How Do I Get a VPN on My Phone?
🔍 Quick answer:
To get a VPN on your phone, open your device's app store — App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android. Search for a trusted VPN like ProtonVPN (has a free tier), NordVPN, or ExpressVPN. Download the app, open it, create an account, and tap the connect button. The VPN icon will appear in your status bar. That's it — your phone is now protected. The whole process takes less than 3 minutes.
Step-by-step: Get VPN on iPhone
Step 1: Open the App Store
Tap the blue App Store icon on your iPhone's home screen.
Step 2: Search for a VPN
Search for "ProtonVPN", "NordVPN", or "ExpressVPN". Avoid unknown free VPNs with poor reviews.
Step 3: Download and install
Tap "Get" then "Install". Authenticate with Face ID or your Apple ID password.
Step 4: Open the app and sign up
Open the VPN app and create an account. ProtonVPN has a free tier with unlimited data.
Step 5: Allow VPN configuration
iOS will ask "Would you like to add VPN configurations?" Tap "Allow" — this is normal.
Step 6: Connect
Tap the connect button. "VPN" appears in your status bar — you're protected!
Step-by-step: Get VPN on Android
Step 1: Open Google Play Store
Tap the Play Store icon on your Android home screen.
Step 2: Search for a VPN
Search for "ProtonVPN", "NordVPN", or "ExpressVPN". Check the developer name to ensure it's official.
Step 3: Tap "Install"
Wait for the app to download and install.
Step 4: Open the app and sign up
Open the VPN app and create an account. ProtonVPN has a free tier with unlimited data.
Step 5: Allow VPN connection
Android will ask for permission to set up a VPN connection. Tap "OK" or "Allow".
Step 6: Connect
Tap the connect button. The key icon 🔑 appears in your status bar — you're protected!
Best VPN apps for phone (2026)
| VPN | Best for | Free tier | Price (annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Free tier & privacy | ✅ Unlimited free | $59.88/yr |
| NordVPN | Features & speed | ❌ 30-day refund | $59.88/yr |
| ExpressVPN | Ease of use & speed | ❌ 30-day refund | $99.95/yr |
| Surfshark | Budget & unlimited devices | ❌ 30-day refund | $47.88/yr |
💡 Pro tip: After getting a VPN on your phone, add the VPN toggle to Control Center (iPhone) or Quick Settings (Android) for one-tap connect/disconnect. On iPhone: Settings → Control Center → add VPN. On Android: edit Quick Settings and add VPN tile.
On this page
Top 3 VPNs 2026 Tested
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Similar questions
Terms you'll meet
- IP address
- Your device's public ID online.
- Encryption
- Scrambling data so only you can read it.
- No‑logs policy
- VPN doesn't store your activity.