available in your country. Great for traveling or unblocking sites.

• Streaming Overseas Content Libraries: Connect to servers in other countries to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming service‘s regional libraries.

• Enhanced Privacy: Your iPhone VPN hides your real IP address and location for greater anonymity online. Prevents tracking by sites, ads, and ISPs.

While iPhones don‘t have a built-in VPN client, it‘s easy to set one up using a third-party VPN app or manual configuration. Let‘s look at both options.

Setting Up a VPN App on iPhone

The simplest way to get a VPN running on your iPhone is by installing one from the App Store. Here are some of the top providers with iPhone apps:

• ExpressVPN: Excellent speeds, best-in-class encryption, and easy-to-use apps. Works seamlessly for streaming and security.

• NordVPN: Great value, 5200+ servers worldwide, and extra security features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN. Reliable performance.

• Surfshark: Affordable pricing, unlimited device connections, solid speeds, and access to over 3200 servers. Great for new VPN users.

• ProtonVPN: Secure Swiss provider with a free basic plan. Easy to use with streaming access and standard security features.

• CyberGhost: User-friendly interface and great unblocking abilities. Extra features like ad blocking and tracking prevention.

Follow these steps to set up a VPN app for your iPhone:

1. Download the app from the App Store. Search for your chosen VPN provider and tap Get/Install.

2. Launch the app and tap to create or log into your account. Sign up if it‘s your first time using the service.

3. Log in using your account credentials. Many VPNs support social logins via Google, Facebook, etc.

4. Connect to your optimal server location. Most VPNs have a "Quick Connect" button that will automatically select the best server.

5. Allow the VPN connection when prompted. Tap Allow to give the VPN permission to route your traffic through its servers.

That‘s all there is to it! The VPN app will encrypt your connection and shield your online activities from prying eyes.

Now let‘s look at manually configuring a VPN for your iPhone.

Manually Setting Up a VPN on iPhone

Every iPhone has built-in support for VPN protocols like IKEv2, IPSec, and L2TP/IPSec. By entering your VPN provider‘s connection settings, you can manually establish an encrypted VPN tunnel.

Here‘s how to set up a VPN without installing a third-party app:

1. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management

2. Tap Add VPN Configuration

3. Enter a Description, like "My VPN"

4. Select a Type (protocol) like IKEv2 or IPSec

5. Enter the Server IP address or URL from your VPN provider

6. Enter your Account info (username, password)

7. Tap Done to save the VPN connection details

8. Tap the new VPN configuration to connect it

That covers the basics of manually configuring a VPN on your iPhone. You‘ll need to get the required connection details like server addresses and protocols from your VPN‘s website.

The main advantage of manually setting up a VPN is avoiding installing a third-party app. However, VPN apps give you access to more features and typically connect faster.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Your iPhone

With hundreds of VPN providers out there, how do you choose the right one for your iPhone? Here are the key factors to consider:

• Speed: Look for VPNs with consistently fast speeds to avoid buffering and lag, especially for streaming.

• Reliability: Choose a VPN that offers robust coverage across many servers and countries. This prevents outages.

• Security: VPNs should use AES-256 military-grade encryption and features like a kill switch, zero-logging policies, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection.

• Cost: VPN services range from $2 to $10+ per month. Balance features with your budget constraints. Many offer sales or discounted multi-year plans.

• Unblocking Abilities: If you want to access geo-restricted content, test if the VPN can unblock popular streaming platforms consistently.

• Simultaneous Connections: To use your VPN on multiple devices, including laptops and tablets, pick one that allows for 5+ simultaneous connections.

• Mobile Optimization: Look for VPNs that offer dedicated apps for iPhone/iOS to ensure the best speeds and performance.

Based on these criteria, some of the top iPhone VPN choices are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost. Each excels in certain areas like speed, security, or cost.

Installing a VPN on Your Router for iPhone Coverage

If you want every device that connects to your home Wi-Fi network to be secured by your VPN, one option is installing it onto your router.

Benefits of a VPN router include:

• All devices benefit from the VPN, including smart home gadgets and consoles.

