Where Do I Place Ovpn On My Phone

Past far the easiest mode to set up a VPN on your Android device is past installing a trusted service from the Google Play store. Many, if not most, providers offering custom Android VPN apps. However, at that place are some circumstances where installing via the Play Shop might non be the best option. In this guide we comprehend a variety of methods to install a VPN on your Android device - including using the OpenVPN client and side loading.

How to prepare up a VPN on Android - The easy way

Once you have chosen a subscribed to a VPN service, follow the steps listed below to set upwardly a VPN on your Android phone:

Either use the link provided past your VPN service, or search for the service in the Google Play Shop.

For a list of services we recommend, see our best VPNs for Android article.
On the app'due south download select " Install".
Read through and accept the app'due south permissions.

Please note: In-app purchases are needed to buy a subscription from within the app, and every VPN app will need access to your WiFi settings. No other permissions should be required.

If you are using a VPN outside of the ones we recommend on our best VPN for Android folio, then we propose you pay close attention to what permissions the app is requesting.
The app volition then download and install to your Android device.

Once this is completed, launch the app, sign-in and select a server yous wish to connect to.

OpenVPN Android setup - The advanced way

OpenVPN is now the industry standard VPN protocol. It is the i that ProPrivacy.com recommends you use in almost all circumstances.

The main third-party OpenVPN apps for Android are OpenVPN Connect and the more fully featured and open source OpenVPN for Android (F-Droid version available). Follow the instructions below to configure OpenVPN on Android:

Download the OpenVPN configuration files from your VPN provider'due south website.

Unzip them (if required) and transfer to a folder on your Android device. Alternatively, download them directly to your Android device and unzip them.

Delight annotation: If you cannot discover the OpenVPN config files on your provider's site, just enquire. All the services we recommend on this page offer live chat uspport on their site for a quick answer.
Download, install and run OpenVPN for Android.
Once installed touch the + icon to the elevation right of the screen to Add Contour.

Requite the profile a suitable proper name, then hit "Import."
Navigate to the folder where you saved the unzipped OpenVPN config file(s), and choose a server (.ovpn file).

Once imported, affect the tick ✔ icon to proceed.
Once done, y'all'll see the server proper noun under the Profiles tab. To offset the VPN, just affect information technology.

Please note: You can import .ovpn files for as many servers every bit you like, and they will show upwardly hither.

Delight notation

Many providers include all necessary keys and account data in customized .ovpn files, so no further configuration is needed. Others may require that you enter your account information and other details. Please see your provider's documentation for specific instructions

Additional OpenVPN for Android settings (Optional but Recommended)

Once of the benefits of installing your VPN through the OpenVPN for Android client is that you can tweak your setup to arrange you. Below we embrace some additional recommended steps that you lot should accept once your VPN is installed.

Enable IPv6 Routing

You can forestall IPv6 DNS leaks by configuring OpenVPN on Android to properly route all IPv6 traffic over the VPN. To ensure this is enabled follow the steps listed below:

Edit the specific VPN connectedness in the "Profiles" tab.
Check IPv6 > Use default Road.

While you are hither, also check that IPv4 leak protection is enabled (it should exist by default).

Install an Android VPN with the .apk file

In some circumstances, installing a VPN via an .apk file is the just selection available to you lot - for example, if you're based in China, or you accept de-Googled your Android device (for which there are many pros and cons). If you lot need to become downward this route, then nigh VPNs volition exist provide y'all with an .apk file of their software that y'all can side load to Android.

Before nosotros kickoff, please notation that side loading files from outside the Play Store presents a security chance. And so be sure to obtain the .apk from a reputable source - such a from your provider. Information technology can't hurt to run a malware scan on it either.

Providing yous are sure that you take an official VPN .apk, follow the steps below to install it on your device.

Get-go by downloading an Android file manager app.

There are many options bachelor, just we recommend ES File Manager.
Download the VPNs .apk file to your device.

Yous tin can download it direct from the web using your web browser, send it to your Android device as an electronic mail attachment, transfer it from a desktop estimator via USB pb or USB stick, access it from your Dropbox account, or whatever….

Acme tip: IPVanish allows y'all to download the .apk straight from its website.
Find the downloaded file using your called file explorer and select "Install".
One time the app is installed simply open it.

How to ready a VPN with Android'south VPN client: PPTP or L2TP/IPsec VPN settings

Android phones comes with a VPN client baked-in which supports the PPTP and L2TP/IPsec protocols. For reasons discussed in detail in VPN Encryption: The Consummate Guide, I always recommend using an OpenVPN app instead (via either a custom app or the OpenVPN for apps mentioned in a higher place).

Some users, however, like the fact that a PPTP or L2TP/IPsec connection can exist without the demand to download a third party app.

Please note: Setup details may differ a petty from the instructions below depending on what device and version of Android you are using.

Become to your VPN Settings page.

This is usually found at: Settings > Connections > More connection settings > VPN.
Select "Add VPN."
Enter the PPTP or L2TP/IPsec settings given to y'all by your provider.

These settings are usually bachelor on the setup pages of its website, or y'all tin can enquire live chat support. Touch "Save" when you are done.

Please note: The use of pre-shared keys is strongly frowned upon from a security perspective, although this is mitigated somewhat if accounts are secured using a unique username and password.
On the VPN Settings page select the newly created connection.
Sign into your VPN business relationship and hit "Connect".

How to exam your VPN is working

No matter what kind of VPN yous use, Android will brandish a small primal icon in the notification bar whenever information technology is connected. This lets yous know at-a-glance that you are protected.

Android Vpn Key

For additional confirmation, y'all can run an IP leak test…

Check for VPN for IP leaks

Android is much less susceptible to DNS and WebRTC leaks than other desktop platforms. One time connected, however, you should withal bank check for VPN leaks. Just in example.

Final thoughts

Using a dedicated VPN app from the Google Play Store is the easiest fashion to install a VPN on your phone. Other methods, however, are hardly difficult.

Image credit: Past .elcic/Shutterstock.