Using a virtual private network is one of the best ways to help protect your digital privacy and stop certain services tracking your location – which is why we recommend any privacy conscious phone user take advantage of one of the best VPNs we’ve reviewed and currently recommend.
Here to help make the process of getting one as easy as possible we’ve created this guide detailing how to install a VPN onto any Android device.
NOTE: We used Surfshark for this guide, as it’s our current pick for the best VPN. However, other similarly solid (not to mention cheaper) VPN services are available, and the method for using them is much the same.
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What we used
- We used the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G, but these methods will work on any Android phone.
- We used the Surfshark VPN app, as it’s our pick for the best VPN and it has a free trial.
The Short Version
- Open the Google Play Store
- Download Surfshark VPN
- Create account
- Subscribe and authenticate
- Connect and Allow
- Select your region
Step
1Launch the Android Play Store
The exact position of the Store’s shortcut will depend on how you’ve setup your home screen, but it looks like the icon circled in the above screenshot.
Step
2Download Surfshark VPN
Download the Surfshark app from the Google Play Store, then open the app. Tap OK to enable it to find and connect to devices on your local network.
Step
3Create account
Tap the Start Free Trial button, enter your email address and create an 8-character password.
Step
4Subscribe and authenticate
Hit Start Free Trial. Hit Subscribe and authenticate your card.
Step
5Connect and Allow
Tap Quick-connect, followed by OK. The app might now ask you to turn off your device’s Battery Optimisation feature, so agree to Turn Off if so.
Step
6Select your region
You are now connected via a VPN, meaning your online activity is encrypted and your location hidden. If you want to make it appear like you’re in a specific country, go back into Surfshark, hit the Locations tab at the bottom, and select your desired location.
Troubleshooting
Simply head into the Surfshark app and hit the Disconnect button.
Free VPN services range wildly in quality and security, and often give your data to marketers. If you’re going free, stick to reputable VPN companies.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.