How to Connect to a Windows VPN from an Android Device
A VPN is a virtual private network that allows you to establish a secure connection between two (or more) devices – typically a server and a client. A VPN can be used to securely access the internet, remote servers, and private networks while protecting personal data from prying eyes.
VPNs are typically based on the SSL/TLS protocol and can be used to securely access resources on the internet. They can be configured to encrypt all traffic, including HTTP requests, which gives you an added level of protection when browsing. Some excellent VPNs are available for Android smartphones, so let’s take a look at how to connect to one.
Choosing The Right Product
There are many different types of VPNs to choose from, including both free and paid services. If you’re looking to connect to a VPN to browse the internet securely or to connect to a private network, then you should look for a free product that is compatible with your device. Paid VPNs are great if you want to securely access a remote server or server farm, but your device may not support the required protocols, such as PPTP or L2TP (which are both widely supported).
To choose the right product for your needs, you should consider the following:
- Your device’s operating system
- Your preferred connection method (wired vs. wireless)
- Whether you want to access the internet privately or publicly
- How robust a VPN you need
- How many devices you want to connect to (dual-player is great!)
- How long do you intend to use the VPN for
Once you’ve identified the type of VPN you want to use, you can move on to the next step.
Installing The App
Most Android smartphones come with a built-in VPN client called ‘Network Settings’. Depending on your device, you may need to open the Settings app and look for the ‘Network’ section. Once you’ve found it, you can click on the ‘VPN’ entry and select ‘Add’.
Once you’ve added the VPN provider’s app, you can click on the profile image and choose a new profile. You can select a different server location for each profile to access resources from all over the world.
To connect to a VPN, you’ll need to enter the required information, including your username, password, and server address. You can find this information in the following boxes:
- User name: This is the username you’ll use to connect to the VPN server.
- Password: This is the password you’ll use to connect to the VPN server.
- Server address: This is the IP address of the server you’ll connect to.
Once you’ve entered this information, click on the ‘Sign In’ button to confirm your creation of the new profile. You’re now connected to the VPN server and can start using it.
Configuring The App
Most VPN apps come with useful configurations that make connecting to a VPN easy and straightforward. For example, many VPN apps allow you to connect to a specific server without typing in IP addresses manually. You can also select an automatic login when connecting, so you don’t have to worry about remembering your login details.
You may also want to adjust the settings for file sharing, web content blocking, and more. Consult the VPN app’s documentation to learn how to configure it correctly for your needs.
Secure Browsing
VPNs can be used to securely access the internet, which is why most people choose to browse the web privately when using a VPN. Some VPNs, such as PureVPN, also provide adblocking, which can be useful on public wifi networks. You can prevent ads from appearing on pages you visit by activating the adblocking feature.
Some excellent VPNs for Android, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, offer end-to-end encryption, which means all data sent between your device and the VPN server is encrypted.
If you’re unsure of how secure your regular internet connection is and you’re concerned about your personal data being intercepted while online, then you should consider connecting to a VPN. Using a VPN is not a substitute for taking security precautions — like using a secure password and avoiding websites with known security issues — but it can certainly help. Remember, keeping your personal data secure is a key component to staying safe online.