• No need to manually set up the VPN on each device.

• Often supports more simultaneous connections than just using a VPN app.

However, there are a few steps involved:

1. Pick a VPN Service: Select one that provides setup guides for your router model. Some good choices are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark.

2. Check Router Compatibility: Your router needs DD-WRT, Tomato, or OpenWRT firmware to support VPN installation. If not compatible, buy a pre-configured VPN router.

3. Flash Firmware: Follow a guide to flash new firmware if your router doesn‘t have it pre-installed. This opens up VPN support.

4. Configure VPN: Use your service‘s router guide to enter the VPN credentials into your router‘s admin interface. Enable the VPN tunnel.

5. Test Connection: Connect a device to your router‘s Wi-Fi and visit an IP address checking site to confirm your IP is masked by your VPN.

It takes a bit more effort to set up a VPN on a router, but it secures all Wi-Fi traffic for maximum privacy, great for a household of devices. Contact your VPN provider‘s support for help.

Common iPhone VPN Questions

To wrap up this guide, let‘s review some frequently asked questions about using VPNs on iPhones:

Is it safe to have a VPN on my iPhone?

Yes, iPhone VPNs from reputable providers are extremely safe to use. They encrypt your traffic without slowing your device down or impacting performance.

Does the iPhone have a built-in VPN?

No, you need to use a third-party VPN provider. But iPhones make it easy to configure and connect these external VPN services.

What‘s the best free VPN for iPhone?

ProtonVPN has a free plan with unlimited data on one device. Speeds are slower than paid VPNs, but it provides basic encryption and privacy for casual use.

Do I need a VPN for my iPhone if I have one on my router?

If your router already has a VPN enabled, your iPhone will benefit from encryption when connected to Wi-Fi so you don‘t need to also run a VPN app.

Can I use a VPN when mobile data is enabled on my iPhone?

Yes, VPN apps secure all network traffic, including mobile data from your cell provider. However, VPNs use more data so keep an eye on usage.

What happens if I disable my iPhone VPN?

Your connection will revert to being unencrypted and your real IP will be exposed. You lose the benefits of anonymity and secured Wi-Fi access without your VPN running.

The Bottom Line

Adding a trusted VPN service delivers tremendous privacy and security advantages for regular iPhone users. Whether accessing public Wi-Fi on-the-go, streaming overseas content, or simply browsing the web, a VPN keeps your data secure.

The process is straightforward – most VPNs offer user-friendly iPhone apps that you can setup in just minutes. I recommend starting with a top provider like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Both provide excellent speeds, robust platform support, and easy-to-use mobile apps.

For the ultimate protection, installing your VPN onto a compatible router encrypts all traffic, from iPhones and laptops to smart home devices. As more of our lives move online, a quality Virtual Private Network is one of the best investments you can make to keep your digital footprint safe.

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your computer or mobile device when you visit them. But what exactly are cookies, how do they work, and what do they do? In this guide aimed at beginners, I‘ll provide an overview of cookie basics, discuss how cookies are used to track you across the web, and explain your options for managing cookies on your iPhone.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are tiny pieces of data stored as text files within your web browser. They record information about your visit to a website, like login details or preferences you select. When you return to that site later, it can retrieve this cookie data to remember you.

Some key facts about cookies:

• Stored locally on your device by websites you visit.

• Can contain info like usernames, shopping cart items, ads clicked, etc.

• Used to recognize repeat visitors and customize sites based on previous activity.

• Can only be accessed by the site that created them, not other sites.

• Generally harmless and essential for many website features, but can also be used for tracking.

Cookies were introduced in 1994 to help websites offer useful functionality like shopping carts and recommendations based on past browsing behavior. They remain integral to the user experience today.

How Do Cookies Work?

When you first visit a website, it sends a cookie request to your web browser asking to store a cookie file. If your browser accepts, the cookie is saved onto your device.

When you go back to that website later, your browser automatically sends the cookie data back to the site. The website can then use that information in various ways, like:

• Logging you into an account automatically.

• Remembering products you added to a shopping cart.

• Saving your preferences and settings for the site.

