| Updated: January 7, 2025
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The fastest way to set up a VPN on an Android phone is by downloading and installing a VPN app from the Google Play Store. Here are the steps to do it:
I’ve outlined the best alternatives for when your VPN provider doesn’t offer an Android app. You can manually configure a VPN on your phone, set up a virtual VPN router using a PC or Mac, or install a VPN on your router to secure your Android device.
Before proceeding with the setup, ensure you have a reliable VPN for your mobile devices. ExpressVPN, with its optimized servers and robust security protocols, is my recommendation for securing your Android phone.
The world has changed drastically, with more cell phones in existence than humans on the planet. In today’s world, a few things have become indispensable: oxygen, food, and an internet-enabled mobile phone. From staying connected with friends on social media to conducting business online, much of our daily lives revolve around the internet.
However, your online activities are not always private. Hackers, governments, ISPs, and even advertisers are constantly seeking access to your personal information and browsing habits, which could be used for targeted advertising or even legal actions against you. To protect yourself and eliminate these risks, using a VPN has become essential.
A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your data, ensuring that spying entities cannot monitor your online activities or habits. Additionally, it allows you to access global content, such as streaming platforms and channels, that would otherwise be unavailable in your region.
This article provides detailed instructions on how to install and configure a VPN on your Android device, both with and without using an Android VPN app. Furthermore, I have included a list of the best VPNs for Android, carefully tested and reviewed to ensure they meet the highest standards for this process.
There are several ways to install and use a VPN on your Android mobile phone. Downloading a VPN app from the Google Play Store is the easiest, whereas other methods are difficult and require somewhat technical knowledge.
Here are a few methods to set up a VPN on your Android phone:
| Methods | Play Store | Manual Set Up | Virtual Router | VPN on Router |
| Set-Up Difficulty | Easy | Medium | Medium | Hard |
| Requirements | Android Phone | Android Phone | Android Phone + PC | Android Phone + Router |
| Drawbacks | None | Lengthy process | A separate PC is required | Switching servers is difficult |
| Speed | Very Fast | Fast | Medium | Slow |
The first method is the simplest and only requires an Android phone and a VPN app available on the Google Play Store. Most commercial VPN providers offer dedicated Android apps for their subscribers, making it easy for anyone with an Android device to download and install a VPN effortlessly.
Other methods, such as manually configuring a VPN through network settings, setting up a virtual VPN router on your PC, or installing a VPN on your router, are more complex and time-consuming. However, these methods are essential for specific use cases, such as setting up a corporate VPN or using a VPN app that is not listed on the Play Store.
Additionally, these methods allow you to create and configure your own VPN for enhanced customization and security on your Android phone.
Most commercial VPN providers offer dedicated Android apps for their subscribers. In fact, it’s rare to come across a VPN that doesn’t have both Windows and Android apps.
While some VPNs may lack an iOS app due to rejection or removal from the Apple App Store, this is generally not an issue with the Google Play Store. Android users can reliably find and install VPN apps without such restrictions.
Here are the steps to download and install a VPN on Android phone via Play Store:
You have successfully downloaded and installed a VPN on your Android phone. Now, you can access geo-restricted websites and streaming platforms from anywhere. NordVPN subscribers can use the obfuscated VPN servers to bypass VPN blocks and firewalls.
Many Android users are unaware that they can manually configure a VPN on their devices. This method can be particularly useful if your VPN provider does not offer a native Android app or if you’re setting up a corporate VPN. Below are the steps to manually set up a VPN on your Android phone without using an app:
The process is similar to configuring a VPN on Windows 10 but with a few steps. However, when setting up a VPN manually on Android phones, you can only use PPTP, IPSec, and L2TP VPN protocols.
While these protocols offer decent speeds, they lack the advanced security and encryption features provided by modern protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. To use OpenVPN on an Android phone, you’ll need to download the VPN app from the Play Store or install it via an APK file.
Alternatively, you can manually configure a VPN on your Android device using an OpenVPN client, offering a secure and customizable solution.
There are many apps available that support OpenVPN, but I recommend using OpenVPN Connect, as it’s one of the best options for Android devices. For the configuration process, I used ExpressVPN, which required the server configuration file and my service credentials.
