Changing a VPN on an iPhone is a three-step process: disconnect from the current server, choose a different country or server, and tap Connect. Updated for. The VPN app controls available server locations, while iPhone settings manage VPN profiles and connection permissions.

Quick Guide

What you want to change What to do
VPN country or city Choose a different server inside the VPN app
VPN provider Disconnect, install the new provider's app, then remove the old profile if needed
Turn off the VPN Disconnect in the VPN app or check iPhone VPN settings
Work or school VPN Contact the administrator before removing the profile
Manually configured VPN Open VPN settings and edit or replace the configuration

Change Your VPN Location or Server

  1. Open your VPN app.
  2. Tap Disconnect if the VPN is active.
  3. Open Locations, Servers or a similar menu.
  4. Choose a country, city or individual server.
  5. Tap Connect.
  6. Approve the iPhone permission request if the app asks to add or update a VPN configuration.

Changing the server usually gives your connection a different public IP address. The available locations and button names depend on the VPN provider's app.

Switch to a Different VPN Provider

  1. Disconnect from the current VPN.
  2. Install the new provider's iPhone app from the App Store.
  3. Sign in and tap Connect.
  4. Approve the request to add the VPN configuration.
  5. If the old VPN keeps reconnecting, open Settings and search for VPN.
  6. Open VPN & Device Management, select the old VPN profile and remove it if you no longer use it.

Apple separates VPN apps from VPN profiles. A third-party VPN app may recreate its settings if the app remains installed and active.

Remove an Old VPN Profile from iPhone

Go to:

Settings → General → VPN & Device Management

Select the old VPN profile, then tap Delete Profile or the equivalent removal option shown on your iPhone. Removing a configuration profile also removes the settings and accounts connected to that profile.

Do not remove a VPN profile supplied by your employer, school or another organisation without checking first. A managed iPhone may restrict VPN changes, and deleting the profile could stop access to internal services.

Can You Change a VPN Without a VPN App?

Yes. An iPhone can use a manually configured VPN, but you need connection details from the VPN provider or network administrator. These details may include:

  • VPN type
  • Server address
  • Account name
  • Password
  • Certificate
  • Authentication details

Apple's VPN configuration documentation lists server and authentication information as parts of a managed VPN setup.

Open Settings, search for VPN, then select the existing configuration under VPN & Device Management. If the option is available, edit the configuration or add a new one using the details supplied by the provider or administrator.

If Your VPN Will Not Change

Try these steps:

  • Disconnect in the VPN app before selecting another server.
  • Close and reopen the app.
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Search Settings for VPN, profile, firewall and filter to find other apps or profiles controlling the connection.
  • Remove an unused VPN profile if it keeps reconnecting.
  • Ask your school or employer's administrator to change the settings if the iPhone is managed.
  • As a last resort, open Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This removes previously used network and VPN settings that were not installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management system.

Use the VPN app when you want to change the country or server. Use iPhone Settings when you need to edit or remove a VPN profile.