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? ›

Whether or not your VPN should be on all the time depends on how concerned you are with tracking, and whether or not your connection can handle the inevitable slowdown. If it can, then leave it on. Otherwise, use it only for sensitive activity.

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

It's not recommended that you turn off the VPN on your iPhone, but there are obvious times when you may need to. However, try your best to keep your VPN active when you're doing things online on public Wi-Fi networks or when you want to make sure your online privacy is protected.

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? ›

The exposure caused by turning off a VPN could lead to targeted advertising, tracking or even data breaches. This can be particularly risky when using a public Wi-Fi network. However, turning off your VPN could potentially result in faster data transfers and downloads.

Is there a downside to always using a VPN? ›

One of the primary concerns when using VPNs is the potential decrease in internet speed. Encrypting data and routing it through remote servers can introduce latency, resulting in slower connections.

Do I really need a VPN on my iPhone? ›

Many people have come to believe that Apple products are somehow hacker-proof. While this may be true to some extent, vulnerabilities still exist because no device is 100% immune to cyber threats. Therefore, if you care about the security of your private data, we recommend getting a reliable VPN for your iPhone.

Is it OK to always on VPN? ›

Yes, if you're looking for maximum security and privacy. However, if you're using a limited data plan, bear in mind that keeping a VPN running will increase your mobile data usage.

Is VPN good for daily use? ›

How Secure is a VPN? Using a reliable virtual private network (VPN) can be a safe way to browse the internet. VPN security can protect from IP and encrypt internet history and is increasingly being used to prevent snooping on by government agencies.

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.

Does a VPN drain the 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.

When should you turn off VPN? ›

Accessing the web from your native internet protocol (IP) address can be handy for troubleshooting connectivity issues, or if you wish to access local services like online banks. If you want to use a local area network (LAN) or access certain corporate networks, you will have to turn off your VPN.

Does the iPhone have a built-in VPN? ›

The iPhone doesn't have a built-in VPN but has VPN settings if you wish to build or install one. To make a VPN work, you would need to complete a manual setup and find a server to connect to, which is not an option for most users.

What does turning on VPN on iPhone do? ›

What does VPN do on iPhone? The main function of a VPN setting on an iPhone is to secure data sent to and from the device and ensure all web activity remains private. However, a VPN service can also be useful for circumventing geographical restrictions, accessing location-specific content,.

What happens if you don't use VPN? ›

Governments, advertisers, and hackers can sometimes try to monitor your web browsing history. Without a virtual private network (VPN), your internet service provider (ISP) may record your online activity and sell it to the highest bidder.

What is the main purpose of VPN? ›

A VPN, which stands for virtual private network, protects its users by encrypting their data and masking their IP addresses. This hides their browsing activity, identity, and location, allowing for greater privacy and autonomy.

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 keeping VPN on iPhone drain battery? ›

VPNs encrypt your internet traffic to increase your online security. This encryption process requires extra work from your device's processor, which consumes more battery power. The stronger the encryption (like AES 256-bit), the more battery drain you'll experience.

Should you always have VPN on your 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 slow down your iPhone? ›

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.

Can VPN be turned on and off? ›

A VPN is a convenient way to increase your privacy and security when you go online, as well as provide access to blocked content. But there are times when you'll want to turn it off—and there are various ways to do that. In general, you may turn a VPN on and off in the VPN app or in the device settings.

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