Virtual private networks (VPNs) are essential tools for privacy and protecting your online activity. While you may associate using a VPN with your computer, the fact is that you can run a VPN on just about any device. That includes your tablet.
If you take your tablet with you, whether it’s to the cafe or across the country, you’re likely connecting to the internet. Even though you’re not on your computer, your online activity can be at risk if you aren’t using the right security tools.
With iPads turning into increasingly functional, full-featured devices, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your online activity.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re connected to a public internet connection, it doesn’t matter what device you’re using your internet traffic is the same, and it can be intercepted by hackers and other malicious actors if you don’t take the steps to protect yourself.
- Without end-to-end encryption, it’s possible that your activity within an app is leaking, which would leave you exposed to hackers or other malicious actors who may be connected to the same wireless network as you.
- With a VPN, you can make it appear like you’re operating your iPad in a different country and, in turn, gain access to the full library of content that your favorite streaming services have limited to being available only in those regions.
Why Would You Need a VPN for an iPad?
You might think about your iPad differently than your iPhone or your laptop, but you shouldn’t. If you’re connected to a public internet connection, it doesn’t matter what device you’re using. Your internet traffic is the same, and it can be intercepted by hackers and other malicious actors if you don’t take the steps to protect yourself.
Sure, iPads benefit from Apple’s walled garden approach to apps. It’s difficult for apps that fail to follow the company’s strict requirements to make it through the App Store.
There have been several instances of apps with malicious code making it into the App Store, and other cases where app developers have failed to properly comply with Apple’s requirements for encryption.
Without end-to-end encryption, it’s possible that your activity within an app is leaking, which would leave you exposed to hackers or other malicious actors who may be connected to the same wireless network as you.
Whether you’re sending messages to friends, uploading files for work on the go, or logging into your most sensitive accounts, the last thing that you want is for your online activity to fall into the wrong hands.
Your internet service provider (ISP) or law enforcement agencies may be able to intercept your activity as well, and you may not appreciate being snooped on. Then, there are the other reasons that you might want to run a VPN, such as bypassing a geo-restriction that’s keeping you from accessing your favorite content.
With a VPN, you can make it appear like you’re operating your iPad in a different country and, in turn, gain access to the full library of content that your favorite streaming services have limited to being available only in those regions.
Given all this, it’s worth having a VPN on your iPad and using it any time that you’re connected to a wireless network — especially if you’re on a public network that other people might be connected to.
What Are The Best VPNs for iPad?
Luckily, there are many great VPNs for your iPad, including some of the most popular services that you’re likely familiar with if you have ever sought out a VPN for your computer or phone. The following are some of the best VPNs for iPad.
Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the newer offerings in the VPN category, but it has made a name for itself with a full-featured selection of privacy tools that are packaged together in a simple-to-use interface that even beginners should be able to put to use. Surfshark offers more than 3,000 servers that you can connect to located across 60 countries so you can connect just about anywhere that you may need to. Surfshark has a killswitch and a no-logs policy, which offers additional security to guarantee that your data won’t leak and that it won’t be stored.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market, and for good reason. It’s fast as can be, so you won’t notice any slowdown in your connection.
It’s easy to bounce around between locations with the map view, and there are plenty to choose between thanks to NordVPN’s selection of servers in 59 countries. Multihop moves your data across multiple servers, and the recently added WireGuard technology is an additional line of protection. Split tunneling lets you only run certain app data through your VPN connection. It’s a great all-around option if you need a VPN for your iPad.
Express VPN
Express VPN got a makeover to make it more mobile-friendly and it has propelled the app to new heights in usability and functionality. ExpressVPN is a great option for those who are new to VPNs as the company offers 24/7 live chat support in case you run into any issues.
It also prides itself on speed, and it offers minimal loss in data transfer rates thanks to the use of the company’s proprietary Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN is on the pricier side and has some premium services that you’ll have to pay more for, but it offers plenty of functionality in its basic package that you’ll be able to make use of.
How To Set Up a VPN On iPad
Setting up a VPN on iPad is relatively straightforward thanks to Apple’s decision to support these privacy tools on their devices. We’ll walk you through the process here, although it’s worth noting the process may vary slightly depending on the VPN you choose to use.
- Select your VPN:First things first, pick the VPN that you would like to use. Download it from the App Store. Once it installs, open the app, and log in or sign up for an account.
- Allow the VPN to run: Once you’ve signed into your VPN app, you should receive a prompt from iOS asking if you’d like to allow the VPN the permissions it needs to operate. Select “Allow” and the setup process should begin automatically.
Turning Your VPN On and Off
Once your VPN is set up, you can turn it on and off easily, depending on where you’re and if you want to use it:
- Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app from your home screen
- Tap General: Once inside the Settings app, open the General tab
- Select VPN:Scroll down to the VPN option and tap it to select it
- Toggle status: You can turn your VPN on or off by adjusting the toggle next to the name for your already configured VPNs
VPNs are essential tools for privacy and security, even on your iPad. Luckily, there are several great options out there that run effortlessly on your iPad and keep you safe when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Setting it up is a breeze and you can turn on your VPN anytime you need the extra layer of security.