• Personalizing content based on pages you previously visited.

• Identifying your device to serve targeted ads.

Cookies enhance your experience on many websites. But as we‘ll discuss, they can also be used to monitor and profile your web activity extensively.

Session vs Persistent Cookies

There are two main types of cookies – session and persistent:

Session cookies: Only stored until you close your browser. Used for short-term tasks like keeping you logged into a website while browsing between pages. Deleted when the browsing session ends.

Persistent cookies: Remain saved on your device for much longer – weeks, months, or even years. Used for remembering long-term info like website preferences. Expire based on a timeframe set by the site.

Session cookies pose fewer privacy risks because they‘re deleted quickly. Persistent cookies have more potential for tracking since they persist indefinitely.

First-Party vs Third-Party Cookies

Another way cookies are categorized is by who places them on websites:

First-party cookies: Set by the site you‘re directly visiting. For example, Nike.com cookies saved when on the Nike website. Tend to serve functional purposes.

Third-party cookies: Placed on sites by outside parties, like advertisers and social media widgets. Allow tracking of your activity across multiple different websites.

Blocking third-party cookies is a good first step towards limiting cookie-based tracking of your web browsing behavior.

How Cookies Are Used for Tracking

While cookies open up useful functionality, there are also ways they can compromise your privacy:

• Ad companies partner with websites to place targeted ads. They use cookies to build advertising profiles based on your web browsing habits.

• Websites include "social buttons" like Facebook Like/Share. The social networks use cookies to gather data on your interests and pages visited.

• Cookie tracking spans many sites. Ad and social cookies placed on one site can be used to monitor your browsing on entirely unrelated websites.

• Unique cookie ID‘s assigned to each device allow companies to connect your web history into personalized profiles.

• Geolocation data, device fingerprints, and other identity markers are paired with cookie IDs for detailed tracking.

• Browsing data from cookie tracking feeds user analytics and contributes to targeted advertising systems.

Cookie tracking has allowed an enormous digital ad industry to thrive, but at the expense of user privacy. Fortunately, steps like using a browser privacy mode, VPN, tracker blockers, and intelligent cookie settings can mitigate risks.

How to Manage iPhone Cookies

Managing the cookies that get stored on your iPhone is key to maintaining better privacy. Here are your main options:

Browser Privacy Settings

In Safari, you can block all third-party cookies and clear existing cookies using Settings > Safari > Block All Cookies. Enable tracker blockers as well.

VPN

Using a VPN blocks advertisers from seeing your true IP address and hides your browsing activity from snooping, including cookie tracking.

Private Browsing

Safari‘s private mode prevents sites from setting persistent cookies. However, sites can still track your session using temporary cookies.

Cookie Manager Tools

Specialized browser extensions like Cookie AutoDelete for Safari automatically clearcookies after each browsing session for enhanced privacy.

Ad Blockers

Blockers like 1Blocker not only stop ads, but also prevent advertiser cookies that use tracking and fingerprinting scripts.

Limit Sharing

Be selective when providing apps, social media, and sites access to your data. Limit location services, notifications, contacts, and photos where possible.

Browse Anonymously

When you want to be truly anonymous, use the Tor browser, which blocks all cookies and hides your IP address and location.

Opt Out of Tracking

Some sites let you opt out of targeted advertising. But this only stops that specific company from using your data, not wider tracking.

Being diligent about managing iPhone cookies takes effort but is worthwhile to protect your privacy as you browse the web. Take advantage of built-in tools like Safari’s settings while also using extensions, VPNs, and intelligent privacy practices for comprehensive cookie control.

Conclusion

Cookies play a vital role in offering personalized, functional websites – but also enable extensive tracking of our browsing histories for profiling. Finding the right balance means selectively using cookies where beneficial while limiting third-party tracking cookies from advertisers and social networks.

Take time to understand the cookie landscape and use the tools available, from adjusted settings to cookie managers and VPNs, to gain more control. It takes vigilance to manage cookies amid ever-evolving technologies, but doing so successfully means your privacy remains secure as you enjoy all the web has to offer.