VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) route your internet access through a different server somewhere in the world - they can spoof your location, prevent other parties (including your internet provider) from seeing what you do online, and encrypt your data so it's harder to intercept and analyze.
You'll find plenty of articles on the benefits of VPNs on Lifehacker as well as some of the best VPN deals you'll find online, and the tools can be installed on your Android phone and tablet as well as Windows, macOS, and iPhone.
Do you need a VPN on Android?
Once you install a VPN on Android, everything you do online is routed through it, whether through an app or a mobile web browser: your VPN app digs deep into Android to manage all your online traffic. Calls and text messages will not be affected, but messaging apps connected to the network, including WhatsApp and Signal, will.
We've already touched on some of the benefits of a VPN: routing your traffic between different secure servers in this way means it can be well protected by the company that provides you with the internet, as well as by the authorities. It also means you can change the position of your Android phone's display if you want (although many streaming apps are smart about this these days).
However, a VPN cannot make you anonymous. If you're logged into Instagram, Amazon, or Google, they'll still know what you're doing—a VPN doesn't mean no one can see anything you do on the web or inside the app.
It's up to you whether you want a VPN, keep in mind that these services will have a slight impact on your internet connection speed and may cost you some money. They're most valuable if you spend a lot of time on public WiFi networks, such as coffee shops and hotels, because other devices are more likely to try to learn about your activity.
How to choose an Android VPN
The process of choosing a VPN for Android is the same as choosing a VPN for any other platform: take your time, do as much research as you can, and take advice from people you trust. (Speaking of trustworthy, we have our own list of the best VPNs as well as the best free VPNs you can get right now.)
One key feature to look out for is a zero-logs policy, which means no history of your browsing is kept - ideally, you want an independently audited zero-logs policy. Keep in mind that while governments, internet providers, and law enforcement agencies can't see your online activity, your VPN company can, so you need to choose one you trust.
It's also worth checking how many servers a VPN offers around the world, and how many devices you can connect to the VPN service simultaneously (if you need coverage beyond your Android phone or tablet). You may also find that a VPN is included with another of your subscriptions: Google One or Proton Unlimited, for example.
Generally speaking, paying for a VPN can give you greater peace of mind that the VPN provider you choose isn't making money from you in other ways. That said, there are some reputable free VPN providers, and they're listed in our guide to the best free VPNs for Android. You have to live with some limitations of the free plan, such as limitations on speed or the number of servers you can connect to.
Set up a VPN on Android
Once you've chosen the VPN you want to use, the process of setting up a VPN on Android is simple and straightforward. While the exact steps will vary depending on which VPN you decide to use, I'm going to walk you through installing NordVPN on Android — it's one of the best VPNs out there, and our NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN guide will tell you more about it.
Find the VPN you want in the Play Store (NordVPN for Android in this case), log in, and then you can choose the VPN server you want to connect to: With NordVPN, you can also tap "Quick Connect" to use one near your current location server. When your VPN app first connects to a network, Android will ask you to confirm that you trust it.
To see the VPNs available on your device and switch between them, select Network & Internet from Settings, then select VPN (Pixel phone) or Connections , More connection settings , and VPN ” (Galaxy phone). When the VPN is active, you should see a key icon in the status bar, and your chosen VPN app may also display a persistent notification telling you which server you're connected to.
Click the gear icon next to your current VPN to configure it (for example, set it to always be active). You can also manually enter your VPN server details by clicking the + (plus) icon in the upper right corner, but these only apply if you're using a virtual private network provided by your employer or other organization - most users won't need this screen.
