The fastest way to change your VPN on iPhone
To switch to a different VPN on your iPhone, open Settings, tap VPN (under General or Network), and select a different configuration from the list. If you have multiple VPN apps installed, you can also switch between them by opening each app and connecting through its own interface. The method depends on whether your VPN is set up as a system-wide configuration or runs only within a single app.
Most people use VPN apps rather than manual configurations, so you'll likely just open the app you want to use and tap Connect. Some apps let you switch between servers or locations without disconnecting first — you can tap a new server and the app will reconnect automatically. Others require you to disconnect, then reconnect to the new location.
Key Takeaways
- VPN apps on iPhone connect with a single tap; switching means opening a different app or selecting a new server within the same app.
- When you connect to a VPN app, iOS asks permission the first time and then remembers your choice, so reconnecting is faster on future uses.
- If you have multiple VPN apps installed, only one can be active at a time — connecting to a second VPN automatically disconnects the first.
- Some VPN apps let you change servers without fully disconnecting; others require you to disconnect and reconnect to switch locations.
- Check your VPN app's settings to see whether it offers a kill switch, which blocks internet if the VPN drops unexpectedly.
Switching between VPN apps on your iPhone
If you have more than one VPN app installed, opening a second app and connecting will automatically disconnect the first one. Your iPhone only allows one VPN connection at a time. Open the app you want to use, find the Connect button (usually large and centered on the home screen), and tap it. The app will ask permission the first time you connect — tap Allow, and iOS will remember that choice for future connections.
Some people install multiple VPN apps to test them or to use different services in different situations. If you do this, remember that switching means disconnecting from one and connecting to another, which takes a few seconds. Your internet traffic will be unprotected during that gap unless the app has a kill switch feature that blocks all traffic while you're between connections.
Changing servers or locations within the same VPN app
Most VPN apps show a list of server locations — often organized by country or region. Open your VPN app and look for a Servers, Locations, or Browse button. Tap it to see the available options. Some apps let you tap a new location while you're already connected; the app will disconnect from the current server and reconnect to the new one in one motion. Others require you to disconnect first, select a new location, then tap Connect again.
Check your app's home screen or settings to see how it handles server switching. If the app shows a Disconnect button while you're connected, you'll need to tap it before selecting a new server. If the server list is always visible and tappable, you can usually switch without manually disconnecting.
Using VPN configurations in Settings instead of an app
Some VPN services let you set up a configuration directly in iOS Settings rather than using their app. This is less common now, but if you've done this, you can switch by opening Settings, scrolling to VPN (usually under General, then Network), and tapping the configuration you want. A toggle switch will appear — turn it on to connect, off to disconnect.
If you have both a VPN app and a manual configuration set up for the same service, using the Settings configuration will disconnect the app, and vice versa. Stick with one method per service to avoid confusion. Most modern VPN services push users toward their apps because apps offer more features, like server selection and kill switches, than Settings configurations do.
What happens to your connection when you switch
When you disconnect from one VPN and connect to another, your real IP address becomes visible to the internet for a moment. If you're downloading something or streaming, that traffic will briefly use your actual location. For most everyday use this doesn't matter, but if you're concerned about that gap, look for a VPN app with a kill switch — a feature that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops or while you're switching servers.
Not all VPN apps include a kill switch, so check the app's settings or description before relying on one. If the app has this feature, it's usually in Settings within the app itself, labeled Kill Switch, Internet Kill Switch, or Network Lock. Turn it on, and your iPhone will pause internet traffic until the VPN reconnects.
Reconnecting to a VPN you've used before
After you connect to a VPN app once, iOS remembers it. The next time you open the app, you can usually reconnect with a single tap — you won't see the permission request again. Some apps also let you add a VPN toggle to your Control Center (the panel you swipe down from the top right on newer iPhones). Once you add it, you can connect or disconnect without opening the app at all.
To add a VPN toggle to Control Center, open Settings, tap Control Center, then scroll down and tap the plus sign next to VPN. The next time you swipe down from the top right, you'll see a VPN button. Tapping it will connect to whichever VPN app you used most recently.
Troubleshooting a VPN that won't switch
If you're trying to switch VPNs and one won't disconnect, force-close the app. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer iPhones with Face ID) to open the app switcher, find the VPN app, and swipe it up to close it. Then open your second VPN app and connect.
If a VPN app won't connect after you've switched from another one, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button until you see the power-off slider, slide it, wait a few seconds, then hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. Once it restarts, open your VPN app and try connecting again. If the problem persists, delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store — this clears out any corrupted settings that might be blocking the connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use two VPNs at the same time on iPhone?
No. iOS only allows one VPN connection at a time. If you connect to a second VPN app, it will automatically disconnect the first one. Some advanced users route traffic through a VPN and then through a proxy, but this requires technical setup beyond what most people need.
Will switching VPNs disconnect me from apps I'm using?
Switching VPNs will briefly interrupt your internet connection, which may disconnect you from video calls, online games, or streaming services. The interruption is usually just a few seconds. If you're in the middle of something important, wait until you're done before switching.
Do I need to turn off my VPN before switching to a different one?
Not always. If you're using VPN apps, opening a second app and connecting will automatically disconnect the first. If you're using a Settings configuration, you'll need to toggle it off before connecting to a different VPN. Check your specific app to see whether it requires manual disconnection.
Why does my VPN keep disconnecting when I switch apps?
iOS may be closing your VPN app in the background to free up memory. Open Settings, find your VPN app, tap it, and look for an option to allow it to run in the background or to prevent it from being closed. Not all apps offer this, but enabling it can help the VPN stay connected longer.
Can I set up a shortcut to switch between VPNs faster?
The Shortcuts app can open a VPN app with one tap, but it can't automate the actual connection. You'll still need to tap Connect within the app. For the fastest switching, add your VPN app to your home screen or use the Control Center toggle, both of which let you connect in one or two taps.