How Does VPN Work
VPNs use a few methods to make this anonymous data security work:
Encryption scrambles your data in a format that only the destination will be able to read. Tunnelingprotocols are then used to create encryption tunnels within your Wi-Fi or cellular network. These provide protection by isolating and concealing your data from the rest of the users on the network. This is valuable when on any internet network, whether secured or unsecured.
Remote servers act as the destination for your encrypted data tunnel. Your data gets shipped out to VPN servers in other countries to help anonymize your identity. When the data exits and moves to its final target, all the location data is from the remote server and not your own. Essentially, these VPN servers are your protective middleman that disguises your data from interference.
Together, these main methods keep your private information from being sifted and snatched. The result is a level of cybersecurity and privacy that will give you more peace-of-mind.
Why Free VPNs Are Bad
If you really want better protection online, avoid free VPNs. In fact, using a free VPN could cost you a lot more than the subscription to a premium provider. Aside from the security concerns, free VPNs can turn using the internet into a massive headache, with slow speeds, constant pop-ups, and restricted streaming.
Android VPN For Phone Or Tablet
A VPN service that you use on your Android phone or tablet may also be able to be used on other devices as well. This includes smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. A key reason to use a VPN is for privacy of your browsing activity irrespective of how you connect to the internet. This applies whether you are using public or private Wi-Fi, such as on your home network. When youre logging into accounts at home or on the go, a VPN gives you even more peace of mind that your communication is securely encrypted.
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How To Choose The Best Android VPN App
There are loooooooads of VPN apps on the Play Store, and many of them are… well, just awful. The ones we’ve selected for this countdown combine tight security and watertight privacy policies. Some providers have now started verifying their apps with the ioXt Alliance, too, giving even more peace of mind.
A dedicated Android VPN app should of course be as user-friendly as possible. Ensure it supports your version of Android, with most going back at least to Pie and usually beyond. And below we’ve also explained which ones are best for accessing overseas Netflix and other streaming content.
Also note: while you’ll find all the below VPN services nestled in your Google Play Store, we’ve definitely recommend looking into them more closely and signing up directly as you’ll likely secure a far better offer on each provider’s website. Keep reading to find out more about best prices and features.
Today’s top 3 best Android VPNs:
Best Android VPN 2021 – Get 3 months free with an annual plan
There are so many things to like about ExpressVPN and its Android offering. The dedicated app is extremely user-friendly and straightforward, but also offers lots of advanced options.
If the main reason you’re downloading an Android VPN app is for streaming, then once again Express excels. It flew through our tests with ease when we used it for watching Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more, as well as letting us watch our domestic sports coverage when abroad.
How To Setup A VPN On Android
It takes only three simple steps to install an Android VPN client, and it grants you ultimate Internet security. If you have any questions, contact our support team.
Sign up if you have an account, or pick a subscription plan here, and sign up.
Connect to the world safely, while enjoying the best VPN for Android at your service.
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What Is A VPN Virtual Private Networks 101
What is VPN? A Virtual Private Network is a type of network that imitates a private network over a public one.
What does it mean for you? Well, a VPN allows you to use the internet with enhanced security and privacy.
In a nutshell, a VPN:
- Helps you to stay secure when using public Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Hides your IP address.
- Encrypts your internet traffic, making your browsing more secure and private.
- Allows you to access more internet content and
It also ensures that your internet traffic isnt tracked and recorded, later to be sold by your internet service provider , ad brokers, or snoops.
Do Android Phones Need Antivirus
You need to install Android antivirus sooner rather than later. Viruses cannot enter Android phones and Android devices. However, that doesnt give an accurate picture of the situation. Malware associated with the Android operating system is an issue in addition to other security threats. Additionally, there are numerous malware and security threats to keep in mind.
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Does A VPN Slow Down Phones
VPNs by nature tend to have slower internet connectivity. A VPN connects into a separate network before you start browsing, and then runs the requests through that network. This extra step can sometimes cause some network delays in exchange for higher security.
Although a VPN does not provide complete immunity from cyberthreats, it is the safest way to get online and help reduce your risk and vulnerability, especially on public Wi-Fi. The information sent between your device and the server where it lands will be better protected than if you browsed without a VPN, making it a great addition to your cybersecurity toolset.
