iPhone VPN Keeps Turning On (2025) – Quick & Easy Fixes!

Puzzled as to why your iPhone’s VPN keeps switching on by itself? Don’t delete your VPN app just yet. We’ve rounded up some potential causes and solutions to rectify the situation.

Most of us rely on our mobile devices for crucial tasks, like keeping track of doctor appointments or checking work emails. And it’s frustrating when the VPN on your iPhone keeps turning on for no reason.

Let’s look at the main reasons behind the frequent activation of your iPhone’s VPN and see what we can do to stop it from popping up when you don’t want it. We’ll break down each cause and offer easy-to-follow steps to end the constant VPN turning on.

Reasons Your iPhone VPN Keeps Turning On

Here are the three main reasons your VPN keeps turning on on your iPhone:

Outdated VPN Software

One common reason why a VPN keeps turning on your iPhone is an outdated VPN application. When the application is not updated to the latest version, it may cause compatibility issues, resulting in the VPN turning on frequently.

Update your VPN client to the latest version. This is a crucial step for many reasons, and it’s worth making a habit of it. Firstly, updating eliminates any lingering bugs or technical glitches from the previous version, ensuring a smooth and problem-free experience.

Secondly, an up-to-date VPN app ensures you benefit from the latest security and privacy upgrades. If you’re concerned about your privacy or security, having the latest version of the VPN client is essential.

Changes in Network Settings

Changes in network settings can also be why your VPN keeps turning on your iPhone unexpectedly. Network settings play a crucial role in operating a VPN on your phone. Even the slightest change in network settings can result in the VPN turning on frequently or not working at all.

Trusted Network and Kill Switch Features

Trusted networks act as a safeguard by disabling your VPN whenever your devices connect to networks previously designated as trustworthy. This makes it less of a hassle to disable the VPN tunnel whenever you connect to your WiFi and have to re-enable it afterward.

When you connect to a new network, the trusted network setting enables a VPN connection by default, just to be safe. This simple yet effective feature helps keep your online presence secure, ensuring your safety when browsing on unsecured networks.

The kill switch keeps your internet connection safe by completely cutting off access if anything disrupts your secure connection. For example, when you change your location and lose your connection because you’re out of the WiFi range, once you’re back in the WiFi range and your connection is restored, the VPN app automatically enables the kill switch to ensure you don’t accidentally connect to the network outside the VPN tunnel. This feature provides an extra layer of security so your activities remain safe despite interruptions.

Other security features can act similarly depending on your VPN provider. So, identify these settings and activate or disable them according to your needs.

How to Stop Your iPhone VPN from Turning On Automatically

The VPN automatically turning on can be resolved by identifying the cause and taking the appropriate steps.

Update Your VPN App

For an outdated VPN app, here’s how you can quickly get the latest version of the app on your iPhone and resolve the constant VPN activation:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.

2. Go to the search bar and type the VPN’s name.

3. If an update is available, tap to update the app.

If you consider the above process too long, uninstall and reinstall the iOS VPN app. The newly installed app should work smoothly since it’s the latest version.

Change Your Network Settings

Alternatively, if you’ve identified the problem to be modifications to your network settings, here’s how to manually fix it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Scroll to and click General.

3. Scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPhone.

4. Tap Reset and select Reset Network Settings.

Please note that this process will reset all previously saved passwords, Wi-Fi networks, and cellular and VPN settings. So, make sure to have these saved somewhere before resetting.

Disable Your VPN’s Kill Switch

Finally, if troubleshooting suggested the problem is from overzealous VPN security features, here’s how to fix it:

1. Launch the VPN app on your iOS device.

2. Navigate to the app’s iOS Settings tab or VPN profile.

3. Navigate to where you manage your security or network settings. For example, ExpressVPN’s kill switch is under Network Protection.

4. Find and tap the VPN’s kill switch option. Depending on your VPN provider, it may be a simple toggle or require a few extra steps.

Please note that VPN security features are designed to enhance your online safety. Disabling them could compromise your data and put you at risk, so make sure to carefully consider any changes you may want to make.

But ultimately, by following these steps, hopefully you’ve put an end to your VPN troubles.

