How to Use a VPN with an Android Device

Lee Stanton April 1, 2023

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A Virtual Private Network (VPN) keeps your internet activities private with a secure encrypted connection – a bit like using a private tunnel between your device and the internet. It stops others from seeing your browsing habits and locations.

To use VPN from your Android device, you can either download a VPN app or obtain the VPN settings from your provider to enter into your phone settings. In this article, we’ll show you how to set up a VPN with an Android device using both methods. Our FAQs include steps for VPN set up via Windows, iOS, and other platforms. Plus, we’ll feature five of the best VPN apps for Android right now.

How to Install VPN on an Android Device Using an App

For these instructions, we’ll use the fast connections and high-security VPN provider app for ExpressVPN. These steps should be applicable when using other VPN apps since the setup is typically the same.

On your Android device, navigate to ExpressVPN’s website.
Find the .APK download page then select “Download.”
Once the download is complete, click on “Install.” ExpressVPN will start to install.
When prompted, select “Open.”
Once the app launches, enter your credentials.
Select the power button to connect to the VPN.

How to Install VPN on an Android Device Without an App

First, you’ll need to get the username, password, and server address details from your VPN provider or network administrator.

Launch the “Settings” app.
Select “Network and Internet,” “Advanced,” then “VPN.”
If your VPN isn’t displayed, enter a “VPN” search.
Then from the top-right, click on the plus sign.
Complete the VPN details and “Save.”

How to Connect to VPN on an Android Device

Launch the “Settings” app.
Select “Network and Internet,” “Advanced,” then “VPN.”
If your VPN isn’t displayed, enter a “VPN” search.
Select the VPN then enter your username and password.
Click on “Connect.”

How to Disconnect VPN on Your Android Device?

Launch the “Settings” app.
Select “Network and Internet,” “Advanced,” then “VPN.”
If your VPN isn’t displayed, enter a “VPN” search.
Select the gear icon for the VPN you wish to disconnect, then:
- “Turn off VPN” to disconnect, or
- “Forget” to forget the network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Do With a VPN on My Phone?

Conceal Your Identity

VPN bounces your signal between different webservers to hide your IP address and encrypt your traffic – hence providing anonymity.

Visit Your Homebased Websites When You’re Traveling

You may not be able to access the same web content as you do from home. For example, accessing your online banking may be a problem when your IP address is picked up out of the country. By changing the location of your current IP address, you’d gain the same access to the websites you want.

Browse Safely on Public Wi-Fi Networks

When accessing the internet from public Wi-Fi networks, connecting to the public hotspots is a high-security risk. Public hotspots are every cyber hacker’s dream since they are unsecure, unencrypted, and offer ample opportunities to seize your browsing sessions – and your phone data. Using a VPN encrypts the traffic from your phone to prevent this from happening.

Gain Access to Blocked Streaming Sites

Some VPNs can allow you access to streaming sites like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and the like. It also enables you to stream sites from other regions, for example, BBC iPlayer.

What Are the Best VPN Apps for Android?

Next, we have five of the best Android VPN app’s currently available:

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN stands out for its simple user interface, speedy connections, and high security. The app includes a superb location picker, unsecured network detection, and some specialist privacy tools like “kill switch” for increased security. It’s lightweight, therefore will not slow down your phone whilst it’s connected, and comes with a 30-day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee — with three, free months extra.

NordVPN

NordVPN stands out essentially for its privacy and strong encryption, and it is rated as the best in PlayStore. It encrypts web traffic via multiple servers using “multi-hop” technology.

For an extra layer of security, it uses “Double VPN” technology to pass your connections through two individual servers instead of one. Plus, it automatically connects to NordVPN whenever you connect to Wi-Fi. They’re offering a 30-day, try before you buy, money-back guarantee.

IPVanish

IPVanish is one of the best VPN apps for Android, with its super-fast download speeds and robust encryption. Via the app, you can stream and connect to up to ten devices simultaneously. You have the option to use the internet via their VPN only, or with the “Split Tunneling” feature that allows you to connect to a public and private network and the same time; doing so speeds up your bandwidth.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a free option – perfect for when you don’t intend on using your VPN very often. With this app, you can download, encrypt, kill switch, and more. It uses AES-256 encryption and authenticates data with the highest standard of data protection, SHA-256.

Surfshark

Surfshark is another favorite VPN for Android due to its ease of use, device compatibility, and special GPS spoofing feature. This allows you to essentially hide your coordinates by using coordinates for a VPN server of your choice. Their list of compatible devices is impressive; it’s not every day you come across VPN that works with Xbox and Fire TV Stick – nice for streaming and gaming.

Keeping Your Internet Usage Private With VPN for Android

Using a VPN to access the internet via your Android device allows you to protect your identity and sensitive data, prevents your personal phone information from being hi-jacked, and keeps online snoopers at bay.

Now that we’ve shown you how to use a VPN with an Android device, what benefits have you found using VPN? Let us know in the comments section below.