VPN for iPhone & iPad (UK, 2025) — Best Settings, Speed & Privacy

Quick setup (2 minutes)

1. Install NordVPN or Surfshark from the App Store.
2. In the app: set protocol to WireGuard/NordLynx, turn on Kill Switch (or “Auto-connect + Block non-VPN” where available) and enable Threat/Ad blocking if you use it.
3. Connect to a low-load UK server (London/Manchester). For travel, use the country you need.
4. Open your target app (Netflix, iPlayer). If you see an error, rotate UK servers and relaunch the app.

New to VPNs? Start with our intro: What is a VPN? and presets in Best VPN Settings (UK).

Which protocol on iOS?

• WireGuard/NordLynx — fastest for UK broadband/5G, quick reconnects after sleep/roaming. Use by default.
• IKEv2 — excellent roaming between Wi-Fi ⇄ 4G/5G, battery-friendly; keep as fallback if WG has issues on a specific network.

Deep dive: WireGuard vs OpenVPN vs IKEv2 (UK).

Best app settings (UK)

1) Core toggles

• Auto-connect: On. Trigger on Wi-Fi & mobile. Mark home Wi-Fi as trusted if you prefer manual control.
• Kill Switch / Block non-VPN: On. Prevents data leaks if the tunnel drops.
• Use provider DNS: On. Avoids ISP DNS and reduces “proxy/unblocker” errors.
• Threat/CleanWeb: Optional DNS-level filtering; keep it if you like cleaner browsing.

2) Server choice

• Prefer UK servers with low load for everyday use.
• When travelling, select the library you need (e.g., US for Hulu/Max). For reliability, rotate endpoints occasionally.

3) Per-app VPN (split tunneling) on iOS

Some providers allow per-app exclusions via profiles. Keep UK banking/work apps outside the tunnel if they are picky; keep browsers/streaming inside.

Router user? Consider a router-level VPN for your whole home and leave the phone on on-demand auto-connect. See VPN Router Setup (UK).

Streaming on iPhone & iPad (UK)

• Netflix UK/US: If you see a proxy message, rotate UK servers → relaunch the Netflix app → if on restrictive Wi-Fi, try OpenVPN TCP/443 (via a router or Mac hotspot), then return to WireGuard later. Full playbook: Netflix UK with a VPN.
• BBC iPlayer: Must be on UK IP, prefer recommended endpoints. See iPlayer guide.
• Smart TV handoff: AirPlay from iPhone to Apple TV with the VPN on, or use a router VPN. See VPN on Smart TV and Apple TV.

Battery & stability tips

• WireGuard is lighter on CPU vs legacy protocols; keep it default.
• Allow the VPN app to run in background; don’t force-quit — it reduces reconnection hiccups.
• Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi where possible; poor Wi-Fi causes renegotiations and extra battery use.
• Disable Low Data Mode on the Wi-Fi network if it interferes with streaming quality.

IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks on iOS

Run a quick leak check after the first install and after major updates. If a site shows your ISP DNS or real IP:

• Reconnect the VPN and ensure “Use provider DNS” is ON.
• Clear the app/browser cache for the service you’re trying to use.
• Switch server and retest. On captive portals (hotels), sign in before enabling the VPN.

Guide: IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks — UK.

Troubleshooting

General presets live in Best VPN Settings (UK). For routers: Router setup.

Video: iPhone VPN — fast UK presets