How To Set Up a VPN on Android (and Why You Might Want To)

You can set up a virtual private network (VPN) on your Android device by installing a third-party app, using the built-in VPN settings located in your phone's Connections settings, or using OpenVPN.

You might want a VPN on an Android device if you’re using your phone on public Wi-Fi, you want to watch Netflix from a different region, or many other reasons. Keep reading to see how to set up a VPN on Android devices, which are the best VPNs for Android, and why you might want to use a VPN on your mobile device.

Three ways to set up a VPN on Android

The three main ways to use a VPN on your Android phone is to install a third-party app, set up a manual VPN in the settings, or use OpenVPN. Here's how each of these options work.

1. Using a third-party app

Setting up a VPN on an Android device using a third-party app typically involves choosing a VPN provider, downloading their app from the Google Play Store, and logging in with your account credentials. This process is often the same regardless of which VPN provider you choose.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a VPN service. We used CyberGhost here, and we also recommend NordVPN as an alternative.

2. Download your provider’s Android app from the Google Play Store.

3. Open the VPN app and log in.

At this point, you’ve either already created an account with your VPN provider or you still need to create one. If you already have your username/email address and password set up, feel free to log in. If not, create an account and then log in.

From here, the experience will vary depending on your specific app. But most apps will now give you an option to launch your VPN connection.

You might also have the option to choose a specific server to connect to.

2. Using your phone's settings

Follow these steps to set up a VPN on an Android manually:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Select “Connections.”



3. Click on "More connection settings."



4. Tap the option for “VPN.”



5. Select the three dots in the top right to add VPN.



6. Enter your VPN information and save it.

You’ll have the option to connect to a VPN from a list after you’ve added it using the previous steps. You can remove VPNs from this list by tapping on “Forget.”

Android devices running Android 4.0 and later have built-in VPN support. This includes support for certain VPN protocols, which are sets of instructions that determine how traffic is sent through a VPN. Certain protocols are more secure than others, but Android devices don’t typically support the most secure protocols.

These are the supported VPN protocols on Android devices:

• PPTP
• L2TP/IPSec
• IPSec

For increased security, it’s often recommended to use a service with more secure protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN. NordVPN uses multiple protocols, including OpenVPN and NordLynx, a protocol based on WireGuard.

3. Using OpenVPN

OpenVPN is one of the most secure VPN protocols available. Many of the best VPN services use the OpenVPN protocol or a form of it to offer secure connections.

It’s often possible to set up OpenVPN on an Android rather than using the available protocols with the built-in Android VPN client. This would likely offer more security.

The best way to set up OpenVPN on an Android is typically to use instructions directly from your VPN provider. You can often find these instructions online by searching “how to set up OpenVPN on an Android” and then adding the name of your VPN at the end.

For example, if you use NordVPN, you’d want to search how to set up OpenVPN on an Android NordVPN. This should give you some options for articles with step-by-step guides for your specific situation.

In many cases, these are the steps you would follow to set up OpenVPN on an Android:

1. Download an app such as OpenVPN Connect from the Google Play Store.

2. Open the app and import your profile.

You typically already need a URL link or a file from your VPN provider before you can import your VPN profile into OpenVPN Connect or a similar app.

Choosing the best VPNs for an Android

When choosing a VPN for your android, here are the features you'll want to look out for:

• Mobile app
• No logs policy
• Kill switch
• Money-back guarantee (Most VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee)
• Dynamic IP addresses
• Dedicated IP address
• Number of servers
• Server locations
• No-logs policy
• Multiple device support
• Split tunneling
• Browser extension
• 24/7 support
• Private DNS

Take NordVPN, for example. One of our highest-rated VPNs, NordVPN comes packed with the security features above while remaining one of the lower-priced services out there.

Learn more here:

Best VPN services compared

How to change VPN settings

When you want to change the settings of your VPN, you can do so through your Android's settings or through the VPN's own app settings.

From Android settings

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select “Connections.”
3. Click on "More connection settings."

4. Tap the option for “VPN.”

5. Choose the settings option next to the VPN you want to edit.
6. Select your preferences and save them.

From a VPN app

1. Open your app and select the settings option.

2. Adjust the settings according to your preferences.

Why use a VPN on your Android

Here are a few reasons you might want to use a VPN on your Android device.

Protection when using a public Wi-Fi hotspot

Connecting to public Wi-Fi could be helpful if you’re away from home and need to get online. But it comes with certain cybersecurity risks.

This could include hackers potentially accessing your online activity, including sensitive data. Having certain information leaked could lead to someone using your identity.

Fortunately, VPNs are designed to encrypt your online traffic and prevent these types of situations from happening.

Encryption for protection from hackers

Even if you use a VPN, a hacker could attempt to decrypt your information. But this begs the question, why would a hacker go through that effort if they have easier targets?

Always using a VPN is an important step toward discouraging hackers from targeting your sensitive data. It might not be 100% foolproof, but it’s very, very close.

Connecting to Netflix from different regions

Wondering what content is available in other regions? You can typically use popular VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix and other streaming services. This allows you to watch content that wouldn’t normally be available in your region.

Keep in mind that this is likely against the Netflix terms of use, as you’re only supposed to have access to content in the country in which your account was established.

Unblocking restricted content

Certain countries or networks block specific content from being accessed. A VPN could help you skirt these restrictions.

You might want to be careful with this strategy in certain countries because their laws about VPNs could be different than what you’re used to. Check out our page to learn more about whether VPNs are legal in different locations.

Stopping your ISP from tracking your online activity

Your internet service provider (ISP) is likely tracking your internet traffic. This could include which websites you’re visiting and accessing.

If you’re not OK with this breach of privacy, use a VPN to keep your online anonymity and security intact. VPNs are designed to send your online traffic through an encrypted virtual tunnel. So an ISP might know you’re using a VPN, but they likely wouldn’t know any specific details about your internet activity. This can also stop them from artificially throttling your speeds.

Accessing private networks while traveling

Do you need to access a home, school, or work network while traveling? If so, a VPN could come in handy.

In some cases, it’s not possible to simply get online and access a private network from anywhere. Using a VPN could provide the solution to accessing your office or school network while away from home. You might need to contact your school or company’s IT department for information on how to access its networks with a VPN.

FAQs

Bottom line

Knowing how to set up a VPN on Android phones and devices is typically straightforward if you download and install an app from a VPN provider. But it’s also possible to set up a VPN manually using the built-in Android settings. Keep in mind that the manual process could take a bit more technical knowledge.

Your Android device might not be the only place you want to use a VPN. You could also benefit from a VPN if you frequently use a computer. Learn more about how to set up a VPN on Microsoft Windows and macOS operating systems.