How to Set Up a VPN on Android

Setting up a VPN on Android takes only a few minutes. You collect your login details from your account, install or add the connection listed there, approve one system prompt and connect. This guide covers the general process, so it applies whichever of the connection methods your pass offers.

You need an active pass first. If you have not bought one or are unsure where your details are, start with getting started with XPASS.

Before you begin

1. Open My Pass and confirm your pass is delivered and has days remaining.
2. Note which app or connection profile is listed for Android, and keep your login details ready. Copy and paste them if you can, because extra spaces cause login errors.
3. Connect to a stable network such as home Wi-Fi so downloads and sign-in are reliable.
4. Update Android if a system update is waiting. It is not required, but older versions can behave differently.

Set up using the app on My Pass

Many people will use an app listed on their My Pass page.

1. Open the app store on your phone and install the app named on My Pass. Use only the name and source shown there.
2. Open the app and sign in with the details from My Pass.
3. When Android shows a prompt asking to allow the app to set up a VPN connection, read it and choose OK or Allow. The prompt only appears for apps you open, and it is how Android protects you.
4. Tap the app's connect control.
5. Confirm a key or VPN symbol appears in the status bar.

Set up using Android's own VPN settings

If My Pass gives you connection details to enter manually instead of an app, use Android's built-in VPN menu.

1. Open Settings and go to Network & internet > VPN. On some phones it sits under Connections, More connection settings or Network. Menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version, so search Settings for "VPN" if needed.
2. Tap the add button, often a plus sign, to create a new VPN profile.
3. Enter the details shown on My Pass exactly: a name you will recognise, the connection type, the server address and your credentials. Do not change fields you were not told to change.
4. Save the profile.
5. Tap the new profile, enter your username and password if asked, and tap Connect.

Android may ask you to set a screen lock if you do not have one, because stored VPN credentials need that protection. That is expected.

Useful options

• Always-on VPN. In the settings for a VPN profile or app, some versions offer an always-on option so the VPN reconnects automatically. A related option can block traffic when the VPN is down. These are optional, and availability depends on your phone.
• Per-network habits. Turn the VPN on before joining public Wi-Fi, as covered in VPN on public Wi-Fi.

Check that it works

1. With the VPN off, open a browser and search for "what is my IP". Note the result.
2. Turn the VPN on and refresh. The address should change.
3. Browse a few normal sites to confirm they load.

The guide to checking your VPN covers further tests.

If it does not work

• Sign-in fails. Paste the details from My Pass again, remove spaces, and make sure the pass still has days left.
• No connection prompt appears. Close the app fully and reopen it. If you dismissed the prompt earlier, reconnect so it can appear again.
• Connected but sites will not load. Toggle airplane mode on and off, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, then reconnect.
• Keeps disconnecting. Some phones close background apps to save battery. Allow the VPN app to run without battery restrictions in the phone's app settings.
• Cannot find the VPN menu. Search Settings, or look under connection settings for your manufacturer.
• Work or school phone. Managed devices can block VPN apps and profiles.

For deeper fixes, see troubleshooting a VPN on Android.

A VPN protects the traffic between your phone and the VPN. It does not make you anonymous or protect you from phishing, malware or every risk.

Summary

Collect your details from My Pass, install the listed app or add the connection in Android's VPN settings, approve the system prompt, connect, and check that your IP address changes. Menus differ between phones, so search Settings when in doubt. If you need more time later, you can see the pricing page or renew from My Pass.