How to Use VPN on Android, iPhone, and Laptops

With the increasing threat of cyber attacks and data breaches, securing your privacy and security has never been important in this digital age. People are always searching for ways to protect themselves from cyber threats. One effective way to protect your internet connection and maintain anonymity is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

I always keep my virtual private network on while surfing online, travelling to different countries or using any public network. So, I always recommend people to take advantage of VPN while browsing on their device. But the question is how to set up or use a VPN on your device.

In this blog, I will be sharing the steps on how to use VPN on Android, iPhone, and laptops. It will provide you with a good peace of mind and ensure that all of your online activities remain secure and private.

What is a VPN and How Does it Work?

Before going any further, let’s first discuss what is a VPN is and how does a VPN work?

VPN or Virtual Private Network is a service that protects your internet or online privacy. It encrypts your online traffic and completely disguises your identity over the internet. This makes it difficult for third parties to steal your data and track online activities.

A virtual private network simply works by hiding your original IP address and completely hiding your identity. And it allows you to use any public Wi-Fi hotspots without any worry.

Moreover, if you surf the internet using a virtual private network, that VPN server becomes your source of data. Which means your ISP (Internet service provider), or any third party can’t see or track which sites you are visiting or what type of data you receive or send online.

Benefits of Using a VPN

A VPN connection disguises your data traffic online and protects it from external access. As we know that encrypted data can easily be viewed and accessed by anyone, it is important to secure your presence and information over the internet. Below are some of the benefits of using a virtual private network.

• Online Privacy: As we know, a VPN can disguise and change your IP which hides your online location. This encrypts your connection and enables you to add an extra layer of privacy online.
• Digital Security: When you use a VPN, your ISP cannot trace your browsing activity. This means your online activity can’t be tracked. So, you don’t have to worry about any cyber threats, phishing, packet sniffing, or any dangerous public network.
• Open Internet: A virtual private network lets you choose your region virtually. With this, you can easily avoid any online restriction or censorship and access the open internet.
• Secure Data Sharing: As a virtual private network encrypts your data, it is impossible for a snooper to see what data you are transferring. It completely disguises your traffic and prevents it from any external access. So, you can easily transfer your data without worrying about any data stealing.

How to Use a VPN?

There are two ways you can set up a virtual private network, manually and by using software. First, we will discuss how you can set up VPN manually:

1. Setting up a VPN Manually

If you are looking to set up a virtual private network manually, here’s how to do it on Android, iPhone, and laptops.

How to Use VPN on Android?

Setting up a VPN on Android is pretty easy and straightforward. Each android device has an inbuilt option to add a virtual private network. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Go to Setting in your android device
• Then visit the Networks > More settings
• Here you will find virtual private network setting option
• Select VPN and click on Add virtual private network
• Enter the credentials from your provider and save it
• You’re done

How to Use VPN on iPhone?

Follow these steps given below to set up a VPN on an iPhone:

• Go to the Settings App on your iPhone
• Visit General and then navigate to VPN
• Then, go to configuration
• Here, you can select the PPTP type protocol
• Now, enter other details like Username, Password and Server name
• Now, click Done and toggle to start using it

How to Use VPN on Laptop?

If you use a laptop, whether it is a Windows or Mac, here’s how you can easily set up a VPN on your device.

Windows

• Visit the Network Settings on your laptop
• Navigate to VPN then Add virtual private network connection
• Now enter all the required info
• Select the “Remember my sign-in info” option
• Now click save
• Choose the virtual private network, then click on the Connect button

Mac

• Visit your Mac laptop and select System Performances
• Go to Network and click the + sign on lower left corner
• Select VPN as interface and select the VPN type from the drop-down list
• Click on create and enter server address and ID details
• Now authenticate it by entering your login username and click Ok
• Now, click on Apply button and then connect option
• Your device will be connected to the VPN

2. Setting Up a VPN Using any Software

A VPN software is tool that encrypts your data and online activities so that no one can track you. Furthermore, virtual private network apps also offer privacy and anonymity by masking the user’s IP address.

Setting up a virtual private network using software, or an app is an easy and direct process. Below are the top software for virtual private network that we would recommend:

• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• ExpressVPN
• Proton
• Tunnelbear

Here’s How to Set up a VPN Using Virtual Private Network Software:

• Choose and Download a virtual private network software or app
• Install the virtual private network software or app
• Create an Account or Log In
• Choose a Server Location
• Connect to the virtual private network

Suggested Read: Best Free VPN for PC/Laptop, Android and  iOS in 2024

How to Watch Banned Videos or Content Using VPN?

When I travel to a different location or a country, there are multiple contents that are banned in that particular nation. For example, TikTok’s content is banned in many countries, but you can access it using a VPN app or software. Furthermore, there are multiple apps and websites that are banned in some regions which can be accessed using a virtual private network.

All you have to do is connect to a reliable virtual private network server (Steps are shown above), choose the location where that content isn’t banned and then you can access it. Additionally, I advise you to access those videos, websites or content in incognito mode. This will provide you with an extra layer of privacy.

Conclusion

There you have it! Different ways to use VPN on Android, iPhone, and laptops. Whether you prefer to add a virtual private network manually to your device or simply use a VPN app, you can easily take control of your online privacy and security in your digital routine.

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