Understanding How A VPN Works
Imagine you are taking a straight road to the mall in your car and your number plate is your IP address. Everyone on that road can now see that you are on your way to the mall. They also see your cars number plate and can use it to track it back to your identity. This is similar to browsing online without a VPN.
A VPN would be the equivalent of a second road that leads to the same mall, except this time, it is via a hidden tunnel. The tunnel doesnt let the outside world know of your movements, and it will also change your number plate on the way to the mall.
On your way back, it will change the number plate again. Through your trip, you and your car both remain anonymous as the fake number plate cannot be traced back to you.
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How To Get A VPN For Android
Android has a free VPN client built-in. This feature is, however, just a client module, and not the entire service. Although it can be used to connect to a VPN server that your company sets up, or that an external VPN service provider sets up for you, it does not actually protect your traffic on its own.
Some users prefer using their own server or connecting to a VPN service through this Android VPN client. However, VPN service providers provide servers in many different countries and often include special servers optimized for additional security, streaming, or P2P file sharing.
Thus, the first step when setting up a VPN connection is to get access to a VPN server. More precisely, you need to know the server address and the authentication credentials .
Several options are available for getting access to a VPN. On your Android devices, you may:
- Access a VPN server managed by your company or school
- Set up your own VPN server.
Advantage : Secure Browsing On Public Networks
Using a public Wi-Fi network can be very risky. Other users on the same network can easily tap into your data and personal information. Since you dont want others to have access to, for instance, your email login, images/files or credit card information it might be wise to use a VPN connection.
The VPN encrypts all of your data while you use the public Wi-Fi network. A hacker will only see encrypted matter and wont be able to see or use your personal information.
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What Can I Do With With An Android VPN
First thing’s first, they act as an excellent first line of defence alongside Android antivirus in protecting yourself when online. As referenced above, the nature of their encrypted tunnelling and ability to keep your IP address secret makes them a wonderful way to keep cyber criminals at bay – no more worrying about online banking and shopping while using unfamiliar networks.
But it’s their shapeshifting, geo-spoofing abilities that have made the popularity of Android VPNs explode. The fact you can log into a server in another country elsewhere in the world means that you don’t have to miss out on the stuff you’d usually stream to your mobile/tablet when abroad on holiday or business.
And they’ve proved a great way of getting around blocked websites. Where mobiles are concerned, a fantastic example is using WhatsApp in China, as well as other sites and service. The state may have blocked some of the big hitters, but they can’t do anything about it when you use your Android VPN app to make it look like you’re in another country entirely!
Pick The Right Plan: Windscribe Plans & Pricing Guide
Windscribes Pro subscription is affordable compared to many other paid VPNs out there and comes loaded with features.
The yearly plan is its best value, but a monthly plan is available. However, its not the paid plans but rather the free plan and the option to build a plan that make Windscribe stand out from the crowd.
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Test Run Your VPN Connection
Hurray! You are almost done. Its time to test the VPN connection and make sure you are properly connected to the VPN.
The quick test consists of the followings:
If the key icon is not visible and the IP checker website shows your real IP address you should try to re-connect. If the issue persists you need to contact the VPN provider or administrator.
What Are The Different VPN Protocols
If you opt to go the DIY route and set up the VPN manually, you will have to choose which VPN protocol you want to use. So, its a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different options that are available how they operate andtheir strengths and weaknesses. Some VPN providers, including Avast SecureLine, support multiple protocols.
OpenVPN
One of the most popular and recommended protocols,OpenVPN is a highly secure, highly configurable open-source platform that can use AES 256-bit encryption and is especially good at bypassing firewalls. OpenVPN works on all of the major operating systems, including Android and iOS. However, it is not natively supported on any platform, which means you have to add it to your mobile device via a third-party client .
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol is a common protocol supported by most operating systems. It was developed by Microsoft and others back in the 1990s. This protocol is fast, but its considered to be one of the least secure options available today which is probably why it is no longer natively supported by iOS. We do not recommend the use of this protocol, so we did not include it in the setup sections below.
L2TP/IPSec
IKEv2
IPSec
IPSec can also be used on its own and is natively supported on iOS devices.
SSTP
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol is a proprietary Microsoft protocol that can provide a very secure connection and is good at bypassing firewalls, but its compatibility is limited to Windows devices.
