How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone for Free (UK Guide 2025)

Why you’re really Googling “setup VPN on iPhone free”

If you’re searching for “setup VPN on iPhone free”, you’re probably in one of these camps:

• You want more privacy on public Wi‑Fi (uni, coffee shops, trains).
• You’re sick of apps spying on you and want a no‑app, built‑in solution.
• You just want to try a VPN without paying or handing over your card.
• You’re hoping a VPN will unblock streaming when you’re travelling.

This guide is written with a UK lens. I’ll walk you through:

• How to use iOS’s built‑in VPN settings (no third‑party app needed).
• Which free options are safe‑ish, and which are a hard no.
• How to use a premium VPN effectively “for free” with trials and refunds.
• Concrete, step‑by‑step instructions you can follow in a couple of minutes.

No fluff, no scare tactics – just what actually works on an iPhone in 2025.

Quick reality check: “free” VPN on iPhone, what does it really mean?

On iPhone, you’ve basically got three ways to get a VPN running without “paying” upfront:

1. Manual VPN setup using iOS Settings

   • Uses Apple’s built‑in VPN client.
   • Needs VPN server details from somewhere: your workplace, uni, home router, or a VPN provider.
   • No extra app, lighter on battery and RAM.

2. Free VPN apps from the App Store

   • Examples: “Free VPN”, “Turbo VPN”, “X VPN”‑style apps.
   • Often limited speed/data, lots of ads, unclear logging.
   • Simple to install; security is very hit‑and‑miss.

3. Premium VPN with a free trial or money‑back guarantee

   • NordVPN, Surfshark, etc. Sometimes offer 7‑day trials on iOS plus 30‑day money‑back via card.
   • You pay if you keep it, but if you cancel in time it ends up effectively “free” for a month.

Given the wave of recent cyber attacks on big brands and infrastructure worldwide, including sophisticated breaches reported by major news outlets in late 2025, relying on shady free VPN apps to protect everything on your phone is… optimistic at best. Serious attackers are getting smarter; your VPN shouldn’t be the weak link.

So the trick is: use free where it’s safe, and don’t cheap out where it can properly bite you.

Option 1: Set up a VPN on iPhone manually (no third‑party app)

If you hate extra apps or you’re on an older iPhone that already feels a bit tired, manual setup is a strong move. iOS has its own VPN client built in.

You’ll need VPN configuration details first:

• From work/uni: IT will give you:
  • Server address (e.g. vpn.yourcompany.com)
  • Your username and password
  • Sometimes a certificate file or shared secret
• From a VPN provider:
  • Most decent VPNs (like Surfshark, NordVPN) let you download manual config files (IKEv2, OpenVPN) in your account dashboard.
  • You still need a paid account, but the connection itself uses only Apple’s VPN client, not their app.

Step‑by‑step: IKEv2 manual VPN setup on iPhone

This is the simplest and most stable method for most people:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to VPN & Device Management (on some versions it’s under General → VPN & Device Management).
3. Tap VPN → Add VPN Configuration…
4. Under Type, pick IKEv2.
5. Fill in the fields:
   • Description: anything you like (e.g. “Work VPN” or “Surfshark London”).
   • Server: the hostname or IP you were given.
   • Remote ID: usually the same as the server (check your provider’s guide).
   • Local ID: often left blank unless your IT team says otherwise.
6. Under User Authentication, select Username.
   • Enter the Username and Password from your admin or provider.
7. Proxy: leave it as Off, unless your IT docs say otherwise.
8. Tap Done (top right).

To connect:

• Go back to Settings.
• You should now see a VPN toggle near the top.
• Switch it On – when the VPN icon appears in the status bar, you’re good.

Why bother with manual setup?

A few solid reasons:

• No third‑party app: fewer trackers, no in‑app ads.
• Better performance: VPN apps can be hungry – they keep background services running, handle smart routing, etc. Manual IKEv2 profiles are lean.
• Tighter control: you see exactly which VPNs are on your phone and how they’re configured.

Downside? You still need a trustworthy VPN server somewhere. Using random “free config files” you find on forums is a massive privacy risk. Treat them like you would a stranger asking for your bank PIN.

Option 2: Using “free VPN” apps on iPhone – the good, the bad, the ugly

Let’s be honest: free VPN apps are popular because they’re one tap from the App Store and don’t ask for money.

But there’s a catch:

• Servers cost money.
• Bandwidth costs money.
• Engineers cost money.

So if you aren’t paying for it, you’re the product:

• Many free VPNs inject ads and trackers directly into the app.
• Some log your usage and sell anonymised data to advertisers.
• Speed and data limits can be brutal: think 500MB per day or super‑congested servers.

Security‑wise, this is especially worrying now that we’re seeing more stories about hackers hijacking public systems and misusing networks for spam, fake alerts and other nonsense. You really don’t want your data in a massive log file somewhere just waiting for the wrong people.

When a free VPN app is “good enough”

If all of this applies, a free VPN app might do:

• You just need a quick extra layer on random café Wi‑Fi.
• You’re not logging into banking, NHS accounts or sensitive work systems.
• You accept data caps and the occasional disconnect.

