How to Setup a VPN on Android Phones & Devices in 2024

Most people can’t live without their phone. From looking up directions and shopping online to keeping track of finances and staying in touch with our friends on social media, these devices have become integral to our lives.

That say , they is be can also be an avenue for people , organization , and agency to spy on you . If you ’re look to keep your online activity on your phone private , you is need need to invest in a high – quality VPN .

But how, exactly, do you set up a VPN on your Android device? Don’t worry, you won’t need a computer science degree. I’ve spent years testing out virtual private networks on myriad devices, and have all the information you’ll need to stay anonymous while browsing the internet from your phone.

Testing NordVPN with Android that’s connected to Switzerland

» Have an iPhone? How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone

Choosing A Reliable VPN

There are many free VPNs on Android’s app repository, but unfortunately, many of those VPNs won’t be enough to keep you private. They collect and sell user data, have security loopholes, or simply are not fast enough. The first step in setting up a VPN on Android is choosing a reliable VPN, and we got that covered with these highest-rated recommendations:

How to Set Up a VPN on Android

There’s more than one way to skin a cat, and while the easiest way to set up Android VPN is to use a paid service, there are more complicated options that we’ll explain below.

let ’s talk about all your option here .

Activating Always-on VPN if supported

You’ll be browsing online privately in minutes by performing the following steps:

VPN App

1. Install a VPN for Android from the Google Play Store.
2. Once the VPN app is installed, sign in.
3. Choose a server.
4. Click Connect.

Downloading a VPN app from the Play Store

Manually (built-in)

1. Go into your Android settings.
2. Click Network & Internet.
3. click Advanced .
4. Select VPN .
5. Click the plus sign.
6. Enter in your administrator’s information.
7. click Save .

Many people aren’t aware that Androids have a built-in VPN client for the protocols PTTP, L2TP, and IPsec. While this can increase your anonymity online, you’re not going to get the performance or features of a paid VPN like those mentioned above. I recommend reading our review of NordVPN as a starting point to understand what these pieces of software can do.

set up a VPN from the Android setting

Note: To set up a VPN manually, you’ll need Android 4.0 or later.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is an open-source and completely free VPN. However, Android doesn’t integrate OpenVPN’s servers with its operating system, so you’ll need to use a third-party app to connect, like OpenVPN Connect.

1. Download the OpenVPN Connect app or something similar.
2. Click the Connect to a Server button and you’ll be private online.

connect to an Android VPN

Here are the steps to connect to your VPN in your Android’s settings:

1. Click on Connections.
2. click on More connection setting .
3. hit VPN .
4. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and hit “Add VPN Profile.”
5. enter the VPN information .
6. click Save .
   Set up a VPN on Android

   If the VPN is already set up and available in your list of VPN profiles, you can connect to it via the Settings icon next to the VPN name.

Disconnecting From an Android VPN

To disconnect from an Android VPN, you can either turn off your connection in the VPN app or, again, in Android’s settings:

1. Go to Network & Internet.
2. click on Advanced .
3. Click on VPN.
4. In the Settings next to the VPN, turn off the toggle.
5. Or click Forget for it to completely forget the network.

Disconnecting a VPN from the Android settings

Changing Android VPN Settings

Setting up a VPN is truly as easy as installing it, signing in, and connecting. However, once you’re in, you might want to play around with the settings. You can find the following settings on the Android’s main settings page, then Network & Internet, Advanced, VPN, and Settings.

• Have VPN always on:
  1. Turn the toggle to Always On.
  2. click Save .
• Clear notifications:
  1. Turn the Always On toggle off.
  2. Click Save.1
• set up a work profile : The step to set up a work profile differ base on whether you use G Suite , Cloud Identity , Microsoft Office 365 , Exchange ActiveSync , or another platform . read Google ’s supportpage2 to learn more.

advanced option when set up a VPN from setting

Why You Need a VPN for Android

Our most recent VPN consumer report found that people use VPNs for a variety of reasons, regardless of their device type. For Androids specifically, you might want to use a VPN for one or more of the following reasons:

