Now that you've chosen the VPN you want to use, follow these steps to get it up and running on your Android device:. Open the Google Play store app on your mobile phone and tap the search bar at the top of the screen.
Type in the name of the VPN you'd like to use, and select it from the list of apps that pops up. Take a look at the app's creator to make sure you're downloading the official app instead of a copycat. The name of the company and app creator should match up. Click Install and wait for the app to download.
The first time you open any paid VPN app, you'll be asked to provide your login information or to sign up for the service. If you're asked to sign up using an email address which is the case for almost all services , be sure to check your email for a confirmation link from your new VPN provider.
For all of the apps listed in CNET's VPN directory, the process will be largely the same: You'll be prompted to choose and pay for your preferred level of subscription. We always suggest choosing a service that has a day refund policy so you can test drive services until you find the one you like.
Android devices require additional steps to keep a VPN permanently running in the background. We don't recommend this for most users -- a VPN client kept running around the clock will quickly run down your battery, and may force you to hit your data limit too soon if you've chosen a VPN provider that caps its customers' data use.
That means by default, nearly any new VPN you use will only be in operation when you open the app and turn it on. Just remember to turn it off once you're finished browsing. Learn smart gadget and internet tips and tricks with our entertaining and ingenious how-tos. On your iPhone, go to your home screen and tap to open the App Store. Tap the Search tab in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, then tap the Search box near the top of the screen.
Type in the name of the VPN you've chosen, and select it from the list that pops up. Then tap the Get button that appears to the right of the app's name. Mac App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Share RSS. Sep 11th RSS. What is VPN? When you open a website in the browser, or use any app that uses the internet, the request first goes out to the VPN server. Subscribe to News. Share Tweet. This Essential Guide shows you how. Basically a VPN provides an extra layer of security and privacy for all of your online activities.
Want to learn more about VPNs in general? Check out our Essential Guide. These days, we live on our phones and tablets, even more so than our computers. We bank. We shop. We chat. We search. As we do all of these things, we are sending personal information out over a network and assuming that it is safe and private. Do you really want to take that chance with your bank or credit card information? The number one reason to get a mobile VPN on your Android or iPhone is to ensure that you have a secure internet connection.
How many times have you walked into a coffee shop and logged in to their free Wi-Fi using your phone? The problem is, public Wi-Fi hotspots are not secure, even those that require you to input a password — hey, if you can get the password, so can everyone else. That means any knowledgeable hacker can access any data being sent over that connection, including yours.
Setting up a secure VPN on your mobile device ensures that, no matter how you connect to the internet, the information you send will be secure. Another benefit to a mobile VPN is the ability to enjoy open, unblocked access to content. Plus, subscription-based video services that you pay for may not be accessible in all areas. Sometimes, with a mobile VPN you can get around location blocks by selecting a U.
While using a free mobile VPN may be tempting, they usually have some limits which can frustrate you. How do you narrow the field? Here are some questions to consider as you research mobile VPN providers:.
What encryption method does the VPN provider use? A good VPN will likely use bit encryption and a stronger protocol like OpenVPN more on this in a second , while a free service may use a lower level of protection.
Is the VPN provider logging your activity? If your number one goal for a VPN is privacy, then you want to make sure that the service you choose does not keep a log of your activity. Check privacy policies of the products you are considering and see what you are comfortable with. With a subscription-based VPN, you know how the company makes its money.
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