VPN for Dummies (VPN Explained) | ExpressVPN (2024)

FAQs

How does VPN work for dummies? ›

A VPN connection establishes a secure connection between you and the internet. Via the VPN, all your data traffic is routed through an encrypted virtual tunnel. This disguises your IP address when you use the internet, making its location invisible to everyone. A VPN connection is also secure against external attacks.

The basic process for using a VPN is to install a VPN app on your device, fire it up, log into your account and select a server. For the fastest speeds, you'll typically want to choose a server geographically nearby, but for accessing region-specific content, pick a VPN server in your desired country.

A VPN, which stands for virtual private network, protects its users by encrypting their data and masking their IP addresses. This hides their browsing activity, identity, and location, allowing for greater privacy and autonomy. Anyone seeking a safer, freer, and more secure online experience could benefit from a VPN.

Set Up a VPN on an Android Device

Go to “Settings” and from there click “Network & Internet” then “Advanced” and, finally, “VPN.” Click “Add VPN.” Fill out your VPN's “Name” and “Server” and hit save. Click on your newly added VPN profile and fill out the “Account” and “Password” fields then click “Connect.”

No. Your data is encrypted, so your ISP can't see its contents. This includes DNS requests, which are sent through the VPN tunnel and resolved by the VPN provider. Your ISP can see the IP address of the VPN server you're connected to, but it can't see any connections made after that.

Learning how to use a VPN doesn't require extensive IT knowledge. In fact, it only takes a few simple steps from getting a VPN to unblocking geo-restricted content, improving online privacy, and staying safe while torrenting or gaming.

A virtual private network (VPN) adds security and anonymity to users when they connect to web-based services and sites. A VPN hides the user's actual public IP address and “tunnels” traffic between the user's device and the remote server.

For some time now, we've recommended a VPN when using public Wi-Fi in airports, libraries, hotels, and coffee shops. Given that these are public networks, a determined hacker can snoop on the other devices transmitting data on them. With a VPN, any connection becomes a secure connection, which includes public Wi-Fi.

Open your VPN client and connect to a VPN server. Once connected to the VPN server, revisit the same IP address checking website. If your IP address is different, then the VPN is working. Otherwise, your VPN has issues if your IP address remains the same as the original.

What is the best VPN for beginners? ›

Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Always use a VPN when you go online.

A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address. As a result, it also hides your location, browsing history, searches, downloads, and any other activities, such as gaming or streaming. A VPN hides this information from bad actors, ISPs, websites, and even oppressive governments.

They only see the VPN server's IP address (e.g. if you're connected to a US server, the US IP address is visible), while your real IP and online activities stay hidden. To answer how effective a VPN is at protecting your privacy, you can try Surfshark's VPN free trial and see it yourself.

Yes, you can use a VPN on Wi-Fi. In fact, using a VPN is highly recommended, especially if you're on a public Wi-Fi network. It encrypts your data and protects sensitive information from bad actors lurking on public Wi-Fi.

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries around the world, including the US, Canada, and most of Europe. However, you might risk heavy fines or even imprisonment for using a VPN in a country that bans it, for example, North Korea or Iraq.