Look for:

• A clear no‑logs policy on their site.
• A business model that makes sense (e.g. a limited free tier of a known paid VPN).
• Minimal permissions (they don’t need your contacts or precise GPS to run a VPN).

If you open the app and it blasts you with pop‑ups, sketchy ads and constantly pushes for full‑screen video ads, delete it. That’s not a privacy tool; that’s an ad delivery platform wearing a VPN hat.

Option 3: Using a premium VPN “for free” (trials & refunds)

Here’s the slightly sneaky but very practical approach a lot of UK users take:

• Sign up with a reputable VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark.
• Install the iOS app.
• Use the 7‑day free trial (where offered) and/or the 30‑day money‑back guarantee.
• Cancel in time if you don’t want to keep it.

You end up with proper speeds, streaming support and audited security for at least a few weeks, which covers:

• Short trips abroad where you still want to watch your usual UK services (subject to each service’s terms).
• A stint of working remotely where you don’t fully trust the local networks.
• Testing whether a VPN actually solves your problem before committing.

Recent VPN deal coverage in late 2025 has highlighted how aggressively big names are cutting prices, especially around Black Friday and similar sales. One widely reported promotion showed NordVPN pushing very low monthly costs for long‑term plans, plus extras like password managers. The takeaway: the “real” price of strong privacy tools has come down a lot, so even if you stay past the free period, you’re not shelling out a fortune.

Step‑by‑step: using a premium VPN app on iPhone (NordVPN example)

Let’s walk through it with NordVPN, since it’s heavily recommended for speed and streaming in many recent comparisons.

1. Get the app

   • Open the App Store, search for NordVPN.
   • Tap Get and install.

2. Sign up / log in

   • Open NordVPN.
   • Sign up with email or continue with Apple ID.
   • If there’s a free trial offer on iOS in the UK, you’ll see it during signup.

3. Allow VPN permissions

   • iOS will pop up: “NordVPN” would like to add VPN configurations.
   • Tap Allow and confirm with Face ID/Touch ID or your passcode.

4. Connect

   • Tap Quick Connect for the app to pick the fastest UK server.
   • Or choose a country manually (e.g. a server closer to where you physically are when travelling).

5. Use the VPN toggle in Settings

   • After the first connection, iOS adds a VPN toggle directly in Settings.
   • You can turn NordVPN on/off there without opening the app every time.

If you later decide it’s not for you:

• Go to Nord Account → Subscription in‑app (or via their website).
• Cancel before the billing date / refund window ends.
• On iPhone, also cancel any App Store subscription to avoid renewal.

You’ve effectively had a fully featured VPN – good speeds, obfuscated servers, streaming‑friendly – for free during that period, with none of the ad‑driven chaos of random free apps.

Manual vs free vs premium: quick snapshot for iPhone users

In short: manual setup is ace if you already have a good VPN or a work profile, free apps are the “emergency backup”, and premium with a refund window is the comfortable middle ground for proper privacy and streaming.

How to use a VPN on iPhone without killing your battery or speed

Even a decent VPN can feel annoying if it trashes your battery or makes 5G feel like dial‑up. A few tips that work well for UK users:

• Use IKEv2 or WireGuard‑style protocols

  • IKEv2 (via manual profiles) and modern protocols like WireGuard or NordLynx are built for mobile.
  • They handle network switches (Wi‑Fi → 4G/5G) much better than older OpenVPN UDP/TCP setups.

• Avoid “double VPN” and heavy extras on mobile

  • Features like multi‑hop and always‑on obfuscation are great, but they use more CPU.
  • For normal use on an iPhone, a single, well‑chosen server is fine.

• Pick nearby servers

  • If you’re in Manchester, a London or Amsterdam server will usually beat something on the other side of the world.
  • Only go further afield when you specifically need that location.

• Use auto‑connect rules

  • Most apps let you say “auto‑connect on unsecured Wi‑Fi only”.
  • That way, you’re not burning battery on a rock‑solid home fibre connection where you mostly trust the network.

Is a VPN actually worth it for iPhone in the UK?

Short answer: for a lot of people, yes – if you use it properly.

Here’s what you realistically get on an iPhone in 2025:

• Protection on sketchy Wi‑Fi

  • Airports, hotels, student halls – you never really know who’s sniffing traffic.
  • Recent reports of hackers abusing public systems to push spam and fake alerts are a good reminder that not everyone plays nice on shared networks.

• More privacy from trackers and providers

  • Your ISP and some apps see less of what you’re doing.
  • That doesn’t make you invisible, but it cuts down the easy profiling.

• More consistent access when travelling

  • Whether it’s catching UK sport or your usual entertainment abroad, a reliable VPN can be the difference between watching live and hunting for dodgy streams.
  • Tech sites covering streaming tutorials now routinely include “get a good VPN” as step one – not just for access, but also for security.

What a VPN doesn’t fix:

• It won’t make you anonymous on social media if you’re logged into your accounts.
• It doesn’t replace good antivirus or sensible behaviour (phishing links are still phishing links).
• It doesn’t magically legalise things that are illegal.

