How to Set Up a VPN on your Android Phone?

There is no doubt about the fact that Google’s Android is one of the most popular operating systems in the world at the moment. Android operating system is not restricted to smartphones only. In fact, Android OS has expanded its usage to electronic gadgets, televisions, notebooks, tablets, and automobile devices. Its usage has increased to a great extent because every other individual now owns an Android device. From online shopping to carrying out banking transactions, people use Android smartphones to perform a number of activities that involve sharing their personal data on the internet.

Android Security Limitations

However, with high usage and demand of Android device also comes great threats. Due to its wide popularity, Android has always been under scrutiny of hackers worldwide as it is vulnerable and offers open source nature. The increasing online attacks and phishing scandals have left users wondering if their Android devices will ever remain safe from the online threats. In a world where cyber attacks and data leaks have become so common, it is important to realize that we must adopt certain measures to protect our Android devices and keep our personal information secure from the online hackers. This is where a best free VPN for Android steps in.

The Need for VPNs

With its ability to cloak your IP address and your current location, a VPN service protects your Android security by encrypting all the internet traffic passed between your Android phone and the Wi-Fi connection and keeps your phone data away from the spying eyes and government surveillance. When your Android phone is connected to a VPN service, nobody is able to track or monitor your mobile activity except your VPN provider. The mobile phone carrier can also not keep a track of your mobile browsing habits.

You can also get your device connected to a public Wi-Fi network without having the fear of getting hacked. Moreover, you can bypass all the geo-restrictions applied on a particular website regardless of its geographical location and get access to content from any part of the world. It helps people watch their favorite content on the web which otherwise is restricted and needs a gate-pass to access it.

Setting up a VPN on your Android Phone

There are two easy ways to download and set up a VPN service on your Android phone. The first one involves downloading and installing an Android VPN app on the Android device whereas the second one involves configuring the VPN service on the device manually. The first one is relatively easy as compared to the second one and is also most popular among the web users. However, we will tell you how to set up a VPN service on your device in both ways.

Get an Android VPN App

Setting up an Android VPN app on your device is quite easy. In fact, it is easier than the other manual method. All you need to do is select the right VPN app for your device, download it from the Android market and then enable it on your device. Within seconds, the app will be ready to use. There are some great free and paid VPN apps available in the market but you need to choose one wisely. Using a VPN app that logs your information is similar to not using any service to protect your mobile security at all. Therefore, you need to make a wise decision. FalcoVPN, TunnelBear, SurfEasy, and Hotspot Shield are some of the best VPN apps for your Android device. It is always recommended to test their trial versions before opting for their premium options.

Set Up VPN Manually

Android devices also give users the option of setting up a VPN service manually. Since Android has already integrated support for the two secure VPN protocols, PPTP, and L2TP, you do not need to install a third-party app to connect your device to them.

To connect your device to one of the VPN protocols, follow our step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Open Settings

Tap on the Settings on your Android device to get started.

Step 2: Click on ‘More’

In the Settings menu, you will come across a number of options under the Wireless & Networks on your screen. Tap on ‘More’ to move on to the next step.

Step 3: Open VPN

On clicking ‘More’, you will be brought to another screen where VPN will be the second option. All you need to do is simply tap on it to create a new profile.

Step 4: Add New VPN Manually

Since you do not have any previous manual VPN configurations added, you need to tap on the ‘+’ on the top right corner of your phone screen to add a new manual VPN configuration.

Step 5: Select the VPN Protocol

To proceed further, you will be asked to select your desired VPN protocol from the available options. Remember, you need to understand the working nature of each protocol before you select one of them. Once you’re sure about which protocol you will go ahead with, provide the VPN details such as the name of the VPN you’re using, the type of VPN server you’re connecting to, and the VPN server’s address.

Step 6: Save the VPN Profile

After entering the required VPN details, click on ‘Save’ so you can move back to the main VPN screen. Your recently created manual VPN configuration will now be visible to you on the VPN screen.

Step 7: Connect to the VPN

This is the final stage that will require you to click on the newly created VPN configuration profile. You will now be asked to enter the ‘Username’ and ‘Password’ to establish your VPN connection successfully. You can get your Username and Password details from your service provider.

You can also have multiple VPN servers configured on your Android device and switch between them from your main VPN screen. Furthermore, you will also have the authority to edit or delete any of your VPN configuration profiles by simply keeping your finger pressed on the VPN profile you wish to edit or delete.

This guest post was written by Nathan Bachman who works for Android, VPN, Falco Vpn, Mobistealth, Secure teen, Techomag.