If you’re reading this, you probably already think that getting a VPN on your smartphone is the right move. You’re correct, of course. After all, the sheer amount of personal data your phone collects through the apps you use daily is immense. No matter which services you use, you’re still your own first line of defense against cyberthreats.
Unsure how to go about that? Then take this article as your trusty map to guide you through the VPN maze.
CyberGhost VPN comes with easy-to-use VPN apps for iOS and Android devices. You can set them up with a few taps and protect yourself on the go, just like that.
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN), creates a safe tunnel between your device and the internet when you connect to a VPN server.
Specifically, a VPN encrypts your traffic, scrambling it so third parties can’t make sense of what you do online. It also masks your IP address, helping to prevent websites and other services from tracking you. It’s crucial to use a VPN every time you go online. This way, you’ll prevent governments, advertisers, ISPs, and cybercriminals from collecting your personal data and watching what you’re up to.
When Should I Use a VPN on My Phone?
When shouldn’t you would be a better question. But let’s talk about some actual mobile VPN use cases for a safer and easier online life.
- Enhanced privacy & security: when you connect to a VPN server, it changes your public IP address and encrypts your traffic. This makes it considerably more challenging for any outsiders to take a peek into your online activities and track you to your physical location.
- Access content on restricted networks: your network administrator at school or work might block your access to certain websites, preventing you from checking your favorite content on your break. A mobile VPN’s encryption helps you to get around this type of firewall.
- Circumvent censorship: if you live under an oppressive regime or experience any kind of political censorship that limits your access to information, a VPN can help. Encryption prevents the authorities from seeing your activity and blocking your access to sites. At the same time, IP masking prevents your activity from being traced back to you.
- Better mobile gaming experience: connecting to the right VPN server while enjoying games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite can reduce ping, unlock access to region-specific events, and help avoid potential DDoS attacks.
- Comfortable traveling: when traveling abroad, you can connect to a VPN server back home to keep access to your favorite local websites, services, and apps.
Do VPNs Use Mobile Data?
The short answer: yes, VPNs do use additional mobile data. However, the amount of data consumed by a VPN largely depends on how you use it.
When you connect to a VPN on your mobile device, all of your internet traffic is routed through the VPN server before reaching its destination. This process involves encrypting your data and sending it through a secure tunnel, which inevitably uses data.
While the actual amount of data consumed relies on factors including the VPN protocol used, how long you’re connected for, and the volume of data transmitted, it’s generally minimal.
That’s why this isn’t a deal-breaker for the vast majority of VPN users. The additional data usage is typically negligible, and the added benefits of enhanced privacy, security, and access outweigh it.
How to Use a VPN on Android or iPhone
Setting up a VPN on your Android or iOS device is a pretty straightforward process. Simply follow these steps:
- Choose a VPN provider: Start by selecting a reputable VPN service from Google Play or App Store respectively.
- Download the app: Install the VPN app on your mobile device.
- Sign up/Login: Create an account or log in to your existing account within the app.
- Connect to a server: Once logged in, select a server location from the list provided and tap the connect button to establish a VPN connection.
- Enjoy secure browsing: you’re now connected to a VPN!
How to Choose a VPN
The steps above might seem simple, but the first one might be trickier than you think.
With so many VPNs available on the market, how can you possibly differentiate between them and make an informed decision?
It’s all about asking the right questions. Here are some of the most important things to consider when picking a VPN for your smartphone.
Is This VPN Actually Secure?
Check what kind of defenses are in place. Settling for less risks your security and privacy. A secure mobile VPN needs to provide powerful encryption. Remember to verify what VPN protocols are being used. The best solutions offer several protocols to choose from, but the ones you should be really looking for are the industry’s most reliable, WireGuard® and OpenVPN.
A kill switch is also a must-have feature. It automatically disconnects you from the web in case the VPN drops, preventing your data from accidentally leaking.
How Wide is This VPN’s Server Network?
This one’s fairly straightforward: the more server locations a mobile VPN offers, the better. Having a larger pool to choose from enables you to gain access to more content, websites, and services. It also means that, if you travel, you will have a higher chance of finding local servers to connect to, to get the best speeds.
Given the constant changes in government regulations and internet legislation worldwide, you never know which server locations might come in handy. Additionally, there’s a potential financial benefit in it for you, as some service subscriptions are considerably cheaper in certain countries than in others.
Does This VPN Provider Log My Online Activity?
Ensure the provider claims to be a “no-logs” mobile VPN and if it does, see if there’s any proof of that. Look for independent audits by reputable companies like Deloitte. Stick with VPNs that use technology that makes it impossible to store any of your activity data, such as RAM-only servers.
Are There Any Data Usage Caps for This Type of VPN?
