A Virtual Private Network (VPN) Is A Great Way To Protect Your Online Privacy, But How Do You Set One Up On An Android Phone?

This article explains everything from installing and setting up a VPN app on an Android phone to the features you should look for in a VPN app.

In this article, we’ll show you how to set up a VPN on your Android device with the help of a third-party app, which is the easiest option.

However, OpenVPN and manual configuration instructions are also described in this article to give you additional options for setting up VPN on your Android device.

Method 1: Install through the Google Play Store

1. Install a suitable VPN app for Android from the Google Play Store.
2. Download the app and follow the installation steps.
3. After completing the installation, enter the program and sign in.
4. Select a server from the VPN application’s server list.
5. Click Connect to connect your device to the server.

Method 2: Setup via the device’s built-in VPN setup feature

1. Go to the settings of your Android device.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. In the Network and Internet menu, select Advanced.
4. Select the plus sign with VPN in the menu.
5. Enter the relevant information (username, password, server address).
6. Save your settings.

PPTP, L2TP, and IPsec protocols may all be used in Android’s built-in VPN client, which should be noted.

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 operating system. Hence a third-party application like OpenVPN Connect is required to establish a connection.

1. Download the OpenVPN Connect app.
2. Directly press the Connect to a Server tab to connect to the desired server.

How to connect to a VPN server on your Android device?

1. Select Network & Internet.
2. Click on the Advanced tab.
3. Click on VPN.
4. Select the desired VPN name in the list and tap on it to connect to the VPN.

How to change VPN settings on your Android device?

VPNs require more than an initial download, account login, and internet connection. Once inside, you can change network and, Internet, advanced settings, all from the main settings menu of your Android device, as per your needs.

Always keep VPN on

If you want to keep VPN on:

1. Go to the advanced settings menu.
2. Turn on the Always on option.
3. Press the Save tab.
4. To deselect the Always on option, turn it off
5. Press the Save tab.

What to look for when choosing a VPN for your Android device?

-Privacy

If anonymity is your priority when choosing an Android VPN, Try to get a VPN that encrypts your data using AES-256 and doesn’t keep logs of your online activities or IP address.

-Speed

Choose a VPN that won’t significantly slow down your upload/download speeds, especially if you plan to use it for streaming videos or gaming.

-Possibilities

In particular, look for VPNs that offer features like split tunneling, a kill switch, and support for Netflix and torrenting.

Two VPN features are essential for an Android device.

When comparing VPNs, there are certain features to look out for. Moreover, understanding them is essential for optimal use.

– Application filter

Only some people are interested in using VPN for all applications. Some people want to use it for specific applications like Skype, e-banking services, Messenger, or a torrent client instead of general web surfing. Others may find tunneling everything easier and restricting certain apps from VPN access.

Some VPNs offer multiple options for filtered VPN usage. This unique option allows you to switch between three different VPN modes: tunnel only selected apps, tunnel all apps, and exclude specific apps. Third-party apps offer this functionality for OpenWeb, OpenVPN, StealthVPN, and Wireguard protocols.

How to use the app filter

1. Open the VPN app and log in.
2. Select the “Application filter” option.
3. Click on “Tunnel all” to see other filters.
4. You can also select “Tunnel Selected” or “Exclude Selected.”

Wireguard

WireGuard provides a fast VPN connection with zero-to-no overload and maintains security with advanced encryption. It can offer a simpler, more secure, more efficient, and more accessible VPN than existing technologies.

There will be no lag while switching between mobile data, WiFi, and VPN connection. This network transfer does not disrupt the connection in any way.

How to use Wireguard on your Android device

1. Open the Google Play store 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 the VPN provider into the app.
6. You are ready to use WireGuard on your Android device.

Enabling private browsing on your Android only takes a few minutes. A VPN answers all your concerns about safely and privately using your Android phone while on the Internet.