Most commercial VPNs follow a similar process for manually setting up OpenVPN. If you’re unable to locate the manual configuration details, server files, or service credentials, you can always reach out to your VPN provider’s customer support for assistance. Here are the steps I followed:
You will see the connection status changed to connected if the VPN is configured properly. You can also check why your VPN is not working by going through the steps I mentioned.
I recommend everyone test their VPN whenever they get connected. They can do this by checking their IP address online and accessing blocked websites.
While I personally prefer configuring a virtual router on my Windows PC, setting one up on a Mac is just as straightforward and effective. Here’s a detailed guide for both platforms:
I have mentioned the quick steps to set up a virtual VPN router on Windows because most users have a Windows PC and prefer using it to create a virtual VPN router due to its widespread availability and ease of use. Here are the quick steps to do it:
The primary drawback of connecting multiple devices to a virtual router is reduced internet speed. While you can optimize your internet speed using various tips and tricks, it’s important to note that you will still experience a minimum 40% decrease in speed.
The final and most time-consuming method to connect your Android mobile device to a VPN without using an app is by linking it to a VPN-enabled router. Here are some options to consider:
Setting up a VPN on a router might seem challenging, but with the right steps and guidance, it’s easier than you think. To simplify the process, I prefer purchasing a router with a pre-installed VPN app. With this setup, all you need is an active VPN subscription to secure your Android mobile phone without installing an app.
Additionally, a VPN-enabled router allows you to connect devices that don’t support native VPN apps, such as gaming consoles, Roku, older models of Chromecast, and Fire TV Stick, ensuring secure internet access for all. Here are more guides on installing a VPN on different devices:
There are several reasons for using a VPN on Android mobile devices. The first and foremost is online privacy and security. With a VPN installed on your Android phone, no one can see what you are doing online.
Your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server before reaching the internet. VPNs equipped with antivirus software provide dual benefits: they protect your online traffic while safeguarding your device against malware and viruses.
Another popular reason for using a VPN on Android phones is to stream geo-restricted content. With a VPN, users can access channels unavailable in their region or switch their Netflix library to explore content from other countries directly on their Android devices.
A third key reason is secure downloading. A VPN enables you to safely download torrent files on your Android phone. Many premium VPNs even offer dedicated P2P servers designed for fast and secure downloading.
I have tested numerous paid and free VPNs on my Android phone, and only a few have met my expectations. This doesn’t mean that most Android VPNs are ineffective, but my requirements for a VPN are more advanced.
Among them, I prefer ExpressVPN for its highly optimized servers and secure VPN protocols. It employs modern encryption ciphers to create a secure data tunnel and features its proprietary Lightway VPN protocol for enhanced speed and reliability. Additionally, it offers a native app for Android, Windows, Mac, Apple TV, and more, while also allowing manual configuration on various other devices.
With a single subscription, you can secure up to eight devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN can be installed on most modern routers, providing comprehensive protection for your entire household. It offers a two-year subscription at $4.99/month and is backed by 24/7 responsive customer support.
ExpressVPN’s cancellation and refund process is seamless, allowing you to test the service risk-free for 30 days and receive a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
Installing a VPN on your Android mobile can secure it and allow you to access geo-locked websites and streaming services. It can also enable your Android mobile phone to access firewalls in countries where VPNs are illegal. The easiest way to get a VPN on an Android phone is through the Google Play Store.
I have also listed the best methods for using a VPN on Android phones without the Google Play Store and mentioned the best VPN you can subscribe to and use on your device.
Using a VPN on your Android phone offers numerous benefits. The primary advantage is enhanced online privacy and security. Additionally, a VPN allows access to geo-restricted channels and streaming platforms, broadening your content options.
Among premium VPNs, I recommend ExpressVPN and NordVPN for their optimized servers and excellent customer support. Hotspot Shield is my go-to choice in the free segment, as it offers unlimited data and access to five high-speed VPN servers.
You can set up both paid and free VPNs on Android without using an app through manual configuration. Alternatively, you can create a virtual router or install the VPN directly on your home router for secure connectivity.
An Android phone does not have a built-in VPN, but it has a VPN setting that you can enable or disable with this guide.
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
