Virtual private networks, known as VPNThey allow for improvement privacy and security, When browsing the internet from your Android mobile device. If you want to set up a VPN to securely connect to a corporate network, protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi, or have more control over who can see your data, here's a detailed, up-to-date, and comprehensive guide to do it step by step.
On Android there are multiple options for using a VPN: you can configure it manually From the system settings, install a dedicated app that simplifies the process or takes advantage of built-in features like the VPN on some Google Pixel models. In addition, many phones offer advanced settings such as VPN always on, VPN per app or job profiles linked to the corporate environment.
What is a VPN and why use it?
An VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a system that Encrypt your connection It routes your internet traffic through one or more remote servers. This makes it much harder for your internet service provider, network administrators, or potential attackers to see exactly what you're doing while browsing.
In practice, a VPN creates a private communication “tunnel” between your Android device and the internet. This tunnel is protected using techniques of encryptionso that the data leaving your mobile travels encrypted and is only decrypted at the destination VPN server.
When you connect to a VPN, your information is hidden. real IP address and is replaced by the VPN server's IP address. This has several interesting effects: it makes it more difficult to tracking your approximate location helps to navigate regional lockdowns and it may allow you to access content that is only available in certain countries, always respecting the terms of use of each service.
Traditionally, these networks were used primarily in the Business fieldso that employees could securely access the company's intranet, file servers, CRM, or databases from outside the office. Today, its use has extended to the personal environment for reasons of security,, privacy y comfort.
VPNs are especially useful for:
- Protect sensitive data When you connect to public WiFi networks (cafes, airports, hotels), it's easier for someone to try to spy on the traffic.
- Avoid content blocking applied by Internet providers, educational institutions or some corporate networks.
- Accessing corporate networks safely, as if you were physically in the office.
- Reduce tracking advertising and the creation of profiles based on your IP address and approximate location.
However, not all VPNs are created equal. Free VPNs are often very limited, and in many cases, their business model is based on... store and monetize data browsing, which is completely contrary to the goal of privacy. Paid VPNs, on the other hand, usually offer clear no-logs policiesBetter speeds and more advanced features, although it is essential to review its conditions in detail.
To make a calm decision, you can consult about The best VPNs for Android, where different options are compared, highlighting their focus on the Data Protection and the user experience.
Set up a VPN on Android from settings
If you prefer to avoid third-party apps, Android allows manually configure a VPN from their own configuration options. This option is very useful when your company, university, or VPN provider gives you all the connection data (protocol type, server, user, password, certificates, etc.).
Follow these general steps to add a VPN from your system settings:
- Access the settings: go to Configuration > Network and Internet > VPNIn some customization layers, it might appear within Connections o More connectionsIf you can't find it, use the search bar Go into the settings and type “VPN”.
- Add a new VPN: Within the VPN section, click on Add VPN or in the icon of "+" according to the manufacturer.
- Enter the VPN detailsA form will open with several fields that you must fill in with the information provided by your VPN service or IT department:
- Name: A identifier for the VPN that helps you recognize it (for example, “Business VPN” or “Home VPN”).
- Type: Select the protocol necessary (PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, IPSec with pre-shared key, etc.), as indicated in the documentation.
- Server addressIt could be a IP or domain name from the VPN server.
- Username: Your VPN service account identifier.
- Password: Key associated with that user.
- In some advanced cases, fields can also be added for domain, pre-shared key o certificatesdepending on the type of VPN.
- Set up screen lock (if it appears): Android may ask you to set a PIN, pattern or password before allowing you to save VPN credentials. This measure protects the device's secure storage.
- Optional: Set VPN always onOn some devices you will be able to check a box for VPN always on within the profile, so that the connection is established permanently and the system tries to prevent traffic from bypassing it.
- Save and connectOnce the settings are saved, tap the name of the newly created VPN, enter your credentials if prompted again, and tap on ConnectYou can select the option to Save username and password so you don't have to insert them every time.
When the connection is active, you will see a key icon or similar in the Android status bar indicating that all traffic (or the configured traffic) is being sent through the VPN. If you later want to edit or delete the connection, return to Configuration > Network and Internet > VPNTap on the network you want to modify and use the options Settings o Delete.
Using a VPN app on Android
If you prefer a simpler, more automated setup, you can opt for vpn apps Available on Google Play. These apps handle configure the profile VPN for you, manage servers and update their parameters without you having to enter data manually.
In general, the process for using a VPN app on Android is as follows:
- Download a VPN appSome popular options are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN. The latter is highly recommended if you're interested in a strong focus on [unclear - possibly "security" or "data protection"]. privacyin addition to offering other services such as ProtonMail for secure email based in Europe.
- Register and loginMost services require creating an account accountDo it from the official website or the app itself, and then log in on your mobile device.
