Nowadays, our phones are indispensable. We rely on them for everything from getting about the city to cyberstalking. Therefore, a virtual private network (VPN) is an excellent way to protect your online privacy, but how do you set one up on an Android device? Fortunately, the steps are outlined here to make your life much easier. Everything from installing a VPN app to the features you should look for in a VPN app is detailed in the post.
How to install a VPN app on your Android device?
In this article, we will show you how to set up a VPN on your Android device with the help of a third-party app, which is the simplest option. However, we have also provided manual and OpenVPN configuration instructions to give you additional options for a VPN setup on your Android device.
Method 1: Installation through Google Play Store
1. Install a suitable VPN app for Android from the Google Play Store.
2. Download the app, and run the installation process.
3. Sign in once the installation is complete.
4. Select a server from the server list of the VPN app.
5. Click Connect to link up your device with the server.
Method 2: Setting up through the device’s built-in
1. Enter the settings of your Android device.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Choose Advanced in the Network and Internet menu.
4. Select the plus sign with the VPN in the menu.
5. Input your administrator’s information.
6. Save your configuration.
PTTP, L2TP, and IPsec may all be used with Android’s in-built VPN client, which needs to be noticed.
Method 3: Installation through OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a Virtual Private Network that is free and open-source. OpenVPN servers are not built into the Android OS. Hence a third-party program like OpenVPN Connect is required to establish a connection.
1. Download the third-party OpenVPN Connect or a similar app
2. Directly press the Connect to a Server tab to get private online
How to connect to a VPN server on your Android device?
1. Select Network & Internet.
2. Click on the tab Advanced.
3. Click on VPN.
4. Feed the VPN’s name.
5. Log in with your username and password.
6. Connect.
How to disconnect from a VPN server on your Android device?
1. Select Network & Internet.
2. Click the tab Advanced.
3. Select VPN.
4. There is a toggle button next to the VPN in Settings. Toggle it off.
5. You can also Forget to forget the network altogether.
How to change VPN settings on your Android device?
VPNs require little more than an initial download, an account login, and an internet connection. Once you’re inside, you can fiddle with the preferences. Network & Internet, Advanced Settings may all be accessed from the main settings menu on an Android device.
Keeping the VPN On at all times
If you want to keep the VPN turned ON, then:
1. Go to the Advanced Settings menu.
2. Toggle on to select the option of Always on
3. Press the Save tab.
Clear the notification
1. Toggle off to deselect the option of Always on
2. Press the Save tab.
Setting up a work profile
Different platforms have different requirements, such as G Suite, Cloud Identity, Microsoft Office 365, Exchange ActiveSync, and others. Please refer to Google’s help page for further information.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Android?
Users across all device types use VPNs for various purposes. Using a virtual private network (VPN) on an Android device could be beneficial for various reasons. Some significant reasons are listed below:
General security and privacy:
VPNs encrypt your online traffic and mask your IP address, making your online activities invisible and thus private.
Reduce risk on public WiFi networks:
Though connecting to public WiFi networks is convenient, doing so exposes your private IP address to potential hackers. However, if you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app on your Android device, you won’t have to worry about being tracked.
Access to private networks
A virtual private network allows you to connect to a private network from an off-the-premises location, such as your home. The best Android VPNs will enable you to split your connection to the VPN and the public WiFi through split tunneling.
Access restricted content
Censorship of the internet is widespread in areas like China and Russia and many institutes and organizations. To unblock websites and access the full potential of the internet without interference, VPNs are invaluable.
Secure VoIP calls
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that enables phone calls to be made over the internet rather than a traditional landline. VPNs help protect these calls.
Streaming
VPNs that are compatible with streaming allow you to access content from libraries in other countries.
What to look for while choosing a VPN for your Android device?
Privacy
If anonymity is your priority while selecting an Android VPN, look for one not headquartered in a member state of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. Try to get a VPN that encrypts your data using AES-256 and doesn’t keep a log of your online actions or IP address.
Speed
Find a VPN that won’t significantly reduce your upload/download speed or latency, particularly if you plan to use it for streaming or gaming.
Features
In particular, look for VPNs that offer features like split tunneling, kill switches, and Netflix and torrenting support.
Price
Typically, VPN services range from $5 to $10 per month, with savings available for longer subscription terms. Using a free VPN is not recommended, but you can try a paid VPN out without any commitment by taking advantage of its free trial period.
Two VPN features are essential for an Android device.
When comparing VPNs, there are certain features you must pay attention to. Moreover, understanding them is essential for optimal use.
· App filter
Only some people are interested in using a VPN for everything. Some people want to use it for specific programs like Skype, eBanking, Messenger, or a torrent client rather than general web surfing. Others may find it more convenient to have both the ability and tunnel everything, restricting specific apps from VPN access.
Some VPNs offer multiple options for a filtered use of VPN. This unique option that allows you to switch between three different VPN modes: Tunnel only selected apps, Tunnel all apps, and Exclude certain apps. App provides this functionality for the OpenWeb, OpenVPN, StealthVPN, and Wireguard protocols.
How to use the App filter
1. Open VPN app and log in.
2. Select the option of “Application filter.”
3. Click on “Tunnel all” to see other filters.
4. You can also choose “Tunnel selected” or “Exclude selected.”
Wireguard
WireGuard offers a lightning-fast VPN connection with zero-to-nothing overhead and maintains security with state-of-the-art cryptography. It has the potential to provide a simpler, more secure, more efficient, and easier-to-use VPN over existing technologies.
There will be no lag time while switching between mobile data, WiFi, and VPN connection. This network transition won’t disrupt the connection in any way.
How to use Wireguard on your Android device
1. Open Google Playstore and download the Wireguard Android app
2. Set it up and launch the app on your device
3. Select the ‘+’ icon.
4. Select ‘Import from file or Archive.’
5. After that, you can import the configuration file from VPN provider. Provider either provides you the file on the email you provide while setting up the VPN app the email or you can download it from the server).
6. After completing the import, click on the toggle button next to the connection’s name.
7. Click Ok on the warning prompts.
8. You are ready to use WireGuard on an Android device.
Closing remarks
Enabling private browsing on your Android would only take a few minutes. VPN answers all your concerns regarding the safe and private use of your Anroid phone while you are on the internet. The post will tell you about selecting, connecting, and optimizing a VPN like a pro on your Android device.
2022-12-28 15:10:16