You’ve probably read tons of articles about VPN and its purposes. However, if you aren’t sure whether you need a virtual private network on your smartphone, you’ve come to the right place to find out. We’ll start with the basics, including the main features of a VPN, as well as its benefits and things you need to know before starting to use one.
What Is a VPN?
Known as VPNs for short, Virtual Private Networks are private connections which enable users to stay anonymous while browsing the internet. A VPN can be described as an advanced middleman between the user and the internet, as it routes all data and traffic through an encrypted tunnel and thus hides it from ISPs, hackers, and other third parties.
The way a VPN operates is quite simple. As soon as you activate a VPN, your device will be connected through a protected server in another location. Thus, no one will be able to trace your online steps back to your name and data.
When it comes to choosing the right VPN service, there are multiple options available on the market, but not all offer the same features and benefits.
While there are many free VPN solutions available nowadays, it is important to mention that paid users gain access to more perks and benefits. It is well known that free VPN service providers often log users’ data and sell it for advertising purposes. However, before we begin discussing the things you should know before using a virtual private network, let’s take a look at the reasons why you need one in the first place.
Reasons to Start Using a VPN on Mobile
#1 Increased Security
The most important reason why you need a VPN on your Android smartphone is security. Using your smartphone on a daily basis leaves your data exposed to millions of threats. Without proper encryption, even the least experienced hackers can gain access to confidential data on your device.
However, if you start using a VPN to encrypt data and browse the internet anonymously, no one will be able to locate your device or steal your information. A VPN can come in handy in many ways, as it can serve as extra protection on already encrypted networks, as well as mandatory protection for public WiFi connections.
#2 Access to Restricted Content
After security comes the second biggest benefit of using a VPN – access to restricted content. A VPN allows you to connect to different servers located all over the world. Doing so will allow you to access content that might not be available in your region due to streaming restrictions.
The best part about virtual private networks is that they are available anywhere in the world, meaning you can access any type of content from your home, as well as find different deals restricted to specific regions.
#3 Using Public WiFi without Worries
We’re all tempted to connect our devices to free networks in local shops and other areas around the city. The only downside is that these networks are open and unprotected, allowing just about anyone with the right software to reach your information. However, a VPN can provide much-needed protection by allowing you to route your data through an encrypted server. In other words, using a VPN while connecting to public networks will keep your smartphone safe from malware and hackers.
Things You Need to Know Before Using a VPN
We already mentioned that opting for paid VPN solutions is a much smarter move than settling for free ones. However, there are still some things you need to look for before you invest in a virtual private network. For starters, look for a reliable service provider that is well known in the industry.
Start by searching for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to make sure the service you’re interested in is trustworthy and worth the time.
Other features you should be looking for include a variety of available servers and fast connection speed. Don’t forget to check the terms of service before paying for a VPN to make sure the provider doesn’t keep logs and sell your data for advertising purposes. Even though this is more common with free VPN options, some paid services are known to keep logs as well.
Conclusion
To answer your question, using a VPN on your smartphone is not obligatory but it is most certainly recommended. After all, that extra security won’t do any harm. In fact, it will keep your smartphone safe and allow you to access restricted content whenever you feel like it. Feel free to share your opinion and experiences with VPNs in the comment section below!