Think of it like: a strong, flexible tunnel, not an invisibility cloak.

MaTitie Show Time: why MaTitie won’t shut up about VPNs

MaTitie time. If we hang out in person, this is the bit where I start waving my phone around.

Here’s the deal: your iPhone is probably the device you trust the most – banking, dating, work chats, health apps, your entire life. Meanwhile:

• Public Wi‑Fi is a mess.
• Apps hoover up more data than ever.
• Streaming platforms and websites are getting more picky about who they let in.

That’s why I personally lean on a proper VPN, rather than gambling on random free apps. Among the big names, NordVPN keeps coming up for three reasons that actually matter in day‑to‑day UK use:

1. Speed – 4K streams and big downloads don’t feel like punishment.
2. Privacy – independent audits and a real, enforceable no‑logs policy.
3. Usability – the iOS app is clean, and the “quick connect” button just works.

If you want to try a grown‑up VPN without committing long‑term, NordVPN’s 30‑day money‑back guarantee is basically an extended free test drive. Set it up on your iPhone, run it for a few weeks on your usual networks, and see if the experience matches the hype.

🔐 Try NordVPN – 30-day risk-free

If you buy through that link, MaTitie earns a small commission at no extra cost to you – which helps keep guides like this independent and ad‑light.

FAQ: quick answers to questions people DM about free iPhone VPNs

1. Is there a 100% free and safe VPN for iPhone that you’d actually trust with banking or work logins?

In all honesty, no.

Completely free VPNs have to make money somehow – usually through:

• Ads and trackers in the app.
• Selling aggregated usage data.
• Upsells that push you into a paid tier anyway.

They can be fine for light, low‑risk browsing (reading news on public Wi‑Fi, casual social media), but for banking, work logins, health records? I’d pass.

For that stuff, use a reputable paid VPN (NordVPN, Surfshark, etc.) and treat the 30‑day money‑back period as your “free” time while you test it properly.

2. What’s safer on iPhone: a free VPN app or manually adding a VPN profile from my provider?

Nine times out of ten, manual profile wins.

• Manual IKEv2 profile from a trusted provider/workplace:

  • Runs via Apple’s own VPN stack.
  • Minimal background services.
  • No ad SDKs, no push to over‑collect data.

• Random free VPN app:

  • Often wants extra permissions.
  • Bundles third‑party ad networks.
  • You have no idea what’s happening server‑side.

If you have the option, ask your provider or IT team for manual setup instructions and avoid installing extra apps unless you actually need their advanced features.

3. Can a free iPhone VPN help with streaming like DAZN or iPlayer when I’m abroad?

Sometimes, but don’t rely on it.

Streaming platforms are very good at spotting overused free VPN IPs. Once an address is on their naughty list, everyone using that free VPN server is blocked in one go.

Premium VPNs invest heavily in:

• Large IP pools.
• Specialised streaming servers.
• Fast switching when something gets blocked.

That’s why recent DAZN VPN round‑ups and streaming guides almost always focus on paid providers: they’re the only ones that can consistently keep up with the cat‑and‑mouse game.

So if streaming is your main reason for a VPN, you’ll save yourself a lot of pain by using a premium VPN during its trial/refund period instead of bouncing between sketchy free apps.

Further reading on security, streaming and online privacy

If you want to dig deeper into the wider context around VPNs and online security, these pieces are worth a look:

• “How to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 online — start time, line-up, streaming details” – Tom’s Guide (27 Nov 2025)
  Read on Tom’s Guide

• “How Hackers Are Hijacking Public Radio Systems to Send Obscene Messages, Fake Alerts” – Republic World (27 Nov 2025)
  Read on Republic World

• “Outil de transparence, la localisation des internautes sur X sert aussi la désinformation” – Franceinfo (27 Nov 2025)
  Read on Franceinfo

These aren’t VPN tutorials, but they show how location data, public systems and online identities are increasingly intertwined – and why tools like VPNs are now part of basic digital hygiene.

Honest CTA: if you want the easy route…

If you’ve read this far, you probably care about more than just shaving 20p off your data bill. You want:

• Decent protection on public Wi‑Fi.
• Less snooping from apps and providers.
• Smooth streaming and browsing without constant buffering.

You can cobble this together with manual configs and free apps, but if you just want it to work on your iPhone, a polished service like NordVPN is the path of least resistance:

• Very fast servers, including plenty close to the UK.
• Strong, audited no‑logs stance.
• Straightforward iOS app with auto‑connect and useful defaults.
• A 30‑day money‑back guarantee, so you can treat the first month as a test drive.

My suggestion: install it, use it everywhere you’d normally feel a bit uneasy (public Wi‑Fi, travel, hotel networks) for a few weeks, and see if it actually improves your day‑to‑day. If not, get your money back and you’ve at least learned what you do and don’t want from a VPN.

Disclaimer

This article blends publicly available information with AI‑assisted writing and human review. It’s for general education, not legal, financial, or security advice. VPN offers, app features and streaming policies change regularly, so always double‑check critical details with the official provider before you rely on them.