Since the Internet presents ever-increasing threats to our security and privacy, it doesn’t come as a surprise that VPNs are more popular than ever before. However, should you run them on your Android or iOS device?
Well, a VPN is just as beneficial when it comes to using one with your smartphone as well. We’ll cover the reasons why using a VPN is a good idea and how to set it up. But before that, let’s take a look at what a VPN is exactly:
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network, also commonly referred to as VPN, is a technology that establishes a secure and private connection over a public network such as the Internet. Basically, it replaces your real IP address with a virtual one from the remote VPN server you’re connected to, allowing you to browse without leaving a trail for anyone to follow.
Moreover, all your Internet traffic and communications are routed through an encrypted tunnel, making it impossible for third-parties like ISPs, governments, hackers, and advertisers to eavesdrop on your private data. In short, a VPN makes the Internet safer a place to indulge in and lets you experience it free from all sorts of limitations.
The Benefits of Using a VPN
The use of VPNs shouldn’t be limited to your laptops or computers only. After all, you have to protect your privacy and keep your data secure on your smartphone too – if you don’t who will? Here are a few good reasons why you should use a safe VPN with your mobile device:
1. Secures Your Personal Information
Most people keep their smartphones connected to the Internet all the time and use them throughout the day to check emails, play games, update social media, browse the web, and more. It’s important to realize that every minute you’re online, you’re vulnerable to certain threats.
For instance, your Internet traffic can be intercepted to get a hold of your sensitive info like passwords, messages, emails, credit card numbers, etc. By using a VPN, your data is encrypted from end-to-end during transmission to keep snoopers at bay, even on unsecured Wi-Fi networks!
2. Provides Access to Restricted Content
As you probably know already, most streaming services won’t let you access some of their content as it’s restricted to certain regions only. So, if you want to watch the US version of Netflix from the UK, you’ll not be able to do so as the website can detect your IP address and location.
This is exactly where a VPN can prove useful. All you have to do is connect to a server in a location where the content is accessible, and you’ll be able to access your favorite movies and TV shows instantly right on your smartphone.
3. Improves Your Online Anonymity
There are many reasons for wanting to surf with a cloak of anonymity. For starters, your ISP can see everything you do online and sell your browsing history to the highest bidders. Websites track your online activities to serve you targeted ads based on your interests and preferences.
Governments also surveil the Internet usage of their citizens due to supposed concerns surrounding “national security”. A VPN conceals your virtual identity by assigning you an IP shared with thousands of users around the globe, so that you can use the Internet anonymously.
4. Enables You to Access Office Files Remotely
In certain circumstances, you have no other option but to reply to an important email from your smartphone. However, if you want to attach a confidential document along with it, you’ll have to access your company’s resources – securely.
With a VPN installed on your mobile device, you be able to safely access office files from a remote location without the risk of any potential leaks. Moreover, it also makes it possible to work remotely in a protected environment.
How to Setup and Use a VPN?
Most reputed VPN providers like PureVPN offer easy-to-use applications and software for all major platforms, including desktop and mobile. Therefore, setting up and using a VPN on your smartphone is no rocket science. All you have to do is follow these simple steps (we’ll be using PureVPN as an example here):
Step #1: Subscribe to PureVPN
First of all, you’ll have to get PureVPN subscription so head over to their order page and select the plan you desire. Remember, every plan is backed by a 31-day money-back guarantee, giving you a whole month to test the offerings!
Step #2: Download & Install VPN App
Next up, visit Google Play Store and search for PureVPN in order to install it on your Android smartphone. Then tap the Install button and wait a few moments until the installation process is completed.
Step #3: Launch PureVPN
Once the app is successfully installed, tap Login and enter the Username and Password details that were sent to your email inbox. Tap the Done button when you’re finished to launch PureVPN for Android.
Step #4: Choose a Mode
Upon launching PureVPN, you’ll be asked to choose a Mode of your choice. These have been pre-configured for different activities. You’re then asked to allow configuration changes – the app handles this automatically!
Step #5: Pick a Server
Lastly, select the server you want to use and tap Connect. The VPN connection will take a few seconds to establish. You’re now connected to PureVPN and can browse the web securely and anonymously on your smartphone!
Final Word
As you can see, using a VPN on your smartphone brings with it a plethora of benefits that improve your online experience by leaps and bounds! However, because not all VPNs are created equally, make sure you do your due diligence to find the best provider for your needs.
Feel free to share this guide with your friends and family so they too can arm their mobile phones with the ultimate protection of a VPN!
