What does VPN on the iPhone mean?
Definition
VPN on iPhone means the phone is connected to a network through a virtual private network (VPN), which is shown by a VPN icon in the status bar at the top of the screen.
- Category
- Security
- Also called
- iPhone VPN icon, VPN status icon
- Last updated
If you see "VPN" in the status bar of your iPhone, Apple's status icon guide says it means the iPhone is connected to a network using a VPN. A VPN sends your phone's internet traffic through another server, run by a VPN provider or by an employer or school, instead of straight from your connection.
Where the icon appears
The icon sits in the status bar. On iPhones with Face ID, further status icons are shown at the top of Control Center.
Why it might be on
You may have turned it on yourself through a VPN app. A work or school profile may also have set one up, or an app you installed may have added a VPN configuration when you approved it. If you did not set one up and do not recognize it, check which app or profile added it.
What it does and does not do
A VPN changes the route your traffic takes. It does not stop websites and apps from collecting data about you through accounts and cookies, and it does not remove your details from people-search sites.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Check where the VPN came from
Look in your VPN settings and your installed profiles for names you do not recognize.
- 2
Remove VPNs you do not use
Delete the configuration and the app of any VPN you no longer need.
- 3
Pick a provider you can look up
A VPN provider sees your traffic, so pick one with a clear privacy policy rather than a free app of unknown origin.
- 4
Keep personal details out of public listings
Serus finds where your address and phone number are listed and removes them, which a VPN cannot do.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Is the VPN icon on my iPhone bad?
No. It only means your iPhone is connected through a VPN. It is worth checking if you did not set one up.
Why does my iPhone show VPN when I did not turn it on?
An app, or a work or school profile, may have added a VPN configuration. Check the VPN settings and installed profiles.
Sources
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