Today's mobile devices are just as likely to be attacked by malware or viruses, often disguised as tempting offers or free services. These viruses can not only harm the personal data stored on the device, but generally block the user from accessing his smartphone or tablet. To protect your mobile device from such problems, sometimes you have to resort to using a VPN connection.

What is a VPN

VPN is the union of several devices that are assigned to different local networks into one common virtual private network (server). The connection is provided via the Internet. Such a connection has a high level of protection and helps protect the user from possible malware.

Access to this virtual server is possible only if you have an account registered in it, as well as a login and password. You can connect a vpn network using the built-in tools of the Android operating system or using special vpn clients. How to set up vpn on android without using third party programs?

VPN setup without additional apps

You can connect a VPN connection from any android device. This is done through the built-in tools of this operating system, using proprietary protocols such as L2TP, PPTP or IPSec. Connecting to the server is done in stages:

1. First you need to enter the settings of your smartphone or tablet, go to the "Network" or "Other networks" section (in some smartphones this section is called "Connections"). If we are talking about a tablet, then in the settings you need to find the section "Wireless networks" - "More" - "VPN".
2. Next, select the "Advanced Settings" section, then go to the VPN section. Now you will need to enter a pin or password to unlock. Without entering the PIN code, you will not be able to connect to the VPN network.
3. Now you need to add a vpn connection. To do this, you will need to enter the server address, profile name and connection type. After the data is entered, you need to click "Save".
4. After the connection to the server is created, you just need to select it in the list of connections, enter the credentials (that is, login and password) and connect to the virtual network.
5. When a vpn connection is established, an icon will be visible on the notification bar in android, indicating a connection. If you click on this icon, you can see the statistics of transmitted and received data. Using the same icon, you can disable the connection.

Connecting to a VPN Using VPN Clients

There are a lot of different applications that provide access to VPN networks on Android. The most popular are Hideman VPN, Hot Spot Shield VPN, Tunnelbear VPN, Hideninja VPN and others. In addition to them, there is also an official android vpn client called OpenVPN Connect. How to connect vpn through this program?

To create a connection, you will need to install a client, register with the OpenVPN network, and obtain a profile file that has the opvn extension. The connection is made as follows:

1. First you need to open the OpenVPN Connect application, select "Menu" - "Import" - "Import Access from SD Card". In the window that opens, you need to find the profile file saved on the device with ovpn permission and click the "Select" button.
2. Next, you will need to enter your credentials, that is, login and password, and click on the “Connect” button. You do not need to enter any other data or server address, as they are automatically added from the saved profile file.

If another application is used to set up vpn, the operating system will signal the creation of a vpn connection and ask the user for confirmation whether he trusts this application. It will be necessary to tick the “Trust” checkbox, and then click the “Yes” button.

A VPN connection set up through applications is displayed not only in the notification bar, but also in the application itself, which is used for this connection. In the same place, you can remove the connection at any time.

These procedures are not particularly difficult. To use a vpn connection on android, you just need to follow these instructions step by step, which will allow you to maintain a high level of privacy and security of any of your android devices.