How to Update Your VPN Software Safely

VPN updates are easy to ignore. If your app still connects and the internet works, it’s tempting to hit “later” and move on. But unlike most apps, a VPN isn’t just sitting on your phone or laptop doing one job. It’s actively handling your online traffic every time you connect.

That’s why VPN updates matter. They’re more than just cosmetic changes or new buttons and help keep the protection you already rely on working properly. In this guide, we’ll will explain why updates matter and how to update your VPN safely to avoid unnecessary risks.

Tips to update your VPN software safely

Updating a VPN is straightforward, but doing it the right way matters. These practical tips will help you do just that:

Stick to official sources

Always update your VPN through its official app or website. Built-in update prompts, app stores, and verified downloads are designed to deliver legitimate releases. Avoid third-party sites or links claiming to offer “faster” or “manual” updates, as these can expose you to tampered or outdated files.

Be cautious with update prompts

Not every update alert is trustworthy. Unexpected emails, pop-ups, or messages asking you to download an update outside the app should be treated carefully. If something feels off to you, open the VPN app directly and check for updates from within the settings instead of clicking external links.

Check your settings after updating

Most VPN updates are designed to preserve your preferences, but it’s still a good habit to confirm key settings once the update is complete. Take a moment to check features like the kill switch, auto-connect rules, or your preferred protocol to make sure everything is still configured the way you expect.

Restart and reconnect properly

After installing an update, restart the VPN app and reconnect before resuming normal browsing. Your next VPN session will then be established using the updated version rather than a connection that was already active. This helps confirm the update is actually in use before you rely on the VPN again.

Should you enable automatic VPN updates?

Yes, automatic VPN updates should be enabled. As mentioned above, VPN updates often include security fixes and changes needed to keep the app working properly with newer operating systems and networks.

Relying on manual updates means those changes only take effect when you remember to install them, which isn’t realistic for most people. Automatic updates reduce the chance of running outdated software and help keep your VPN current without extra effort.

Below, we’ll show you how to enable auto updates for PureVPN software and apps:

Windows 

1. Open the PureVPN app and click More from the left panel.
2. Select Settings.
3. In the General tab, scroll down to find Auto update and toggle it on.

Mac

1. Open the PureVPN app and click Preferences from the left panel.
2. Go to the Advanced tab.
3. Locate Auto-update app and check the box to enable it.

Android

1. Open the Play Store and search for PureVPN.
2. Tap the three-dot menu on the app page.
3. Make sure Auto-update is enabled.

iOS

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap App Store.
3. Under Automatic Downloads, turn on App Updates.

Why VPN updates matter more than most people think

Here’s why you shouldn’t skip VPN updates:

Security fixes and vulnerability patches

VPN apps rely on encryption protocols, authentication methods, and system-level permissions to protect your data. Over time, weaknesses can be discovered in these components, even if they weren’t obvious at launch. 

Updates typically include patches that close these gaps, reducing the risk of leaks or exploitation. Running an outdated version means those fixes never reach your device, even though they’re already available.

Compatibility with operating system updates

Operating systems are updated frequently, and those changes can affect how apps interact with network settings, permissions, and background processes. A VPN that hasn’t been updated may struggle to adapt to these changes, even if it still appears to connect normally. 

Regular updates ensure the VPN remains compatible with the latest OS behavior, helping prevent silent failures like unstable connections, features stopping unexpectedly, or the app failing to run properly in the background.

Protocol and performance improvements

VPN performance depends on how reliably connections are established and maintained across different networks, not just raw speed. Updates can improve how protocols handle switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data and reconnect after interruptions.

If you repeatedly skip updates, your VPN app might continue to use older implementations that don’t benefit from these improvements, leading to less stable (and sometimes even slower) connections over time.

Reliability and consistency of privacy features

Some VPN issues don’t cause obvious errors but can still affect privacy-related features. Bugs may interfere with how settings like kill switches, auto-connect rules, or network detection behave under certain conditions. 

With updates, these issues are addressed promptly so protections work as intended, especially during common situations like reconnecting after sleep, joining a new network, or recovering from a dropped connection.

Common risks when updating VPN software 

The most serious risk when updating a VPN comes from where the update is downloaded from. Updates obtained through unofficial websites, pop-ups, or third-party links can be modified or outdated, even if they look legitimate. Installing these files can expose your device to malware or interfere with how the VPN handles your internet traffic, which defeats the purpose of using one in the first place.

Another common risk comes from phishing messages disguised as VPN update alerts. Emails or messages urging you to “update your VPN immediately” are often designed to push users toward fake download pages. Legitimate VPN updates don’t require clicking links in emails or ads. If an update is real, it will be available inside the app or through the platform’s official update channel.

Final word

Keeping your VPN updated doesn’t need much effort, but it does matter. Stick to official update sources, watch out for fake prompts, and let automatic updates do the heavy lifting. That way, the VPN you rely on stays current and effective without turning updates into something you have to think about.