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The Basics Of VPN Encryption
Encryption is the term used to describe how your data is kept private when using a VPN.
Encryption hides information in such a way that it cannot be read without a very strong password, which is known as a key. This key essentially breaks the complicated code that your data has been turned into. Only your computer and the VPN server know this key. The process of decoding your data is known as decryption, which is the process of making encrypted information readable again through the application of the key.
As an everyday example, when you enter your credit card details into a shopping website, that information is encrypted and rendered unreadable until it reaches its end destination.
Different VPN services use different kinds of encryption processes, but put simply, the VPN encryption process goes something like this:
- When you connect to a VPN, it is through a secure tunnel where your data is encoded. This means that your data is transformed into an unreadable code as it travels between your computer and the server of the VPN.
- Your device is now seen as being on the same local network as your VPN. So your IP address will actually be the IP address of one of your VPN Providers servers.
- You may browse the internet as you please, safe in the knowledge that the VPN acts as a barrier, protecting your personal information.
How effectively your data is encrypted is dependent on the protocols of your VPN providers encryption mechanism, which we will talk more about later.
Are VPNs Safe To Use For Business On A Phone
VPNs have recently become very popular for personal use, but the reality is that the technology was primarily used for businesses until recently. The ability to secure your data is great for companies looking to bolster their security, particularly amidst a pandemic that is seeing a large percentage of employees working from home.
In so many words, VPNs are safe for businesses, even when using them on your phone, but you have to make sure you’re getting them set up correctly. You’ll want to ensure that you’re installing VPNs with the help of your IT department, so you can have a centralized, focused strategy for security. Basically, don’t just tell your employees to download any VPN they can find, particularly because there are some less-than secure options out there.
Fortunately, most VPN providers offer some kind of business plan that allows you to manage accounts, centralize billing, and generally keep track of your entire businesses security, no matter where your team is working from.
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How The Internet Works
Your internet service provider connects your device to the internet, so all data between your device and the servers you connect to on the internet flows through your ISPs servers. Each device on the internet is assigned a unique number known as an IP address.
When you type a websites URL into your browsers address bar, your browser will send a request known as a DNS query to your ISP, asking for the correct computer-friendly IP address that you wish to connect to.
DNS is similar to a big telephone directory that maps URLs like protonvpn.com to their corresponding IP addresses. Once your browser has obtained the correct IP address from your ISP, it will initiate a connection with the website .
What Is An Ip Address And Why Can Others See It
An Internet Protocol address is a digital label used to achieve communication between networks. It serves the purpose to identify:
- The host
- Your location in the network so that it knows where to send you the information.
This means that without a VPN, the data packets traveling over the internet display your IP address at all times. It is visible to most online services, allowing websites to gather information about you.
A VPN hides your IP address and location in the process because youre technically accessing the internet through a VPN server. And this server is where information goes before it gets encrypted and reaches you through a trusted tunnel.
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What VPN Providers Are There
Above we have shown you three good VPN providers but there are hundreds of companies that offer commercial VPNs. Just type in VPN in the App Store or Play Store, and youll see a dizzying amount of VPN apps, that are often free to download. And then there are also quite a few companies that offer business VPN packages.
We like to help and have tested many VPN providers already. You can find more information about testing and the results in our VPN review section.
Below youll find a selection of VPN providers to give you an impression of the amount of services out there. We also state under which jurisdiction each VPN provider falls and whether the VPN provider is located in a 5, 9 or 14 eyes country the governments of these countries exchange information.
The jurisdiction may have implications for the privacy of VPN users, as each country has different privacy laws. In practice, there are therefore differences in which user data VPN providers store. With privacy in mind, you ideally want to use a VPN that doesnt log or track anything about your internet activities.
Advantage : Access To Your Companys Network
More and more companies are giving people the possibility to work from home, or abroad for instance. Some people connect to the internet via a VPN to access the company network at home. This enables people to work from home safely and efficiently.
To read more about the different reasons why people use a VPN please read our article on the subject: What are the advantages of a VPN?
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How Does VPN Work On Android Phone
A virtual private network conceals internet data traveling to and from your device. VPN software lives on your devices whether thats a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It sends your data in a scrambled format thats unreadable to anyone who may want to intercept it.