Reasons to Consider a Good VPN for Your iPhone

A VPN offers more than just privacy and safety to iPhone users. It opens up many possibilities, for example, enhanced internet accessibility, smooth gaming experiences, and cost savings if you shop online frequently. The benefits of a good iPhone VPN connection include:

1. Online privacy and security: A good VPN provides privacy and safety by encrypting your internet traffic and protecting your online identity.
2. Access to restricted content: With a VPN, you can access websites, apps, and internet services that may be restricted in your region or network.
3. Protection from cyber threats: VPNs help protect your phone from hacking, phishing, and malware, as their networks filter some of these threats.
4. Secure public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi makes your personal data vulnerable to cyber-attacks. A VPN encrypts your information and makes it secure even when using unsecured networks.
5. Avoid Internet censorship: Some countries implement strict internet censorship and monitoring. A good VPN can help bypass these restrictions and prevent the ISP from knowing what you’re doing online.
6. Better online experience: A VPN can sometimes overcome bad routing from your ISP and improve your ping.
7. Protect your personal data: When using a VPN, your personal data is encrypted, making it difficult for others to access it. Your data includes your real IP address, what device you’re on, and even what browser you prefer.

How to Choose a Good iPhone VPN

The app’s quality is the most critical aspect to consider when searching for the ideal iPhone VPN. You want to choose a VPN provider with a user-friendly app designed explicitly for Apple devices. The app should be easy to navigate and use but still provide advanced options for those requiring more customization. In short, the app should work seamlessly on your iPhone device as on your computer.

Privacy and safety are also key considerations when selecting the right VPN for your iPhone, so choose a provider with robust security and a solid privacy policy. Also, consider the number of simultaneous connections you get access to. If you have multiple devices, being able to connect all of them under one subscription will save you a lot of money and hassle.

Server speeds are the next important thing to consider. Does the VPN provider use fast encryption protocols, and are its servers optimized to deliver the best connections? You shouldn’t notice any difference from your regular connection for day-to-day activities like browsing or streaming on your iPhone.

Another factor to consider is the number of VPN server locations offered by the VPN. More server locations provide more options for accessing geo-restricted content and websites. Also, the closer you are to the server, the faster your connection will be.

Consider whether the VPN service offers 24/7 customer support in case of any issues. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it really helps to know there’s someone you can trust on the other side.

Most premium VPNs offer a free trial or money-back guarantee, so you can test the service before committing to a full subscription. Why not take advantage of the offer if it’s there? If you don’t like it, you won’t lose anything.

The Best VPN Providers in 2025

Your online safety is crucial, and one of the easiest methods of enhancing it is to protect your online identity with a top VPN. To make things easy, we have shortlisted the three best VPNs of 2025—ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and PIA. These VPNs have excellent reviews and offer plenty of features for your subscription, making them the perfect choice for a safe and secure internet experience.

1. ExpressVPN

With lightning-fast speeds and a proven commitment to privacy, ExpressVPN is the go-to VPN provider for those who want the best of both worlds. Its powerful proprietary VPN protocol keeps your data safe, while its easy-to-use app makes it simple to connect and browse the web on almost any device.

2. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is the ultimate VPN solution for those who want a hassle-free and secure browsing experience but are also mindful of their budget. With its activity-specific servers, advanced encryption features, and user-friendly app, it’s no wonder that CyberGhost is one of the best VPN providers of 2023.

3. PIA

PIA, or Private Internet Access, is the ideal VPN solution for tech-savvy users who value privacy. PIA’s SOCKS5 proxy masks your VPN connection, so nobody will ever know you’re using a VPN.

Wrapping Up

A VPN that keeps turning on is common among iPhone users. However, this problem can be rectified with the proper understanding and steps. Whether the problem is due to an outdated VPN application, changes in network settings, or changes in security features, fixing the problem will dramatically improve your VPN experience on your iPhone.

To ensure your online safety, I highly recommend using a VPN. If you do, choose a trustworthy VPN provider with advanced features and a strong privacy policy, like ExpressVPN, PIA, or CyberGhost. These VPNs excel at protecting your online activity and personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic: About VPNs, How To Guides