Android is predestined for VPN use: Both a connection via a secure VPN provider and a simple connection to the home network can be set up.
With over 70 percent global market share Android the Windows under the mobile operating systems. Accordingly, the mobile phone OS is of course also well supplied with VPN solutions: every well-known VPN provider also offers an app under Android, with the help of which you can surf anonymously quickly and easily. But how exactly works VPN under Android? And what should you watch out for?
Two types of VPN on Android
On Android smartphones, as on all computers and mobile systems, there are two ways to use VPN. VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network” and although both options are two variants of the same technology, there are considerable differences in the intended use.
On the one hand, there is the “classic” VPN that connects your Android device to your home or work network via a secure, encrypted connection. And on the other hand, there are so-called VPN services that use the same technology, but forward the Internet signal via their own server and thereby anonymize and, if necessary, make it anonymous Bypass country blocks, so-called geoblocking be able.
Which VPN Service is Best for Android?
The VPN services for anonymization and bypassing geoblocking are chargeable. If, on the other hand, you establish a connection to the home network or to the workplace, the VPN is free for you because it is made available by your router or employer. However, this variant does not represent anonymization, but allows you to work and manage remotely.
Therefore, it is important that you use a VPN service provider if you want to surf anonymously. There are very many of them our test winners are, however, the best choice in the vast majority of cases:
- Cyberghost VPN: A popular and powerful VPN service is Cyberghost. It offers over 6,800 servers in 90 countries that are not only secure but also fast.
- NordVPN: NordVPN has an integrated ad blocker and can be used on almost any operating system thanks to OpenVPN support.
- ZenMate: A VPN service from Germany that has very simple software. ZenMate operates servers in over 74 countries and is very transparent.
All three services have practical VPN apps for Android that can also be used to book a subscription directly. A little tip: the longer the term, the cheaper the monthly fee. It is best to also pay attention to special offers – due to the fierce competition, many offer VPN services significant discounts an.
Set up anonymous VPN service on Android
Installing a VPN service on Android is child’s play thanks to the apps supplied. All you need is a VPN subscription to the service of your choice and access to the Google Play Store. Then you proceed as follows:
Downloading the VPN client via PlayStore is no problem. (Source: Netzwelt)
Establishment process
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Open the PlayStore and look for the VPN service that you want to use (for example: “NordVPN”).
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Install the app with a click on “Install”.
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Then open the VPN app by clicking on “Open”.
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You can now either log in with an existing account or register again and take out a subscription.
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Now click on “Connect” or the corresponding point in your VPN app. Android may give you a brief hint on how to recognize the existing VPN connection.
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The internet connection of your Android device is now protected by VPN.
What can I do with an anonymous VPN on Android?
An anonymous internet connection is always an advantage: yours IP address is hidden by the VPN service and if you set a server in another country, you will automatically receive an IP address from the VPN provider that is assigned to this country. This means that such a VPN service is also suitable for receiving streaming content from other countries.
Streaming platforms such as Netflix or the BBC deliver content based on the user’s location: This is determined via the IP address. If this belongs to a certain country, the corresponding content will be automatically delivered to you. This is particularly interesting for series fans, because new seasons can often be seen in the US version long before they are released on the German version of the platform.
With one click you establish the connection. (Source: Netzwelt)
Private surfing in foreign networks
By the way, a VPN service also protects you from the prying eyes of other network operators: It doesn’t matter whether you are in the hotel or at the campsite using the WLAN or surfing at a friend’s house: By switching on the VPN, you can ensure that no one sees what you’re doing here.
At the same time, you can of course use the VPN to bypass locks that were installed, for example, by a WLAN operator, for example for certain applications or services in the network. For example, if you cannot access certain websites abroad, this is usually due to government censorship or a private blockade of this website. VPN helps you to use everything on the go.
Establish a VPN with the home network
If you just want to make sure that WLAN operators don’t block or monitor you when you’re out and about, a VPN service is of course a good choice, but you can also set up your own free VPN for this purpose. This creates a tunnel between you and your home network or your employer’s network.
The FritzBox allows you to establish a VPN connection to the home network. (Source: Netzwelt)
The advantage here: You can access the content of your network – such as a NAS or the smart home control – very easily and remotely. You always surf with your home IP address over such a connection, which is why you are not anonymous. You can also access German streaming content abroad. In order to use such a free VPN, you need the access data and then have to set it up manually in Android.
Create your own VPN for Android with the FritzBox
Many routers – such as the one popular in this country FritzBox – have an integrated VPN server. You just have to activate it and you will then receive access data. To do this, first call up the administration interface of your FritzBox and log in here.
The MyFritz service also serves as a dynamic DNS. (Source: Netzwelt)
It is recommended to use the router first MyFritz to pair. This can be done in the Internet -> MyFritz account menu. This allows the FritzBox to give you a fixed address that always remains, even if the public IP address changes due to a new connection. This means that your home router can be reached at any time.
Set up VPN on FritzBox
Then you have to select or create a user that you want to use as a VPN user in the FritzBox interface under System -> Fritz! Box user. Tick ”VPN” for this user and click on “Show VPN settings”. You should save the following access data as a screenshot or PDF somewhere in the cloud so that you can access it at any time. Leave the window open and now switch to your Android device.
Add your own VPN on Android
Your own VPN is now active and you can set it up on Android. First open the Android settings. Under Network & Internet -> VPN you will find the option you need to set up your router’s free VPN:
This is how you do it
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Click on the plus sign in the upper right corner to create a new VPN connection.
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Enter the access data that your FritzBox has created here.
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Click on “Save” to save the VPN connection.
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If you now want to access your home network while on the go, you can simply click on the connection.
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The VPN connection in this way only works if you are NOT in your own WLAN. So test the connection by deactivating your WLAN on your smartphone or tablet or visiting another WLAN or using the mobile hotspot function of your mobile phone for Android tablets or laptops.
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To disconnect from the home network VPN, simply go to Network & Internet -> VPN again and tap on “Disconnect”.
That’s it: You have established a virtual private network between your Android smartphone or tablet and your FritzBox at home. The connection is always protected by the VPN tunnel, nobody can eavesdrop on you on the way. But as I said, you are not anonymous with this type of connection: Your Android device uses the IP address of your home Internet connection for Internet access.
The VPN connection to the home network is quickly established under Android. (Source: Netzwelt)
VPN over VPN?
Of course, you can also use both systems as required: A personal VPN and a VPN service are not mutually exclusive, but Android, like other operating systems, cannot establish nested VPN connections. For example, you cannot surf anonymously via the VPN service and at the same time access your home network via the personal VPN. Accordingly, when using both systems, it is important that you pay close attention to which VPN is currently active.
There are also free VPN services
Of course, when using a VPN service on Android, you don’t have to buy a pig in a poke straight away: Most VPN services offer you free trial periods in which you get your money back if you should decide against the service. However, this always involves prepayment and is not always optimal when it comes to simply surfing anonymously quickly. Fortunately, there are a number Free options for VPN services.
For example, is ideal ProtonVPN: This offers a VPN service that is cut in some places, but is also completely free. For use on the go or to occasionally perform a not entirely clean download, ProtonVPN’s free version is completely sufficient.
Conclusion: VPN on Android is not a problem
Android has now matured from a purely mobile system to a usable Windows and MacOS alternative and can also be used on the desktop. Accordingly, VPN is not a problem here. The high market share ensures that all common VPN providers have Android apps. If you want to connect to your company or home network, you are of course in good hands with Android, as the system already has a powerful VPN system on board.
” Tip: The best VPN providers for more security and data protection
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