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VPN on Android: what it does, how to set it up and which ones are safe

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What a VPN does on your phone, how to set it up on Android and Samsung, always-on VPN, and how to tell a safe free VPN from a risky one.

Phone with a padlock connected to a globe through an encrypted tunnel

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your phone and a server run by the VPN company. Websites and apps see that server's IP address instead of yours, and whoever runs the network (airport Wi-Fi, the hotel, your carrier) only sees encrypted traffic going to the VPN.

What it does and doesn't do

A VPN helps withA VPN doesn't
Using public Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels and airports more safelyRemove viruses or stop scam texts and fake links
Hiding your IP and rough location from the sites you visitMake you anonymous to Google, Meta or your bank when you're signed in
Connecting to your company network from outsideChange your Play Store country, which depends on your payments profile (explained here)

How to turn on a VPN on Android

With an app (easiest). Install the VPN from Play Store, open it and sign in. The first time, Android shows a connection request: accept it. When the VPN is on you'll see a key icon in the status bar.

Manually (work VPN). If your company gives you a server and credentials:

  • On Pixel and stock Android: SettingsNetwork & internetVPN and tap +.
  • On Samsung: SettingsConnectionsMore connection settingsVPN.

Always-on VPN

On the same VPN screen, tap the gear next to your VPN and turn on Always-on VPN. If you also turn on Block connections without VPN, your phone won't use the internet if the VPN drops, which is handy on public Wi-Fi.

Android only allows one active VPN at a time. Some ad blockers and parental control apps use that same slot, so they can't run alongside your VPN.

Free VPNs: how to tell if one is trustworthy

Running servers costs money. If a VPN is free and has no paid plan, it most likely makes money from ads or by selling usage data. Before installing one, check:

  1. Who publishes it. On the Play Store listing, look at the developer, their website and how long the app has been around.
  2. The Data safety section. Some VPNs show the independent security review badge, meaning they passed an external audit.
  3. The logging policy. Look for a no-logs policy confirmed by an independent audit, not just promised.
  4. Permissions. A VPN doesn't need your contacts, texts or call log.

One example of a serious free plan is Proton VPN's: it doesn't cap your data, though it only covers one device and a handful of countries. Paid VPNs add more countries, speed and devices.

Using a VPN is legal in the US, the UK, the EU and most countries. Anything illegal without a VPN is still illegal with one.

How to check it's working

  • Look for the key icon in the status bar.
  • Search "what is my IP" with the VPN off and on: the IP and country should change.
  • If an app stops loading, try another VPN server or exclude the app with split tunneling, if your VPN supports it.

Frequently asked questions

Does a VPN use more battery and data?
A little, because it encrypts all traffic. With current apps the difference is small in day-to-day use.
Can I use a VPN to download apps from another country?
No. Play Store sets your country from your Google payments profile, not your IP. Changing it means following the official process, with its limits.
Do I need a VPN for WhatsApp?
WhatsApp messages are already end-to-end encrypted. A VPN only stops your network provider from seeing which servers you connect to and hides your IP from those servers.