How to Use a VPN on Android?

Method 1: Use a VPN app (recommended)

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for your provider (e.g., "NordVPN") and tap Install.
3. Open the app, sign in with your account, and grant the connection permission.
4. Tap Connect (or pick a specific country first). The key icon appears in your status bar.
5. Open a browser and visit whatismyip.com to confirm your new IP.

Method 2: Use Android's built-in VPN client

Android has a built-in VPN client that supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP. Use it if you want to avoid third-party apps or you have a manual config from your work or your own Raspberry Pi.

1. Get a config file or credentials from your provider (or your own server).
2. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → VPN.
3. Tap the + icon.
4. Pick the protocol (WireGuard is best), enter the name, server address, and credentials, then save.
5. Tap the profile to connect.

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Useful Android VPN features to turn on

• Kill switch — blocks all internet if the VPN drops, so your IP never leaks.
• Auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi — turns the VPN on automatically when you join a coffee-shop network.
• Split-tunneling — pick which apps use the VPN. Useful for keeping banking apps on the direct connection.
• Always-on VPN — Android 7+ has a system setting that prevents traffic without the VPN. Find it under Settings → Network → VPN → gear icon.

How to confirm the VPN is working

Three quick checks:

1. Look for the key icon in the status bar (top of the screen).
2. Visit whatismyip.com in Chrome — IP should match the VPN server's country.
3. Run dnsleaktest.com — only the VPN's DNS servers should appear.