How to set up a VPN on your phone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure connection between your device and the internet. By hiding your IP address and encrypting your data, it protects your online activity from prying eyes. Using a VPN on your phone is a great way to enhance your privacy when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks or when you want to access region-restricted content. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up a VPN on your phone in an easy-to-understand way.

What you will need

• Smartphone with internet access
• A VPN service (either free or paid)
• Your VPN user credentials (username, password, and sometimes the VPN configuration file)

Step-by-step guide to setting up VPN on Android phone

1. Choosing a VPN service

First, you need to choose a VPN service that suits your needs. There are many options available, both free and paid. Some popular VPN services are:

• expressvpn
• NordVPN
• CyberGhost
• ProtonVPN
• Windscribe

Go to the website of the VPN service you chose and create an account.

2. Installing the VPN app

Most VPN providers offer a dedicated app for Android devices. Follow these steps to install the app:

• Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
• Search for the VPN app using the search bar. For example, type "ExpressVPN" if you're using ExpressVPN.
• Tap the correct app in the search results.
• Tap the “Install” button to download and install the app on your phone.

3. Set up the VPN app

After installing the VPN app, you need to set it up. Follow the steps below:

• Open the VPN app you installed.
• Log in to your account using the credentials you received when signing up for the VPN service.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. This may include accepting permissions and configuring some settings.

Most VPN apps have an intuitive interface, making the setup process easy to follow.

4. Connecting to a VPN server

Once you've set up the VPN app, you can connect to a VPN server. Here's how:

• Open the VPN app.
• Choose a server location from the list of available servers. For example, if you only want to access content available in the U.S., you can choose a server in the United States.
• Tap the “Connect” button to establish a connection to the selected VPN server.

You will see a notification telling you that you have been connected to the VPN.

5. Verification of VPN connection

To make sure your VPN connection is working correctly, follow these steps:

• Visit a website that shows your IP address, such as WhatIsMyIP.com.
• Check the IP address displayed on the website. It should show the location of the VPN server you connected to, not your actual location.

Step-by-step guide to setting up VPN on iPhone

1. Choosing a VPN service

Just like with Android phones, you'll need to choose a VPN service that suits your needs. Here are the popular VPN services for iOS:

• expressvpn
• NordVPN
• CyberGhost
• ProtonVPN
• Windscribe

Create an account on the VPN provider's website if you haven't done so yet.

2. Installing the VPN app

Follow these steps to install the VPN app on your iPhone:

• Open the App Store on your iPhone.
• Use the search bar to find a VPN app. For example, type "ExpressVPN".
• Tap the correct app from the search results.
• Tap the "Get" button and complete the installation process.

3. Set up the VPN app

After you install the VPN app, set it up by following these steps:

• Open the VPN app you installed.
• Log in with the credentials received during the registration process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup. You may need to accept some permissions and configure some settings.

Most VPN apps are designed to be user-friendly, so the setup process should be simple.

4. Connecting to a VPN server

Follow these simple steps to connect to a VPN server:

• Open the VPN app.
• Choose a server location from the available options. Choose a server based on your needs, such as a specific country or city.
• Tap the “Connect” button to establish a connection to the VPN server.

You will see a notification telling you that you have been connected to the VPN.

5. Verification of VPN connection

To verify that your VPN connection is working, follow these steps:

• Open the web browser on your iPhone.
• To check your IP address, visit a website like WhatIsMyIP.com.
• Make sure the IP address displayed matches the location of the VPN server you connected to.

Manual configuration of VPN on Android phone

Some users prefer to configure their VPN connection manually instead of using a dedicated app. Here are the steps to set up a VPN manually on an Android phone:

1. Get VPN configuration information

Before you manually configure your VPN, gather the necessary information from your VPN provider. You will need:

• VPN server address (for example, vpn.example.com)
• VPN protocols (e.g., PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN)
• username and password
• Pre-shared key (if applicable)

2. Adding VPN configuration

Follow these steps to add a VPN configuration on your Android phone:

• Open the "Settings" app on your phone.
• Tap "Connections" or "Network & Internet," depending on your device.
• Tap "VPN."
• Tap "Add VPN" or the "+" icon to add a new VPN configuration.
• Enter the required information (name, server address, VPN protocol, etc.).
• Tap “Save” to save the VPN configuration.

3. Connecting to a VPN

To connect to a manually configured VPN, follow these steps:

• Open the "Settings" app on your phone.
• Tap "Connections" or "Network & Internet."
• Tap "VPN."
• Select the VPN configuration you added.
• Enter your username and password when prompted.
• Tap "Connect" to establish a connection to the VPN server.

Manual configuration of VPN on iPhone

Similarly, you can manually configure VPN on your iPhone without using a dedicated app. Here are the steps:

1. Get VPN configuration information

Gather the necessary information from your VPN provider, including:

• VPN server address (for example, vpn.example.com)
• VPN protocol (e.g., L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, or other supported protocols)
• username and password
• Pre-shared key (if applicable)

2. Adding VPN configuration

Follow these steps to add a VPN configuration on your iPhone:

• Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Tap "General."
• Tap “VPN & device management.”
• Tap "Add VPN Configuration".
• Select the VPN protocol (e.g., L2TP, IKEv2).
• Enter the required information (description, server address, account and password).
• If using L2TP, enter the pre-shared key in the "Secret" field.
• Tap “Done” to save the VPN configuration.

3. Connecting to a VPN

To connect to a manually configured VPN, follow these steps:

• Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Tap "General."
• Tap “VPN & device management.”
• Select the VPN configuration you added.
• Toggle the switch to connect to the VPN.

Troubleshooting common VPN issues

1. Fails to establish VPN connection

If you are unable to establish a VPN connection, try the following steps:

• Double-check your VPN credentials and make sure they’re correct.
• Make sure you have an active internet connection.
• Restart your phone and try connecting to the VPN again.
• Try connecting to a different VPN server.

2. Slow internet speed with VPN

If your internet speed is slow when connected to a VPN, try these steps:

• Switch to another VPN server that is closer to your location.
• Check if your VPN service offers server recommendations for better speeds.
• Restart your phone and reconnect to the VPN.

3. VPN disconnects frequently

If your VPN disconnects frequently, try these solutions:

• Make sure your internet connection is stable.
• Check if your VPN app has an auto-reconnect feature and enable it if available.
• Update your VPN app to the latest version.

Conclusion

Setting up a VPN on your phone is a straightforward process that enhances your privacy and security when browsing the Internet. Whether you choose to use a dedicated VPN app or configure the settings manually, following the steps in this guide will help you establish a secure connection. Remember to verify your connection and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Happy browsing!

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