How to set up a VPN on Android

A VPN (virtual private network) routes your internet access through another server located somewhere in the world. A VPN can disguise your location, prevent other parties (including your internet provider) from seeing what you do online, and encrypt your data. It becomes difficult to intercept and analyze.

Lifehacker has tons of articles about the benefits of VPNs and the best VPN deals you can find online. These tools can be installed on Windows, macOS, and iPhone, as well as Android smartphones and tablets.

Does Android need a VPN?

When you install a VPN on Android, everything you do online is routed through Android, whether it’s through an app or a mobile web browser. VPN apps hook pretty deep into Android to manage all your online traffic. Calls and texts are not affected, but web-facing messaging apps (including WhatsApp and Signal) are.

We have already mentioned some of the benefits of a VPN. Routing your traffic between various secure servers in this way means that your traffic is well protected from the companies and authorities that serve the internet. It also means you can change where your Android phone appears if you want (though many streaming apps are smart about this now).

A VPN controls internet access on your device.
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However, a VPN does not allow you to be anonymous. Whether you’re logged into Instagram, Amazon, or Google, they’ll know what you’re up to. A VPN doesn’t mean no one can see what you do on the web or within apps.

Whether you need a VPN is up to you, but keep in mind that these services can have a slight impact on the speed of your internet connection and may cost you some money. These are most valuable if you spend a lot of time on public Wi-Fi networks (like coffee shops or hotels), and other devices are more likely to try to spy on your actions. .

How to choose an Android VPN

The process for choosing a VPN for Android is the same as choosing a VPN for any other platform. Take your time, do as much research as possible, and get advice from people you trust. (Speaking of trust, we have our own list of the best VPNs and the best free VPNs available today.)

One important feature to note is the zero logging policy. This means that no record of your browsing is kept. Ideally, you want a zero logging policy that is independently audited. Keep in mind that governments, internet providers, and law enforcement can’t see what you do online, but VPN companies can, so you need to choose a company you trust.

You can install multiple VPNs on Android.
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It’s also worth checking how many servers the VPN offers around the world and how many devices you can connect to the VPN service at once (if you need coverage beyond your Android smartphone or tablet). You may also have his VPN included as part of another subscription (like Google One or Proton Unlimited).

In general, paying for a VPN gives you added peace of mind that your chosen VPN provider isn’t making money from you in other ways. That said, there are some reputable free VPN providers that are listed in our guide to the best free VPNs for Android. With the free plan, you’ll have to put up with some limitations, such as speed and limits on the number of servers you can connect to.

Set up a VPN on Android

Once you choose the VPN you want to use, the process of setting up a VPN on Android is simple and easy. The exact steps will vary depending on the VPN you use, but we’ll walk you through installing NordVPN on Android. NordVPN is one of the best VPNs out there, and we explain it in detail in our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN guide.

You can find the VPN you want in the Play Store (in this case NordVPN for Android), log in, and choose the VPN server you want to connect to. With NordVPN, you can also: quick connect Use a server close to your current location. The first time a VPN app connects to the web, Android asks if you want to trust the app.

Connect NordVPN on Android
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To view the VPNs available on your device and switch between them,[設定]from[VPN]Choose. network and internet after that VPN (Pixel smartphone) or connection, Other connection settingsand VPN (flip phone). When your VPN is active, you’ll see a lock icon in your status bar, and your chosen VPN app may also display a persistent notification telling you which server you’re connected to.

Tap the gear icon next to your current VPN to configure it (for example, set it to always be active). You can also tap . + Manually enter the VPN server details using the (plus) icon in the top right corner. However, these only apply if you are using a virtual private network provided by your employer or another organization. Most users do not need this screen.