{"id":345,"date":"2023-04-11T09:02:15","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T09:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/?p=345"},"modified":"2023-05-06T06:10:22","modified_gmt":"2023-05-06T06:10:22","slug":"set-up-vpn-on-android-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/guides\/set-up-vpn-on-android-free\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Up a VPN on Android for Free"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nothing beats a virtual private network or VPN when it comes to shielding your online activity and keeping your location hidden. In addition to security, access to entertainment (streaming services, video games, and geo-blocked websites) is one of the main reasons people turn to VPNs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest data on VPN usage<\/a> tells us that more than 31% of all internet users rely on VPNs. Initially, VPNs were only popular on PCs, but now mobile VPN users account for 62% of all people using this technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This comes as no surprise since media consumption is now driven by mobile phone usage. Additionally, most smartphone owners frequently connect to public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks and need a VPN to encrypt their online traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing a lot of Android smartphone users are unaware of is that you can set up and use a VPN on Android without paying a cent. We\u2019ll tell you how to set up a VPN on Android for free both manually and by using dedicated VPN apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I Need a VPN on My Phone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A VPN is a key component within the cybersecurity infrastructure, and there isn\u2019t a good reason why you shouldn\u2019t use one, no matter what platform or device you\u2019re on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VPNs protect you in multiple ways. Through a process called tunneling<\/a>, a VPN repackages and encrypts your internet data, keeping it hidden from prying eyes<\/a> and tricking target websites and services into thinking you\u2019re accessing them from a different country\/location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of reasons why you should use a VPN on a phone. The first reason is security. When you\u2019re connected to a VPN, it will be harder (or nearly impossible) for someone to monitor your online activity or steal valuable data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public Wi-Fis, to which we often connect with our smartphones, are notoriously vulnerable and are often used to conduct cyberattacks and steal credentials. By connecting to a VPN, the risk of getting your data stolen is significantly reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re witnesses to a tidal wave of cyberattacks in the last two years, made worse by our increased reliance on all things tech during the pandemic. Now, we need to use all tools at our disposal to keep safe in the murky world of cyberspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, a VPN has plenty of uses when it comes to entertainment. It can be used to unblock the US Netflix library from other countries, access cheaper items or different servers on games like Genshin Impact, as well as go to region-restricted websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, using a phone VPN isn\u2019t a mere recommendation – it\u2019s a necessity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Set Up a Free VPN on Android Manually<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can use an Android VPN for free because the operating system ships with built-in VPN support. However, free built-in VPN support doesn\u2019t mean that the actual VPN service is free<\/strong>. It all depends on the VPN provider you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two ways to connect to a VPN on Android. The first is manual, where you go through your smartphone\u2019s settings and manually type in VPN configuration details in order to connect. The second method is significantly easier and involves using a dedicated VPN app. Just like with manual Android virus removal<\/a>, you should go for the manual method if all else fails, as dedicated solutions simply get the job done much more quickly and efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll cover the manual VPN configuration method first in this short step-by-step guide. Before you go about setting up a VPN manually on your phone, however, you\u2019ll need to get your hands on login and VPN configuration data first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using a commercial Android VPN, you\u2019ll need to go to the provider\u2019s website and log into your account. Once there, the configuration data is usually found under \u201cManual Setup\u201d or \u201cConnect to More Devices\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"manual-vpn-setup-on-android\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Usually, you\u2019ll need to fetch two things: log-in credentials (username and password) and configuration data, which is sometimes disseminated in the form of a downloadable file. Note that each server in your VPN network<\/strong>, which can sometimes number in the thousands, has a separate configuration file<\/strong> you\u2019ll need to download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, if you\u2019re connecting to a private or corporate VPN, you\u2019ll need to get this information from the system administrator or person in charge of VPN connections. Once you have this information in hand, it\u2019s time to set up an Android VPN connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Navigate to Network Settings on Your Phone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first step involves heading over to your phone\u2019s network settings, where you\u2019ll find VPN-related options. To do this, first, click on Settings (usually has a headgear icon) and then navigate to Network Settings. This tab can also be named Connection and Sharing or something along those lines, depending on the phone manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"connection-and-sharing-settings\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Access the VPN Tab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve accessed your phone\u2019s network settings, you\u2019ll see a button labeled \u201cVPN\u201d. You\u2019ll be greeted by a nearly empty page with a VPN toggle button on top and an \u201cAdd VPN\u201d option with a plus sign at the bottom. Click the plus sign, and you\u2019ll be taken to the phone VPN server configuration page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"add-vpn-to-android\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Type in the VPN Configuration Info<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now, you\u2019ll need to type in the login and VPN configuration data you\u2019ve obtained from the provider or your IT administrator. Here\u2019s the information you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n