I was wondering if anyone is using something like NordVPN on their iPhone or iPad 24/7 and how much of an impact it has on battery life? And is it even worth it anymore considering the news of VPN security being broken on Apple devices recently?
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Anyone Using A VPN 24/7?
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Yes, I’ve used one 24/7 for years on all my devices. I haven’t noticed it affecting battery life. I think it’s still worth it despite the iOS leak. The only annoying thing is bugs that happen (i.e. taking too long to reconnect when switching from WiFi to cellular, some servers just not working, etc.). But to me, it’s worth it for the privacy. I couldn’t imagine not using a VPN honestly.
I use Encrypt.me with auto connect at any wifi other than my home wifi. No measurable impact to battery life
Personally, I have been using Atlas VPN for 2 months and I don't see any difference in the battery level. It still allows sécure browsing
Yep use one all the time. NordVPN.
I have to say, the peace of mind just knowing that there’s no snooping going on.. it makes a major difference. Who knows who’s hacking WiFi etc these days? I’ve got pics and videos of my little girl on my device. The thought of someone taking these is awful.
Ended up getting sponsored by them on YouTube!
Cheeky Referral link: NordVPN.com/KerryBerry
I have to say, the peace of mind just knowing that there’s no snooping going on.. it makes a major difference. Who knows who’s hacking WiFi etc these days? I’ve got pics and videos of my little girl on my device. The thought of someone taking these is awful.
Ended up getting sponsored by them on YouTube!
Cheeky Referral link: NordVPN.com/KerryBerry
Unless you are using HTTP (i.e. non-encrypted sites) or FTP (i.e. non-encrypted file transfers), what is the VPN adding in terms of security?
The photos example is an example. But it very much stands true for me.
Me and my other half will constantly send photos to each other of our little girl, when we are not together for a period of time. Also, including information on her school, location and time et cetera. So privacy protection, especially with having a little girl, to me, feels beyond vital.
But that’s only one example. Even if it is just to protect my own privacy between friends or, for example, places that I work. For example, I work nightshifts on my own and would be wary of people knowing my exact location and time
Came here to ask a similar question. In general a VPN doesn't secure, it obfuscates. It has its uses but security is not really one of them
A VPN does nothing to add security there. They are already sent, whether by iCloud/Google Photos or whatever on an encrypted channel. You should worry more about your passwords or the sharing policies of your cloud provider
Agreed. Almost everything is TLS encrypted these days, likely the some method used for the VPN. It's okay if it makes someone feel safer, however the topics you mention are generally more concerning.
Actually that’s pretty interesting, maybe I don’t know as much about this sort of thing than I thought.
What do you mean the topics im mentioning being concerning?
Yes I have no doubt I’m being over cautious. But I’d previously bought a lifetime version of VPN for work, needing to use multiple IP addresses from around the world in multiple locations.
Since then, I’ve put them to use by generally just leaving it on.
I use the WiFi at work when I’m working alone at night which, I’d prefer to keep my privacy secure.
As for personal use, when communicating with my other half and little girl, I’ve always just felt more comfortable that my video chats / pictures were kept private.
Got to be honest, I didn’t know it was private when using Facebook Messenger etc if someone was to ‘hack into the WiFi’.
I hear these horror stories all the time
I'm referring to the topics @Feenician mentioned. It's more important to secure passwords, secure AirDrop, enable a firewall, and so forth.
I'm almost certain Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, and iMessage run over TLS, which terminates the encryption at your device and their system. Even if someone were to be on the same network and sniff your packets, it's encrypted data, just like they would see if you were on the VPN. FaceBook may be able to see the data you send over FaceBook Messenger, and that's the point @Feenician was making. A VPN won't solve that.
For me, I don't see the point in it, but if it helps you feel more comfortable, there's nothing wrong in doing so. It's more important to know what you need to secure. There's no silver bullet.
For your scenario you're adding almost nothing using a VPN in terms of security or privacy except for obscuring your location from the Wi-Fi networks you're connected to. It adds some benefit wrt security when connected to public unencrypted Wi-Fi networks but even then most websites use HTTPS these days so it's almost moot to use a VPN anymore. And with iCloud Private Relay all your unencrypted outgoing traffic and all the Safari traffic is encrypted so there's very little a VPN could add.
iMessage (by default), Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp all have the option of end-to-end encryption which already does a great job at keeping your photos or texts private b/w you and your SO.
