How to Set-Up a VPN on Android for Free With This Feature

All Android phones have a VPN feature built-in, but it’s not very easy to setup if you are not tech savvy.

Android has a built-in feature for users to create VPN easily for their phones.

(Photo: The Quint)

Whether browsing the internet using a public wifi network or in the workplace where certain sites are blocked, a Virtual Private Network or VPN is a gateway to access the internet in a more secure way. By masking your IP address your network usage and location tracking are encrypted.

This makes it safer if you are accessing websites that contain sensitive information like bank or government sites. Or even to access banned porn sites.

Setting up a VPN might seem like a complicated task. Did you know that you can set up one through your Android smartphone?

Here is how to do it:

Step 1

Go to settings and select connections. Under connections select more connection settings.

Although Android does have the VPN option, the location of it will differ from phone to phone.(Photo: Screen grab of the VPN feature in Android)

Step 2

Select the VPN option.

A VPN can help bypass geographic restrictions imposed by the government of that region.(Photo: screen grab of the VPN feature in Android)

Step 3

Tap the three dots on the top right-hand side and select the Add VPN profile.

Make sure the server address is of a secure connection.(Photo : screen Grab of the VPN feature in Android)

Avoid copying server address from any third party websites.

Step 4

Fill the details which are name, the server address, username and password, you can fill more specific details by selecting the advanced options.

MPPE or Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption provides data security for the PTP (point to point) connection between the VPN client and the VPN server.(Photo: screen Grab of the VPN feature in Android )

Step 5

Select the VPN profile to connect. When connected a key icon will be shown on the top notification bar.

VPNs are mostly used in China due to heavy internet censorship.(Screen Grab of the VPN feature)

If you find these steps hard to follow, there are VPN apps available on the Play Store that perform the same function. Except, you will have to pay for them or risk parting with some of your data.