This is rarely the case for paid mobile VPNs, but there are plenty of free services that limit your VPN usage to a certain amount of data. You don’t want to run out of your VPN juice as you’re using it, especially to avoid any data exposure. So, choosing a VPN that offers unlimited data is best.
What’s In It For the VPN Provider?
Going for a premium mobile VPN can save time, effort, and even money in the long run. By paying a subscription fee, you know exactly how a provider makes its profit. With free VPN tools, there’s no way for you to know that which means less accountability for the provider and bigger risks for you.
Best case scenario: you’ll have a disruptive online experience with an abundance of ads. Worst case scenario: your data will be sold to advertisers or other third parties.
Can I Stream and Game with this VPN?
You should be able to stream and game seamlessly with a VPN that has high-speed connections and unlimited data. But what if the streaming or gaming platform proactively blocks your VPN IP?
Premium providers mitigate that by offering streaming- and gaming-optimized servers. These servers are usually monitored to ensure they work with the site they’re optimized for. If one of their IPs gets blocked, the VPN refreshes the server with a new IP that works.
Will This VPN Work On My Other Devices?
Compatibility is a big factor to take into consideration when choosing a VPN solution. You use plenty of internet-connected devices in your day-to-day life, so you don’t want to subscribe to a VPN that will only work on your phone. Opt for a VPN that is compatible with all major operating systems and can be connected to multiple devices simultaneously.
Why CyberGhost Is the Best Mobile VPN for Android and iOS
- Military-grade encryption: CyberGhost VPN uses the strongest level of encryption that makes it virtually impossible for third parties to make sense of what you do online.
- High-speed servers worldwide: Choose from secure CyberGhost VPN servers located in 100 countries, including options specifically optimized for streaming, gaming, and downloading.
- Audited no-logs policy: We can’t track and record what you do while using CyberGhost VPN because our RAM-only servers erase any traces of your sessions on reboot. Don’t take our word for it: Deloitte has independently audited our no-logs policy.
- Device compatibility: CyberGhost VPN works on all major operating systems, including Android and iOS. In fact, you can connect up to 7 devices at once to the VPN with just a single subscription.
- Unlimited data: Keep CyberGhost VPN on 24/7 and use it for streaming, downloading, and browsing without worrying you’ll reach a data cap.
- Streaming-optimized servers: Connect to servers specifically built so that you don’t get IP-banned on some of the world’s biggest streaming services.
- Available support: Reach out to our non-stop Customer Support team via live chat or email if you need any sort of help with CyberGhost VPN.
Now that you know how to get a VPN on your smartphone, when to use it, and what to ask about the provider, all there’s left to do for you is to make a decision.
Why is CyberGhost VPN a no-brainer option? Because it’s fast, secure, and easy to use, you can try all of its features absolutely risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee. Just start a subscription, download the app, and give it a go.
FAQ
To use a VPN on your phone, first, download a reliable VPN app from App Store or Google Play. Open the app, sign in or create an account, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a VPN server of your choice.
To use a VPN browser on mobile, you can either download a VPN browser app from your store or use a browser that supports VPN integration, like Opera, Aloha, or Firefox. Once installed, open the app or browser, enable the VPN in the settings, and connect to a server to mask your IP address and browse more securely.
Yes, it is absolutely okay to use a VPN on your phone. In fact, using a VPN will protect your digital identity by encrypting your internet connection. It’s a recommended practice, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Download and install a VPN app from your store. After creating an account or logging in, check the list of servers that the VPN provides. To connect, simply click on the server that you need.
For an Android VPN:
1. Go to your phone’s “Settings.”
2. Look for the “Network & internet” or “Connections” option and tap on it.
3. Within this section, there should be an option called “VPN” or “VPN settings.” Tap on it.
4. If you have a VPN configured and active, you’ll see the name of the VPN service you’re connected to along with information about the connection status, such as “Connected” or “Disconnected.”
5. Additionally, you may see details about the server location and other connection settings.
For an iOS VPN (iPhone/iPad):
1. Navigate to your device’s “Settings.”
2. Scroll down and tap on “General.”
3. Look for “VPN” and tap on it. This option is usually located towards the bottom of the General settings menu.
4. If a VPN is active on your iOS device, you’ll see the name of the VPN service listed along with the connection status.
5. You can tap on the VPN configuration to view more details, including the server location and any additional setting.
It depends on the provider you choose. If you go with CyberGhost VPN, you’ll be able to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously to the VPN with just one subscription. Besides supporting iOS and Android devices, our solution works as a VPN for macOS, Windows, Linux, gaming consoles, and even smart TVs.
Yes, there are free VPN options available for smartphones, but you should be cautious as free tools may have limitations on server locations, data usage, and may expose your data to privacy risks.
It’s a lot safer and more convenient to try a reputable, premium solution like CyberGhost VPN. Besides, you can give our Android and iOS apps a full test drive with a 7-day free trial.
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