How to Use a VPN for Better WiFi Connectivity
Getting a poor signal on your smartphone when in a public place is one of the most frustrating thing. You feel like you’re missing out on important calls, texts, and emails because you don’t have a strong enough signal to perform the functions you need. You don’t want to pay exorbitant rates for high-quality WiFi, either, especially when a VPN can provide you with strong encryption that protects your personal data when connected to public WiFi.
Whether you’re traveling internationally or just want to use public WiFi at home while you’re working remotely, a VPN can be an invaluable tool. This article will discuss some of the best practices for using a VPN to improve your WiFi experience.
Avoid Free VPNs
It is well-known that many VPNs are either free or have free trial periods, which means you are not locked into using their services if you do not like them. While it is generally a good idea to try out a free VPN to see how it works, you should avoid doing this if you intend to use their services regularly. This is because the moment you stop paying they will start demanding payment again. Even worse, they might even shut down your account if you don’t pay up. Therefore, it is best to avoid using a free VPN altogether and to instead use a reputable and trusted VPN that will offer good value for your money.
Use A VPN To Access Blocked Content
A VPN is most useful when trying to access content that is blocked elsewhere. For example, if you are in Australia and trying to watch Netflix, you can use a VPN to unblock the site and give you access to hundreds of content providers including Netflix.
Similarly, if you are in the UK and trying to access Netflix US, you can use a VPN to gain access to the content. Blocking of services in certain countries is common due to copyright reasons, but it is still possible to access content that has been blocked due to a court order or imposed by a government agency.
Use A VPN To Visit Websites You’re Not Permitted To Access
This is quite a popular use case for VPNs. If you want to access a specific website that is restricted in your location, you can use the VPN features built into your browser to do this. For example, if you’re using Chrome, you can click the three lines icon in the upper right corner to access the advanced options. From here, you can connect to a VPN and bypass the filter.
Similarly, if you’re using Firefox, there is an extension called VPN Freedom that can be used to perform the same function. You can download the VPN Freedom App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store for Android and iOS users, respectively.
The list of websites you can access via VPN is called the “Allowlist”, and you can add any website you want to this list. Be sure to consult the website’s terms and conditions before doing this, as some sites will not allow you to access certain content when you’re connected to a VPN. For example, PayPal prohibits the use of VPNs to access their services.
Use A VPN To Browse The Internet Without Any Restrictions
Depending on your location, accessing websites that are not in your country of origin might be restricted. For example, if you’re in Turkey and you try to visit a German website, you will be prompted to enter your IP address in Turkish. This is a common issue for users in countries bordering war zones, or where there is political unrest. If you live in such a country, you can use a VPN to browse the internet anonymously and with unrestricted access to all websites.
To prevent this from happening, you should either use a VPN that comes with a kill switch, or turn off your internet connection when you’re not using it.
Use A VPN To Work Remotely
If you’re working remotely, getting a good internet connection is critical. You will need a VPN to keep your personal data secure while you’re working. As a general rule, when working remotely it is best to avoid public WiFi and use your employer’s wired connections instead.
If you must use public WiFi, use a VPN that has a strong encryption that will protect your data from prying eyes. Ensure that your VPN provider has a kill switch so they cannot access your data without your permission.
Use A VPN At Home To Improve Your Privacy
Even at home, you should use a VPN to improve your privacy. If you have a lot of sensitive information online, either due to social media sites being vulnerable to hacking attacks, or because you work in a field that requires you to use online banking, you can use a VPN to ensure that your personal data is always protected. Ensure that you always use a VPN when you’re using public WiFi at home, or in places where your personal data could be accessible to others (e.g., coffee shops, hotels, airports, etc.).
Use A VPN To Keep Your Identity Safer
When using public WiFi, if you have a VPN installed, you can change your IP address to that of a country where your ISP has no presence. This will make it harder for strangers to discover your true identity. Of course, if you have a strong social media presence, this could potentially make you stand out in the crowd. However, it’s still better than having your personal data compromised.
In times of crisis, people turn to their phones first for help. When Hurricane Harvey was hitting Texas in 2017, people were scared witless. Phones were the only way to get basic information, find a ride, or check in with family. In that situation, using a VPN meant people could still have some sense of privacy even if their location data was protected.
Of course, in all situations your personal data should be kept private, and not shared with anyone. But in times of crisis, there is definitely a case for privacy, and a VPN is the perfect tool for this. Especially if you’re concerned about your security, ensure that your VPN provider is a reputable company that will not sell your data to advertisers or other companies.
In summary, using a VPN is the perfect way to have a better WiFi experience. It can be used to access blocked content, visit websites you’re not allowed to access, work remotely, and improve your privacy at home. As much as possible, you should avoid using free VPNs and instead use a reputable and trusted one that offers good value for your money. Using a VPN also allows you to avoid any restrictions that might be imposed due to the country you’re in. Finally, remember that if you use a VPN to access content that is not available in your country, you will need to ensure that your VPN provider is supported in your area. Otherwise, you might encounter errors or glitches while trying to use their services, which could potentially expose your personal data to potential hackers. Ensure that your VPN provider is aware of any security issues in your area before you connect to their services.