The one thing you need to avoid are the trackers all these different apps use and unless a VPN has a built-in EXTENSIVE tracker prevention you're not gaining much in the privacy dept either. There are some 3rd party open-source DNS servers you could use and add lists of known trackers to ensure better privacy. Trackers are the ones that gather all your data to build a profile that could then be used to show you different ads. If you're savvy enough you could setup your own VPN server at home with 3rd party DNS to block all the trackers you need on a Raspberry Pi. It adds much more in terms of security and privacy than having to trust a company with all your internet traffic.
I used to be one of those people that had a VPN On 24/7 on every which device but with current features on an iOS device you don't need a VPN anymore. Now I only use VPN for geo-restricted content and use NextDNS for my DNS with an extensive tracker list added to the blocklist which also blocks most ads. This basically adds zero overhead to the battery as all the heavy lifting is done by the DNS server which you connect to regardless. You can also lookup Lockdown app which is an open source blocker and runs on-device but can be customized to block other trackers or domains.
For messaging needs, you could use iMessage or Signal which are end-to-end encrypted by default so it's secure and private by design.
I use 1.1.1.1 and it’s great (unlimited and free). If I use it all day it comes in at about 13% background usage according to my battery settings menu. If not all day but most of it, it’s usually 6-8%. It’s negligible for the extra security you get, in my opinion.
I never use public wifi as I have unlimited 5G or 4G data on my phone. I also use that Apple relay thingy and also lockdown apps. I wonder if I need to use lockdown if I use the apple thingy? I don’t do much web surfing on my phone unless I’m away from home and then it’s only this site or a couple of others for sport.
I do use a VPN on my computer all the time though.
I do use a VPN on my computer all the time though.
Apples Relay only blocks on Safari. Lockdown traffic of any app
The thing you need to be worried about most is the trackers and you’re taking care of it using Lockdown. You still need both as Private Relay’s functionality is limited and doesn’t mimic a full-fledged VPN.
I use vpn every now and then but don't stay connected to it all the time. I use express vpn for my windows setup but use Ivacy vpn for mac system.
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No, but it depends what I am doing & where I am.
I'd be using a VPN 24/7 if I was in a hotel or using public Wi-Fi somewhere.
Only issue creeping in is that some websites now refuse to work with a VPN.
I'd be using a VPN 24/7 if I was in a hotel or using public Wi-Fi somewhere.
Only issue creeping in is that some websites now refuse to work with a VPN.
I don't at the moment, but have in the past and know a few friends who currently use a VPN 24/7 on their phones. I would, but unfortunately have some work apps that do not run properly with an outside VPN, and switching back and forth was too inconvenient.
I've been keeping Lockdown running for a little less tracking in apps & Private Relay for Safari.
No complaints about battery impact from a VPN or Lockdown, but I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max, and before that an 8+ so I generally have sufficient battery to get me through a full day and pay little attention to battery usage by app.
Not sure why anyone would recommend against a VPN. A trusted VPN helps improve privacy outside of Safari by reducing/eliminating IP tracking, provides more security when on public wi-fi, and helps prevent ISP tracking/profiling. All of these are good things. Any measure to improve privacy and security with little or no user inconvenience is worthwhile.
I've been keeping Lockdown running for a little less tracking in apps & Private Relay for Safari.
No complaints about battery impact from a VPN or Lockdown, but I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max, and before that an 8+ so I generally have sufficient battery to get me through a full day and pay little attention to battery usage by app.
Not sure why anyone would recommend against a VPN. A trusted VPN helps improve privacy outside of Safari by reducing/eliminating IP tracking, provides more security when on public wi-fi, and helps prevent ISP tracking/profiling. All of these are good things. Any measure to improve privacy and security with little or no user inconvenience is worthwhile.
A VPN adds nothing on public WiFi. It encrypts communications in and out of the device. So does browsing HTTPS websites. Messaging apps use TLS end to end. If someone hacks the public WiFi and gains access to your device, a VPN won't help. It hides your location, and hides your DNS queries.