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How to set up a VPN on Android – and why you should do it right now

Published Jan 23rd, 2015 11:40AM EST
How to Set Up a VPN: Android

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Surfing the web privately is something many web users are interested in, whether they’re doing it on a desktop, laptop or mobile device, but not many people know how to do it. Recently, a detailed WhoIsHostingThis infographic showed you how to secure your connection using a VPN — a virtual private network created on top of a public network to anonymize web traffic — on Windows, Mac and iOS, assuming the user already has access to a VPN service. Phone Arena has put together a similar step-by-step guide of enabling VPN connectivity on Android devices.

FROM EARLIER: How to set up a VPN – and why you should, if you care about privacy

In addition to securing data transmission against hackers’ attacks while you’re using the Internet in public places, VPNs also let you access country-specific digital content — such as Netflix’ U.S. programming — from a different country.

On an Android device, the procedure of setting up the VPN connection is fairly simple, and should be similar no matter what smartphone or tablet you own. For the purpose of this guide, the publication used a Samsung device, instructing users to go to Settings, More Networks and choose the VPN option to get things started.

Once that’s done, a pop-up instructing you to set up a screen lock pass will appear. Actually setting up the VPN requires the user to press the “+” option in the top right corner, after dealing with the pop-up, in order to get to a special menu where VPN details have to be filled in — assuming the user has access to a VPN service.

Once set up, the VPN connection will appear in the VPN settings page. To connect to the Internet through it, you only have to tap it, and use the log in credentials you should have obtained from your VPN service provider.

Phone Arena’s quick guide, complete with helpful images, is available at the source link.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.