VPN usage is higher on mobile devices than on computers – with 37% being Android users. On top of this, 61% of mobile VPN users turn to their VPN at least once a week. While many of us use VPNs on our computers and tablets at home or in the office, when you’re not at home, you’re likely to use your mobile device for various online activities that might expose your data to dangers. Connecting to public Wi-Fi may give you a quicker connection than your cell service provider.

VPNs reduce the hazards of online browsing, even when you’re away from home and utilizing unknown networks. Let’s dive into how necessary it is to use a VPN on your Android device. 

What a VPN does for you

A VPN is useful for more than simply improving Android security, but that is what they are most known for. There is no foolproof method to browse the web completely safe from hackers, data trackers, and malware – but a VPN will provide valuable protection and some other benefits. 

VPNs are a tool that allows you to access the internet more privately and securely, among other things. Its most essential feature, however, is that it encrypts your activities. When you link your device to a VPN server, your activity is routed through the VPN between your device and the internet. This protects you from prying eyes, including your ISP.

This implies that the VPN operates as a conduit between your device and the internet, reducing the possibility of outsiders intercepting your traffic and preventing your identifying data from being saved on a website’s servers. The best part is you can get a free VPN for Android and protect your device at no extra cost.

What about Android’s built-in VPN?

Android has a built-in VPN client with many options for manually connecting to a VPN provider. PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPSec are examples of these approaches. This implies that if your company, for instance, utilizes any VPN service, you may add it to your device’s network settings and log in using the credentials supplied by your administrator.

This also implies that if an acquaintance uses a VPN on their personal network, you may join it by simply searching for and joining in—as long as they supply you with the relevant login details. This allows you to avoid using an app while at a location with a VPN connection.

Nevertheless, it is not a VPN in and of itself but another connection option available to Android users. It’s wonderful to have alternatives, and if your VPN needs are restricted to the job, or you have access to a VPN through friends or relatives, this will be a handy tool.

Why install a VPN?

There’s much more to learn about how VPNs work regarding tunneling and encryption, but what’s essential to grasp when it comes to using an Android phone is how it makes mobile browsing safer while increasing browsing possibilities.

Most people’s phone data is routed through a local carrier, which hackers find somewhat difficult to intercept. You’re generally protected if you’re utilizing your carrier’s LTE or 5G connection. However, carriers have data limitations and data carriage costs that might add up. Even if you have a limitless data plan, your carrier may charge you for using a hotspot.

To save on additional spending, you can utilize free local Wi-Fi provided by cafes, airport lounges, hotels, and schools. Unfortunately, such Wi-Fi is frequently unsecured and easily intercepted. When using one of these hotspots, having a VPN on your Android phone can help safeguard your data. It is never good advice to advocate connecting to the web over a public Wi-Fi hotspot without an active VPN.

Moreover, if you use your Android to stream, you may want to consider employing a VPN to be secure and to choose your desired location by switching IPs. Most streaming services provide exclusive material that is not available if you live outside of a given country. Using a VPN to spoof your actual IP address in order to overcome these geo-restrictions can provide you with fast access to many of these previously unavailable shows. Some people are less concerned about security and are more interested in streaming content from countries other than their own. A VPN’s extra security features would be a pleasant benefit for them.

Wrapping up

You are now aware that a VPN is a crucial tool for protecting your personal information when using your Android device. With a VPN, your online actions are secret and secure, even from your internet service provider. 

However, a VPN cannot protect you from everything, such as disclosing sensitive information online or falling victim to fraud. Always follow safe internet surfing habits, such as avoiding unencrypted websites, using two-factor authentication, and being cautious about what information you post with strangers on social media.