We have talked a lot about VPN and how it can help you browse internet in our past articles. However, we understand if you are still using unprotected WiFi networks to access internet on your smartphone or tablet or laptop. Usually in public places like airport, coffee shops and restaurants, we log in to these public WiFi networks and enjoy the free WiFi, and as stated before as well, we forget to secure our activities. These hotspots can easily be hacked and all your data is at risk here. So we understand none of us can ditch public WiFi, but we all can ensure using VPN for safer browsing.
Step by Step Guide to Connect to VPN
First of all, you would have to choose an app you want to use for setting up VPN. We have talked about the different apps available below. Once you have installed it, you can go ahead and set it up. You will get instructions on how to do it, and following them will lead you to a VPN symbol which is in form of a key on the top of your device’s screen. This will show that you are connected. The app will be able to alert you once your connection does not stay private so you would be aware whenever to use VPN to connect. In case you do not want to use a third party app, follow the below steps to setup a VPN connection :
Open the Settings of your Android device. Select the section called Wireless & Networks and you will find VPN there.
Click on it, which will lead you to – Basic VPN and Advanced IPsec VPN. Basic VPN will let you manage all the third party VPN apps and connect to VPN. On the other hand, Advanced IPsec VPN will help you connect to a VPN manually along with adding a bit of really advanced settings.
Tap on Basic VPN. Now click on Add VPN at the top right corner of your screen.
A dialogue box would open. Name your VPN connection then you need to select the type of VPN to be used.
You would be required to enter the server address as well.
Please note that you are free to add as many VPN connections as you need or want. You can also switch between them given your preferences.
You can also turn on Always On VPN which will allow you to have internet connection only when device is connected to a VPN. You will find this feature under Basic VPN. Also this feature works only for the VPN connection called L2TP/IPSec.
In case you are using Nexus phone with Android 5.1 or higher or a Google Pixel device, you would be able to use WiFi Assistant as well. It is actually a built in VPN. You can turn it on and then use Manage Saved Networks to make sure your connection is safe.
VPN – Features & Importance
VPN is an acronym for virtual private network, which basically stands for a secure connection to encrypt your internet activity so much so that not even hackers can crack through it. VPN is the best way to connect to a public WIFi to ensure data safety. The process used in VPNs to encrypt and providing safe connection is called tunneling. Please remember that it is extremely easy to get hacked while accessing internet unprotected and unrestricted in public spaces and VPNs save you from that. It will block ad trackers and create a safe environment for you and your precious data which includes everything from your contact lists to mailboxes to your account numbers and ATM PIN.
VPN Apps To Use
As stated earlier you can choose from a wide range of VPN apps available, and thing to note here is that these apps are not too expensive even if some of them are paid. The top two bets would be Avira Phantom VPN which is a product from AVIRA and NordVPN which is designed by NordVPN. Both of these apps will encrypt your network as well as the place you are logging into internet from, making sure your tracks are covered. This will make your presence a lot less seeable to hackers on internet, making your data secure. You can also use these VPN apps to change the location of your phone which will let you access the content blocked in your location. Thus you would be able to catch whichever latest video you could not watch given the location issue – however we would really suggest you to check the local law once as doing so can be deemed illegal in some places.
You will get a maximum of 500 MB data free every month with Avira Phantom VPN. In case, you create an account, you can get 1GB data free every month. You might also choose the 10 bucks plan which offers unlimited data.
On the other hand, there is no free option with NordVPN. However you get unlimited data with all its plans. And the longer you get them for, the cheaper it gets. You can get a one month plan for 11.95 bucks, while a six months one will cost you only seven bucks. You also get a thirty days money back guarantee on plans to be used on PCs here.
Then there is Private Internet Access VPN service which will get you protection for maximum five devices like PCs and smartphones. You can opt for their three different plans which cost 6.95 per month for one month, 5.99 per month for six and 3.33 per month for a year long 12 months.