- Grants basic permissionsWhen you connect for the first time, the app will request permission to configure the VPN on your device. Android will display a notification indicating that the app wants to install a VPN connection; simply tap on Accept if you trust that provider.
- Select a server and connectYou'll usually see a map, a list of countries, or recommended servers. Choose your preferred server (or leave it on automatic) and tap the connect button. The app will handle the entire technical process.
A major advantage of using these apps is that they often include extra features such as tracker blockingad filters, automatic reconnection, selection of servers optimized for streaming o online games and basic usage statistics.
If at any point a VPN app asks you excessive permits For services unrelated to the connection itself (access to contacts, SMS, etc.), it's advisable to carefully review their privacy policy or even switch services. Typically, they only request the minimum permissions necessary to function correctly.
Always-on VPN and Per-App VPN
On Android 7.0 and later, you can enable the option to VPN always onThis ensures that the connection remains active at all times and that the system attempts to prevent data from being sent outside the secure tunnel.
To activate it generally with a VPN configured from settings:
- Make sure there is added VPN previously, either manually or through an installed profile.
- Open the app Settings of the device and enters Network and Internet > VPN.
- Next to the VPN network you want to edit, tap on Settings or on the gear icon.
- Activate the option VPN always onIf the VPN was set up using a third-party app, this option might not appear in the system panel and will instead be managed from within the application itself.
In addition, some manufacturers and apps offer the possibility of configuring a VPN per app (also called “split tunneling”). This feature lets you choose which applications use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet, which is useful when:
- You want only certain sensitive apps (banking, corporate email) to go through the VPN.
- You need certain local applications (such as banking services in your country or TV apps) to connect without a VPN to avoid blocks or additional checks.
Another related function is notifications VPN failure always onIf the mandatory connection stops working, Android will display a persistent notification prompting you to fix the problem or disable the option. To dismiss this notification, disable the "Always On VPN" option in your network settings.
To learn more about how to take advantage of these settings, visit our guide on Use VPN on Android, where different practical scenarios are detailed.
Set up VPN on Samsung mobile phones and corporate devices
Some manufacturers like Samsung include specific adjustments for VPNs within their customization layers, especially on devices geared towards professional use. In these cases, the menu may appear in paths such as Settings > Connections > More connection settings > VPN, or integrated with security features like Samsung Knox.
In the specific case of Samsung mobile phones used in business environments, it is common for the VPN to be configured through solutions of mobile device management (MDM) or administration tools such as Microsoft Intune or other similar platforms. These tools allow the IT department to:
- Submit VPN profiles automatically to the organization's devices.
- Install required certificates without manual user intervention.
- Apply policies of Mandatory VPN for certain corporate apps or job profiles.
If your device is managed by a company, the VPN settings will most likely be applied silently, and you'll only need to accept a few initial notifications. If you have any questions or connection problems, it's best to contact your support team. IT administratorsince many times the solution involves renewing certificates or reviewing internal policies.
If you use a Samsung mobile phone on your own, check the advanced network settings To find specific VPN options, check if there are any additional menus added by the manufacturer. If you have any problems, feel free to consult our article on How to set up a VPN on your Android phone, where specific steps are explained for different models.
VPN, job profiles, and network services: considerations
On devices with professional or professional profiles managed work, it is possible that the job profile has its own VPN This is independent of the personal part of the mobile device. In these cases, the apps on the corporate profile will connect through that VPN, while your personal apps can use another VPN or connect directly to the internet.
When using a VPN, some services may function differently or exhibit limitations specific:
- Microsoft 365 ServicesApplications such as Outlook, Teams, or SharePoint may experience latencies Speeds are higher if the VPN server is far away or overloaded. In corporate environments, split tunnel exceptions are sometimes configured to improve performance.
- Streaming and gamingPlatforms like Netflix, video-on-demand services, or certain online games may Block VPN connections To prevent use outside of authorized regions. Even if the VPN is functioning correctly, the service may display errors or different catalogs.
- Firewall and restrictionsIn business, educational, or government networks there may be firewalls that block specific VPN protocols or ports. In such cases, some VPNs offer "discreet" or "obfuscation" modes to try to circumvent these blocks, always subject to the usage policies of each network.
If you experience performance or access problems, a good strategy is to configure a split tunnel VPNso that only certain crucial applications use the VPN and the rest connect directly, reducing the load on the VPN server.
It's also advisable to regularly check if your VPN is active and working as expected. For more details on managing VPN connections and how to check their status, see our article on Check if a VPN is active on your Android.
The options for using a VPN on Android are very flexible: from detailed manual configurations to apps that do everything with a single tap, including advanced settings to keep the connection always active or limit it to specific apps or profiles. Choosing a good provider, understanding how the VPN works, and adapting its settings to your daily needs will make the difference between just another tool and a solid layer of security. security and privacy on your mobile.
