How to Install a VPN on Android
Using a dedicated Android app is the easiest way to install and configure a VPN on your phone. Premium VPNs like Surfshark have mobile apps whose settings are automatically configured to work on your Android device. Make sure to only download apps from the Google Play Store or from the VPN provider’s website. Here’s how to set up a VPN on your Android phone: Your VPN is now working! You can also adjust some additional VPN settings in the app. For example, you can turn on the kill switch for extra security or activate split tunneling so only some apps go through the VPN.
Installing an Android VPN Without Using an App
If your VPN provider doesn’t offer a mobile app, there are other installation methods you can try. Two options we recommend are installing a VPN by changing your network settings or by setting up a VPN on your physical or virtual router. In any event, below you’ll find three other ways to set up a VPN connection on Android.
How to install a VPN on Android by changing your network settings
Changing your network settings is an alternative to the much simpler method of installing dedicated VPN apps. This method comes in handy if your VPN doesn’t offer a dedicated Android app, for instance. Here’s how to set up an Android VPN by changing your network settings:
How to install a VPN on a router
Installing a VPN on your router comes with a few risks. The process involves fiddling a little bit with your router’s firmware (also called “flashing”). If not done properly, you could end up damaging your router. Therefore, make sure to pay close attention to our instructions to avoid any major issues. Here’s how to set up a VPN on your router:
How to set up a VPN on a virtual router (PC or Mac)
If you can’t or don’t want to flash your router’s firmware, there’s another option. You can use your PC or Mac computer as a virtual router and set up the VPN on this virtual router. This means your computer will essentially act as an actual router for all connected (Android) devices. This in turn means all of these devices will also be connected to your VPN network. Follow the quick guide below to use this method.
What is the Best VPN for My Android Device?
If you’re still looking for the best VPN apps for Android, we rounded up our top picks across different categories. Whether you’re going to use your VPN to watch Netflix, unblock restricted videos on YouTube, or just encrypt your web traffic, you’ll find a VPN of choice below.
Surfshark: The #1 VPN for Android
Surfshark is the cheapest premium VPN for Android, offering impressive speeds, thousands of server locations, and a host of features for only $2.21 per month. With just one subscription, you can get a kill switch, multiple connections, static IP addresses, and a white-listing feature for an unlimited number of devices. Surfshark uses some of the most trusted VPN protocols, among which are OpenVPN (UDP) and OpenVPN (TCP). It has an Android app, as well as an app for Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS. You can try out the Surfshark VPN app with the assurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee. Visit their website by clicking on the button below, or read our full review of the VPN provider.
Does Android Have a Built-In VPN?
Android does not have a built-in VPN app. It does have built-in VPN settings. This means you can use your device settings in setting up a VPN. If your VPN of choice does not have a dedicated app, or the app doesn’t work for you for some reason, you can still connect to it using OpenVPN Connect. OpenVPN is one of the most secure and reliable security protocols today. Almost all trusted VPN providers use OpenVPN connections to tunnel users’ data securely to servers, then to destination websites and back.
How to download OpenVPN server configuration files
Before downloading and setting up OpenVPN Connect, we need to download the OpenVPN server configuration files from Surfshark. Here’s how: That’s it! You have the server configuration files ready to connect with OpenVPN Connect.
How to install OpenVPN Connect on Android
Follow the steps below to download and install OpenVPN Connect. Then, connect it to Surfshark. Even though OpenVPN is more powerful and has more features, there is a more user-friendly version of OpenVPN known as OpenVPN connect. It’s available in Google Play Store and is designed for novice users.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right VPN
Not all VPNs are made equal. There are some mid-range VPNs that offer strong encryption but pitiful speeds. There are low-tier VPNs that have limited device compatibility and terrible customer service. And then there are free VPNs that collect your data and sell them to third parties. When choosing a VPN app for Android, don’t get tempted by flashy promos or settle for suspiciously low prices. A good premium VPN is fast, affordable, and secure. Make sure to look out for the following factors:
Install a VPN on Android Today
Most VPNs work very well on Android. Simply install the right app from Google Play Store, log into your VPN account, and you’re ready to go. Does your VPN provider not have its own Android app? You can always choose to install the VPN through OpenVPN Connect or to set it up on your physical or virtual router. And if you’re looking for a good VPN to use on Android right now, we recommend Surfshark. For more questions on installing a virtual private network on your phone, leave a comment below. You can also read our guides on how to install a VPN on different devices:
