VPN (virtual private network)
Also known as: virtual private network, what is a VPN, VPN tunnel
A VPN (virtual private network) routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server, hiding it from your network and masking your IP address with the server’s. It improves privacy on untrusted Wi-Fi but slightly slows transfers and uses no extra device storage.
- Encrypts traffic in a tunnel and masks your IP
- Most valuable on public, untrusted Wi-Fi
- Adds latency; does not use extra device storage
What a VPN does
A VPN wraps your connection in an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. Your internet provider and anyone on the same Wi-Fi see only that you are connected to the VPN, not which sites you visit. Websites see the VPN server’s IP address instead of yours.
It is most useful on public or untrusted Wi-Fi, where it stops others on the network from snooping on your traffic. A VPN does not make you anonymous on its own — the VPN provider itself can see your traffic, so it shifts trust rather than removing it.
Effect on speed and storage
Because traffic takes a detour through the VPN server and is encrypted on the way, a VPN usually adds a little latency and can lower your upload and download speed, especially on distant servers. The VPN app itself is small; it does not consume meaningful storage as you browse.
You enable system VPNs on iOS in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and on Android in Settings > Network & internet > VPN, or through a dedicated VPN app.