How to use a VPN on iPad: setup steps

How to use a VPN on iPad

Install a VPN app from the App Store, sign in, tap Allow when iPadOS asks to add a VPN configuration, enter your passcode and tap connect. The VPN then covers every app on the iPad. iCloud Private Relay, which comes with iCloud+, is a Safari privacy feature and doesn't replace a VPN if you want all your apps covered or need to appear in another country.

What a VPN does on an iPad

A VPN app sends your iPad's internet traffic through an encrypted connection to a server the VPN company runs. The Wi-Fi network you're on, or your carrier on a cellular iPad, can see that you're using a VPN but not which sites and apps you use. The sites themselves see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours.

That matters most on public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes and airports, and when you want to appear to be in another country while you travel. A VPN doesn't stop phishing messages or protect an account with a weak password, and you're trusting the VPN company with the traffic your network used to see, so pick a provider with a clear privacy policy.

How to set up a VPN app on iPad

The App Store route works for almost everyone, and the steps are close to identical across providers. We'll use ExpressVPN as the example because its help center documents each screen. Its iPhone and iPad guide covers iOS and iPadOS 15 and above. Proton VPN's iPad app needs iPadOS 17 or later, so check the app's listing if your iPad is older.

Open the App Store, search for your VPN and tap Get.
Open the app, accept the terms and sign in with the account you created on the provider's website. ExpressVPN offers a code sent to your email, a login token or a passkey.
When iPadOS shows a message saying the app "Would Like to Add VPN Configurations", tap Allow. ExpressVPN says setup fails if you skip this.
Enter your iPad's passcode if asked. This confirms you're the one adding the VPN.
Tap the large power button to connect. ExpressVPN picks its "Fastest Location" unless you choose another, and shows "Protected" once you're connected.

Once it's connected, the VPN covers every app on the iPad, including Safari, Mail and streaming apps.

Choosing a server

In ExpressVPN, tap the Change box and pick from the Recommended or All Locations tab. The app connects to the new location by itself. Pick a nearby server for everyday use, because distance adds delay. If you're abroad and want your home country's websites, pick a server at home.

Turning it off

Tap the power button again. ExpressVPN shows "Not Protected" when you're disconnected. You can also turn the VPN on and off from the VPN section of the Settings app; search Settings for "VPN" if you can't spot it.

Settings worth checking

Open the VPN app's settings once. A kill switch blocks traffic if the VPN drops, so apps don't carry on over your normal connection without you noticing. Proton VPN's iPhone and iPad app includes one. Look for an auto-connect option too, so the VPN starts without you having to remember.

Setting up a VPN without an app

If your employer or school gives you VPN details instead of an app, you can add them in the Settings app. Apple's deployment guide says iPhone and iPad support IKEv2, L2TP over IPsec and Cisco IPsec connections natively, with no extra app. Ask your IT team for the server address, account name and the type of connection, then add a VPN configuration under the VPN section of Settings. Some workplaces send a configuration profile instead, which you install by tapping it and following the prompts.

Consumer VPN companies sometimes offer this route as well. Proton VPN, for example, publishes OpenVPN files you can import into the OpenVPN Connect app, but its own app is easier and has more features.

iCloud Private Relay is not a full VPN

iPads have a feature called iCloud Private Relay, which you get with an iCloud+ subscription. Apple describes it as a privacy feature for browsing in Safari. Your requests pass through two relays, your DNS lookups are encrypted, and Apple says no single party, Apple included, can see both who you are and which sites you visit.

It's worth turning on if you already pay for iCloud+, but it's designed around Safari rather than every app on the iPad, and Apple doesn't describe a way to pick a country. It's also not available in every country or region. If you want to protect all of your apps, or appear to be somewhere else, you still need a VPN app.

Can you use a free VPN on iPad?

You can. Proton VPN's free plan has no data or time limits and no ads, and covers one device. Streaming is a paid feature, so the free plan suits browsing and public Wi-Fi. Avoid free VPN apps that don't say who runs them or how they pay for their servers, since every page you load passes through those servers.

When a VPN causes problems

Some apps block VPN servers. Banking apps and streaming services are the usual ones. Try another server, or disconnect while you use that app.

Hotel and airport Wi-Fi often asks you to sign in on a web page first. If the VPN won't connect, turn it off, complete the Wi-Fi sign-in page, then connect again.

If websites load slowly, switch to a closer server or try a different protocol in the app's settings.

Which VPN to pick for iPad

Proton VPN and ExpressVPN use the same App Store app on iPhone and iPad, so one account covers both. Proton VPN is a good free start, Surfshark covers unlimited devices on one plan, and ExpressVPN's help center documents its app screen by screen. Our guide to the best VPN for iPhone compares current prices, trials and refund terms, and they apply to iPad too.

Questions people ask

Does the iPad have a built-in VPN?

The iPad can connect to IKEv2, L2TP over IPsec and Cisco IPsec VPNs without an app, but you need server details from an employer or a VPN provider. iCloud Private Relay is a separate Safari privacy feature for iCloud+ subscribers, and Apple doesn't describe it as a VPN.

Why does my iPad ask to add VPN configurations?

iPadOS asks before any app can set up a VPN on your device. Tap Allow and enter your passcode if asked. ExpressVPN says setup fails if you decline.

How do I turn off a VPN on iPad?

Tap the connect button in the VPN app again, or switch the VPN off in the VPN section of the Settings app. Search Settings for "VPN" if you can't find it.

Is iCloud Private Relay the same as a VPN?

No. Apple describes Private Relay as a privacy feature for browsing in Safari, sent through two relays so no single party sees both who you are and which sites you visit. It needs iCloud+, isn't available in every country or region, and Apple doesn't describe a way to choose a country.

Can I use a free VPN on iPad?

Yes. Proton VPN's free plan has no data or time limits and no ads, covers one device and runs on iPadOS 17 or later. Streaming support is a paid feature.

Does one VPN account cover my iPhone and iPad?

Usually. Proton VPN and ExpressVPN use the same App Store app on both, and you sign in with the same account. Check how many devices your plan allows at once; Surfshark allows unlimited connections.

Which iPadOS version do VPN apps need?

It depends on the app. Proton VPN needs iPadOS 17 or later, and ExpressVPN's setup guide covers iOS and iPadOS 15 and above. The App Store listing shows each app's requirement under Compatibility.