How to change your VPN on iPhone

You change a VPN on iPhone by going to Settings, tapping VPN, and selecting a different configuration from your list of saved VPNs. If you have only one VPN set up, you'll need to add a second one before you can switch between them. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't require restarting your phone.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're using a VPN app from the App Store or a manual VPN profile you added yourself. Most people use a VPN app, which handles the switching automatically. Manual profiles require you to toggle them on and off through Settings.

Key Takeaways

  • VPN apps from the App Store let you switch between servers or locations by opening the app and tapping a button, without touching Settings.
  • Manual VPN profiles (added through Settings directly) require you to go back to Settings, tap VPN, and toggle between configurations.
  • You can have multiple VPN configurations saved at once, but only one can be active on your iPhone at any given time.
  • Switching VPNs disconnects your current connection and establishes a new one, which takes a few seconds.
  • If a VPN app stops working after an iOS update, deleting and reinstalling it usually fixes the problem.

Switching between VPN apps

If you installed a VPN through the App Store, switching is the fastest method. Open the VPN app itself, find the server or location list, and tap the one you want. The app handles the disconnection and reconnection automatically. You don't need to open Settings at all.

Most VPN apps show your current connection status on their home screen and let you see a list of available servers or regions. Some apps organize servers by country; others let you pick a specific city or server number. The exact layout depends on which VPN provider you use, but the principle is the same: tap the server you want, and the app switches to it.

If you have multiple VPN apps installed (for example, one from ExpressVPN and one from NordVPN), you can only run one at a time. Activating one will automatically disconnect the other. This is a limitation of iOS, not a problem with the apps themselves.

Switching between manual VPN profiles in Settings

If you added a VPN profile manually through Settings rather than using an app, you switch by going back to Settings. Tap Settings, then VPN, then tap the profile name you want to use. A checkmark appears next to the active profile.

To disconnect a manual VPN entirely, go to Settings > VPN and toggle the switch next to the profile name to off. The switch turns gray when the VPN is disconnected. You can turn it back on the same way.

Manual profiles are less common now because most VPN services provide an app instead. If you're not sure whether you have a manual profile or an app, check your home screen for a VPN app icon. If you don't see one, you probably have a manual profile.

Adding a second VPN if you only have one

If you want to switch between VPNs but have only one set up, you need to add another. The easiest way is to download a second VPN app from the App Store. Search for the VPN provider's name, install it, and sign in with your account. You can then switch between the two apps whenever you want.

If you're adding a manual VPN profile instead, go to Settings > VPN > Add VPN Configuration. You'll need the VPN server address, protocol type, username, and password from your VPN provider. This method is more technical and most people don't need to do it.

What happens when you switch VPNs

When you change from one VPN to another, your iPhone disconnects from the first VPN and connects to the second. This process usually takes three to ten seconds. During the switch, you have no VPN protection for a brief moment, though this gap is too short to matter for most purposes.

Your internet speed may change when you switch VPNs because different providers use different servers and infrastructure. If one VPN feels slower than another, the difference is usually due to server location or server load, not the app itself. Switching to a server closer to your actual location often improves speed.

Troubleshooting VPN switching problems

If a VPN app won't let you switch servers or keeps disconnecting, try closing the app completely and reopening it. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer iPhones) to open the app switcher, find the VPN app, and swipe it away. Then tap the app icon to reopen it.

If the problem persists after an iOS update, delete the VPN app and reinstall it from the App Store. Updates to iOS sometimes break older app versions, and reinstalling usually fixes it. Your login credentials will still work when you sign back in.

If you're trying to switch between manual VPN profiles and one won't appear in Settings, the profile may have expired or been corrupted. Delete it by going to Settings > VPN, tapping the info icon next to the profile name, and selecting Delete. Then add the profile again using the configuration details from your VPN provider.

When you might want to switch VPNs

You might switch VPNs to access a website or service that blocks one provider but not another. Some streaming services, for example, block certain VPN providers. Switching to a different VPN may let you access the content, though this depends on the service's policies.

You might also switch to a server in a different country if you want to see how a website appears in that region, or to reduce latency if you're playing an online game. Switching to a server geographically closer to you usually improves connection speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two VPNs at the same time on iPhone?

No. iOS allows only one VPN connection at a time. If you activate a second VPN, it automatically disconnects the first one. You can switch between them quickly, but you cannot run both simultaneously.

Do I lose my internet connection when I switch VPNs?

You lose your VPN protection for a few seconds while the switch happens, but your internet connection itself stays active. The gap is too brief to interrupt most activities, though you may notice a pause if you're downloading a large file.

Why does my VPN app not show a server list to switch between?

Some VPN apps automatically choose the best server for you and don't show a list. Check the app's settings or menu to see if you can enable a server list view. If the option doesn't exist, the app is designed to pick servers automatically.

What if I forget which VPN I'm currently using?

Open the VPN app itself — it displays your current connection status on the home screen. If you're using a manual profile, go to Settings > VPN and look for a checkmark next to the active profile name. The checkmark shows which one is currently on.

Does switching VPNs affect my iPhone's battery life?

Switching itself uses minimal battery. However, running a VPN in general does use more battery than not using one because your phone has to encrypt and route all your data. Switching between VPNs doesn't change this — the battery drain comes from having a VPN active, not from switching.