How to Change VPN on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your iPhone is a great way to enhance your online privacy and security. It encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it more difficult for others to track your online activity. But what if you want to switch to a different VPN server, network, or even a completely new VPN provider? This article will guide you through the process of changing your VPN connection on your iPhone.

Why Change Your VPN?

There are several reasons why you might need to change your VPN connection:

• Server Location: You might want to connect to a server in a different country to access region-restricted content or improve your connection speed.
• Connection Issues: If your current VPN server is slow or unreliable, switching to another server can resolve these issues.
• Switching Providers: If you’ve decided to try a different VPN service, you’ll need to change your VPN settings.
• Troubleshooting: Sometimes, simply switching your VPN off and on or to another server can fix connection problems.

How to Change Your VPN Connection on iPhone

Here’s how to change your VPN on an iPhone, depending on whether you want to switch servers, disable your current VPN, or change to a completely new service.

Method 1: Switching VPN Servers (within the Same App)

If you’re using a VPN app, changing servers is usually straightforward. Here are the steps:

1. Open the VPN App: Locate and open the VPN app that you’re currently using.
2. Disconnect from the Current Server: Look for a disconnect button or an option to stop the VPN connection. Usually, this is a large button labelled “Disconnect,” “Stop,” or something similar.
3. Choose a New Server: Navigate to the server selection screen. This might be labelled as “Servers,” “Locations,” or similar.
4. Select your New Server: Select the server location you wish to connect to. You might be able to filter servers by country or speed.
5. Connect to the New Server: Click the button to connect to the newly selected server. It might say “Connect,” “Start,” or something similar.
6. Verify the Connection: Check the app to ensure that it shows you’re connected to your new server and that the VPN status indicator (a “VPN” icon at the top of your screen) is present.

Method 2: Disabling and Re-enabling Your VPN

If you want to temporarily disable your VPN or restart it, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General: Scroll down and tap on “General.”
3. Tap on VPN & Device Management: Find and tap on “VPN & Device Management.”
4. Select your VPN: Tap on the VPN profile that you want to manage. This might be the name of your VPN provider or the profile you have installed.
5. Toggle the Status: You will see a slider next to “Status.” To disable your VPN, slide the switch to the left so that it turns grey and off. To re-enable your VPN, slide the switch to the right so that it turns green and on.
6. Return to your Homescreen: When you return to your homescreen, you should see the VPN icon appear in your status bar again.

Method 3: Changing to a Different VPN Provider

To switch to a different VPN provider, you’ll need to uninstall your current VPN app and install the new one:

1. Disconnect from Current VPN: Before changing the VPN, make sure that your current VPN is turned off using method 1 or 2 above.
2. Uninstall the Existing VPN App: Press and hold the icon for your old VPN app, tap on the cross (X) symbol, and then select delete to uninstall the app.
3. Download the New VPN App: Go to the App Store, search for the new VPN app, and install it.
4. Configure the New App: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions. This usually involves setting up an account and granting it permission to configure your VPN.
5. Select your Server and connect: In the new VPN app, choose your desired server and connect.
6. Verify the Connection: Check the app to make sure you’re connected to the new VPN server and the VPN icon appears on your status bar.

Tips for Choosing a VPN

• Read Reviews: Before committing to a VPN, read reviews and compare the features and pricing.
• Security Protocols: Look for VPNs that use strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
• Server Locations: Make sure that the VPN has servers in the locations that are most useful to you.
• No-Logs Policy: Choose a VPN that has a strict no-logs policy to ensure that they don’t keep records of your online activity.

Conclusion

Changing your VPN on an iPhone is a straightforward process whether you need to switch servers, temporarily disable the connection or change to a completely new provider. By following the steps in this guide you can ensure that your device is always connected to the best server location or service to meet your privacy and connectivity needs. Remember to always choose a reputable VPN service to ensure your online security.