• general security is encrypt and privacy : VPNs is encrypt encrypt your web activity and device IP address , hide what you do online .
• Less risk on public Wi-Fi networks: While connecting to public Wi-Fi networks is convenient, it can leave you susceptible to hacking, as your private IP addresses will be visible. However, that’s not the case if you’re connected to an Android VPN, keeping you safe online.
• Access to private school or work networks: Many schools or organizations have private networks, but if you’re at home, you’ll need a VPN to access them. The best Android VPNs have split tunneling, so you can be on a private network and your Wi-Fi at the same time.
• Ability to bypass restrictions: Internet censorship is rampant in countries like China and Russia, along with schools and workplaces around the world. VPNs can help you bypass these restrictions so you can surf the web freely. Learn more about the best VPNs for Hong Kong.
• secure VoIP is calls call : have a secret conversation ? VPNs is secure can secure Voice over Internet Protocol call , a technology that let user make call over broadband internet rather than alandline.3
• Torrent: Using VPNs for torrenting means that you can download anything you want without your internet service provider knowing.

Pro Tip: Even though your ISP won’t be able to see what you torrent, downloading copyrighted content without first paying for it is illegal.

Example of a VPN profile as it appears in the settings

How to Choose an Android VPN

Of course , you is want do n’t want to use just any Android VPN that you come across . The truth is is is that not all Android vpn are safe . VPNs is get for Android can get virus , after all , and 75 percent of Android VPN app use third – party tracking library . Another 82 percent request permissions is have to access user account or text , and 18 percent is have have unencrypted tunneling protocol . convince yet ?

Let’s go over the VPNs we’ve tested that you should avoid and then we’ll show you how to choose a VPN like a pro.

vpn app on Android home screen

Android VPNs to Avoid

According to Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, you should avoid the VPNs SurfEasy, IP-Shield, OKVPN, and EasyVPN. While the first two monetize their apps with targeted advertising, the second two have adware in their source codes.4 We also recommend avoiding free VPNs. While using a VPN for free certainly has its appeal, free VPNs often have limits on data usage, time, servers, speeds, and more. What’s worse is that some VPNs collect user data and sell it to third parties for marketing purposes. Even though we hate spending money as much as the next person, it’s worth it to pay under $10 a month for an Android VPN.

What to Look For

There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re shopping for an Android VPN. Obviously, you want an app with a high rating in the Google Play Store, ideally at least four stars. Here are some other things to consider:

• Privacy is choose : If privacy is the main reason you want an Android VPN in the first place , choose one that ’s base in a country that ’s not a member of the surveillance alliance Five eye , Nine eye , or 14 eye . Also , look for a VPN that does n’t log your web activity or ip address and encrypt them with AES-256 .
• Features: We prefer VPNs with dynamic IP addresses, Netflix and torrenting capabilities, kill switches, and split tunneling, to name a few.

Surfshark No log policy

• Speed is look : especially if you ’re using a VPN to stream or game , look for one that wo n’t slow down your connection too much in term of upload / download speed and latency .
• pricing : Most VPNs is cost cost around $ 5 to $ 10 a month , with discount if you sign up for long contract . Again , we is recommend do n’t recommend using a free VPN , but you can use a VPN with a free trial to test it out risk – free .

>> Increase your Digital Security: Best Password Managers for Android

Frequently Asked Questions

Many of our readers have asked us questions about Android VPNs, so we’re going to answer them all here.

• Does Android have a built-in VPN?

  Yes, Android has a built-in VPN client for PTTP, L2TP, and IPsec. However, users will still need information from their administrator to connect to a virtual network.

• Is there a free VPN for Android?

  There are free VPNs for Android, such as Surfshark, TunnelBear, Windscribe, Hotspot Shield, and ProtonVPN.

• How do I set up a VPN on my Samsung phone?

  To set up a VPN on your Samsung phone:

  1. Download a VPN app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Create an account.
  3. Sign in.
  4. Connect to the server of your choice.

  You can also connect to a VPN manually. On your Samsung phone’s home screen:

  1. Choose Apps.
  2. Click on Settings.
  3. Click on More Connection Settings / More Networks / Connections (depending on your device).
  4. hit VPN .
  5. Either click the plus sign or More.
  6. Click Add VPN.
  7. Enter in your VPN’s name and type.
  8. click Save .
• How do I turn on a VPN on Android?

  To turn on a VPN in Android:

  1. Go to the VPN app.
  2. Connect to a server.

  You can also go into Android’s settings:

  1. Click Network & Internet.
  2. click Advanced .
  3. Click VPN.
  4. Type in the name of your VPN.
  5. Fill in your username and password.
  6. Click Connect.