Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (2025)

You can connect your device to a private network, like your school or company's network, when you're not there. You make this kind of connection through a virtual private network (VPN).

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Add or use a VPN

Add a saved network

Step 1: Get VPN information

Get your VPN information from your administrator. You might need to install a VPN app and start set-up in that app. The app could come from the Google Play Store or from your administrator.

Step 2: Enter VPN information

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (1) VPN.
  3. At the top right, tap Add Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (2).
  4. Enter the information from your administrator.
  5. Tap Save.

Connect

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (3) VPN.
  3. Tap the VPN you want.
  4. Enter your username and password.
  5. Tap Connect.
    • If you use a VPN app, the app opens.

Tip:Whenyou're connected, you'll seeVPNonConnect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (4).

Disconnect or forget a VPN

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (5) VPN.
  3. Next to the VPN that you want to disconnect, tap Settings Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (6).
    • To disconnect: Turn off that VPN.
    • To forget the network: Tap Forget.

Edit VPN settings

Edit

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (7) VPN.
  3. Next to the VPN you want to edit, tap Settings Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (8).
    • If you use a VPN app, the app will open.
  4. Edit the VPN settings. If needed, tap Save.

Stay connected all the time

  1. If you haven't already, add a VPN.
  2. Open your device's Settings app.
  3. Tap Network & internet Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (9) VPN.
  4. Next to the VPN you want to change, tap Settings Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (10).
  5. Turn Always-on VPN on or off.
    • If you've set up a VPN through an app, you won't have the always-on option.
  6. If needed, tap Save.

Clear VPN notification

Important: If your always-on VPN connection stops working, you'll get a notification that stays until you reconnect. To clear that notification, turn off always-on for that VPN.

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (11) VPN.
  3. Next to the VPN you want to change, tap Settings Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (12).
  4. Turn Always-on VPN off.

Work profile

You can make aVPN work only for apps associated with your work profile.Learn how to set up a work profile.

Related resources

Get to know your Android phone

Learn how to use your Android device and get the most out of Google. Get step-by-step guides and instructional videos on how to set up your phone, customize your settings, and use apps.

Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android (2025)

FAQs

Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android? ›

VPNs allow devices that aren't physically on a network to securely access the network. Android includes a built-in (PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPSec) VPN client. Devices running Android 4.0 and later also support VPN apps.

How do I connect to a private VPN? ›

Connect to a VPN from the Windows Settings page:
  1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
  2. Next to the VPN connection you want to use, select Connect.
  3. If prompted, enter your username and password or other sign in info.

Does Android have built-in VPN? ›

VPNs allow devices that aren't physically on a network to securely access the network. Android includes a built-in (PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPSec) VPN client. Devices running Android 4.0 and later also support VPN apps.

How do I connect to another network using VPN? ›

To use a VPN, follow these steps: install and launch the client on your device, select a server with an IP address on the same network as the remote one you want to access, or located in the region you want to appear in; connect to the server using credentials if needed; verify your IP address matches the one of the ...

How to setup open VPN on Android? ›

Installation guide for OpenVPN Connect with OpenVPN servers
  1. Install the OpenVPN Connect app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Wait until the download and installation are complete, then open the app.
  3. Agree to the data usage policy. The Import Profile screen displays.
  4. Import a profile.

What is the server address in VPN in Android? ›

The server address in a VPN for Android is the address of the remote server you connect to in order to route your internet traffic through the VPN network. This creates a secure tunnel between your device and the server, encrypting your data and making it appear as if you're browsing the web from the server's location.

Is VPN automatically on Android? ›

The functionality can be enabled within your Android phone settings and works only if the VPN toggle in the app is turned ON. Go to your device's Settings page and open the VPN settings. icon next to VPN. In the screen that appears, switch on the Always-on VPN toggle.

Is there a 100% free VPN for Android? ›

Hotspot Shield Basic is a popular free VPN plan with a very major plus: last year, the provider began upgrading the service to offer unlimited data across all platforms. Mac, Android, and iOS now support unlimited data, with Windows joining the party later.

Which browser has VPN built in Android? ›

3 best browsers with built-in VPN
Best forLearn more
OperaBest for everyday useGet Opera
Aloha BrowserBest for mobileGet Aloha Browser
Epic BrowserBest for anti-trackingGet Epic Browser
Apr 11, 2024

How do I bridge a VPN to a local network? ›

Go to the Network Connections control panel and rename it to "tap-bridge". Next select tap-bridge and your ethernet adapter with the mouse, right click, and select Bridge Connections. This will create a new bridge adapter icon in the control panel. Set the TCP/IP properties on the bridge adapter to an IP of 192.168.

How do I connect to a VPN directly? ›

Once you have your work or personal VPN settings ready:
  1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN > Add VPN.
  2. Under Add a VPN connection, do the following: For VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in). In the Connection name box, enter a name you'll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). ...
  3. Select Save.

How to setup VPN on Android without apps? ›

Step 2: Enter VPN information
  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet. VPN. If you can't find it, search for "VPN." If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
  3. At the top right, tap Add .
  4. Enter the information from your administrator.
  5. Tap Save.

How to use a VPN for beginners? ›

The basic process for using a VPN is to install a VPN app on your device, fire it up, log into your account and select a server. For the fastest speeds, you'll typically want to choose a server geographically nearby, but for accessing region-specific content, pick a VPN server in your desired country.

Is it safe to use VPN on Android? ›

Due to weaker security compared to iOS, Android can be exposed to various cyberattacks. One way to make your device safer is by using a reliable VPN for Android. A good VPN will offer additional security features that will help you protect your Android smartphones, TVs, and tablets.

How to use VPN to change location? ›

FAQ: How to Change VPN Location
  1. Pick a reliable service provider like VeePN and sign up.
  2. Download and install a VPN app on your device.
  3. Open the Locations settings.
  4. Select a VPN server location that works for you.
  5. There it is – your IP address and location are changed.
Apr 29, 2024

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