What is a VPN? Explained simply – questions and answers
Updated · Läs guiden på svenska
Short answer: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) sends your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server somewhere else. Websites then see the server's IP address instead of yours, and others on the same network cannot read your traffic. It protects you on open Wi-Fi and can give you an IP address in another country.
Below we go through the most common questions about VPNs, one at a time and without jargon.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a way of connecting to the internet through a middle station. Normally your traffic goes from your phone or computer to your internet provider and on to the web. With a VPN, the traffic first goes encrypted to a VPN server, and from there on to the website you visit.
That gives you two things. First, nobody on the way between you and the VPN server can read the content, for example someone on the same hotel Wi-Fi. Second, the website sees the VPN server's IP address instead of your own. If the server is in Sweden, you appear to be connected in Sweden, even if you are sitting in Spain. Read more in Swedish IP address abroad.
What does VPN mean?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Originally VPNs were used mostly by companies, so that employees could reach the office's internal network securely from home. Today most people mean a VPN service for individuals, which protects your traffic and lets you choose which country you appear to be in.
What is a VPN good for?
- Safer on open Wi-Fi. In hotels, airports and cafés you rarely know who runs the network. A VPN encrypts the traffic.
- A Swedish IP address abroad. Swedish websites and e-services are built for visitors in Sweden. With a VPN through Sweden you look like such a visitor.
- More private browsing. Your internet provider or the network owner can see that you are connected to a VPN, but not which sites you visit.
- The whole home at once. With a VPN router, your smart TV, IPTV box and console get the same protection and the same Swedish IP address.
A VPN does not make you anonymous in every way. If you sign in to an account, the service still knows who you are, and some services do not allow VPNs. See for example TV4 Play abroad.
What is a VPN connection?
A VPN connection is the tunnel itself between your device and the VPN server. When you tap Connect in a VPN app, the device makes an encrypted handshake with the server, and the traffic is then sent encrypted through the tunnel for as long as the connection is on. How this works is decided by a VPN protocol. Grip VPN uses WireGuard, a modern protocol known for being fast and having a small, auditable codebase.
What is VPN on iPhone?
On iPhone there is a built-in VPN feature in iOS that VPN apps use. Once you have installed a VPN app and allowed it to add a VPN configuration, it shows up in Settings:
- Open Settings.
- Tap VPN near the top of the list, or go to General → VPN & Device Management → VPN.
- Turn the Status switch on or off. When the VPN is on, a small VPN icon appears in the status bar.
Most people switch it on and off directly in the VPN app instead. The Grip VPN app for iPhone is on its way – it is shown as "Coming soon" on our site. Once it is released, you sign in with your Grip VPN account and tap Connect. If you want a Swedish IP address at home already now, our VPN router works: your phone simply joins the router's Wi-Fi.
Should a VPN be on or off?
It depends on what you are doing. A good rule of thumb:
- On when you use open Wi-Fi, and when you want a Swedish IP address abroad.
- Off when a service does not work with a VPN, or when you need local content in the country you are in, such as local news or maps.
It does no harm to keep the VPN on all the time if everything works as it should. If something misbehaves, the first step is to turn off the VPN and try again.
Is a VPN legal in Sweden?
Yes, using a VPN is allowed in Sweden, and many companies and public authorities use VPNs every day. What is illegal without a VPN is illegal with one too. If you travel abroad the rules can be different, as some countries restrict VPNs. Check what applies where you are. Also remember that every service has its own terms.
Does a VPN make the internet slower?
A little, usually. The traffic has to be encrypted and take an extra route via the VPN server, and the further away the server is, the longer the response time. For browsing and streaming it is rarely noticeable. How fast it is depends mainly on your own connection, the distance to the server and the protocol. WireGuard is built to lose as little speed as possible. Read more about distance in Swedish TV in Thailand.
What is the difference between a free and a paid VPN?
Running VPN servers costs money, so a free VPN has to be paid for some other way. Common trade-offs are limited speed or data, few servers, ads, or the service making money from user data. A paid VPN charges you instead, and then it is more reasonable to demand clear promises about what is stored. Always read the privacy policy before you choose. We, for example, do not store which sites you visit or when you connect. See our privacy policy.
Can anyone see what I do when I use a VPN?
The network you are on and your internet provider can see that you use a VPN and how much data is sent, but not the content or which sites you visit. The VPN provider is the one who technically could see the most, which is why it matters to choose a provider that does not log traffic. Websites you sign in to still know who you are.
Do I need a VPN at home in Sweden?
Not necessarily. At home on your own protected Wi-Fi the need is smaller. A VPN is most useful on open networks and when you are abroad and want a Swedish IP address. Read Watching Swedish TV abroad – an overview and BankID abroad.
How do I get started with Grip VPN?
Choose a period on the pricing page – the subscription does not renew automatically and you have a 14-day right of withdrawal. If you want a Swedish IP address on your TV and every gadget at home, there is the VPN router, delivered pre-configured.