Introduction
In today’s digital world, keeping your data secure while surfing the web is more important than ever. Whether you’re working from home, traveling, or just browsing, a VPN protects you from unwanted snoops and geo‑blocks. But you might wonder, how to change vpn on android if you’ve already installed one. The process is surprisingly straightforward once you understand the steps.
Many users also need to adjust their connection point. They ask, how to change vpn location on android to bypass regional restrictions or improve speeds. This guide will walk you through that exact question and show you how to tweak your VPN settings.
Understanding the why behind these actions adds clarity. You’ll learn why a VPN is essential, how it can bypass censorship, and why it matters for privacy. We’ll also touch on common pitfalls, like why Grammarly may not work when connected to a VPN, which can happen if your VPN routes traffic through unexpected servers.
When it comes to why you need a VPN, it’s simple: encryption, anonymity, and location spoofing. These benefits are especially useful in regions with strict internet controls, like China or Iran, or for travelers who want to keep their data safe on public Wi‑Fi.
Finally, we’ll look at the practical side—what a VPN is and why you need it. Once you know the basics, you’ll feel confident changing your VPN on Android and adjusting your location whenever you need to.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Choosing a Reliable VPN App
First, pick a reputable VPN that supports Android. Popular choices include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Look for apps with clear privacy policies and a large server network. The more servers, the better your chances of picking a fast, reliable location.
Next, install the chosen app from the Google Play Store. Once opened, sign up or log in, and you’ll see a simple dashboard. From here you can access the settings menu, where most VPNs allow you to configure advanced options.
Now, we’ll dive into the exact steps to change your VPN on Android. How to change VPN on Android involves selecting a new server or region. Tap the server list icon, scroll, and pick your desired country. For example, choosing Canada or Germany often gives good speeds for North American users.
Once you select a server, the app will automatically establish a secure connection. You’ll see a lock icon in the status bar, indicating that your traffic is now encrypted and routed through the new server. At this point, you’ve successfully changed VPN location on Android.
To verify the change, visit a website that shows your IP location. Sites like whatismyipaddress.com will display the new country. If it matches the server you chose, your location has been spoofed successfully.
Installing the VPN
If your device doesn’t have a VPN app yet, download one from the Play Store. Ensure you grant the necessary permissions for “VPN” and “Location.” Some apps, like ProtonVPN, also require “Draw over other apps” for notification toggling.
After installation, open the app and follow the onboarding steps. Most VPNs ask you to create an account, choose a plan, and then log in. Once logged in, you’ll see a list of servers sorted by country.
In the server list, you can also filter by speed or “optimized” servers. For users who want the best speed, the “Fastest” category usually includes the nearest servers to your device. You can also manually search for a specific city.
When you find a server you like, tap it, and the app will connect automatically. The lock icon confirms the secure tunnel is active. This process is the same whether you’re on a home Wi‑Fi or a public hotspot.
Configuring the VPN
Most VPN apps have a settings panel for advanced users. In the settings, you can choose the VPN protocol, like OpenVPN or WireGuard. WireGuard is fast and efficient, but some older devices might still prefer OpenVPN.
Within the settings, you’ll also see a “Kill Switch” option. This feature stops all traffic if the VPN drops, preventing accidental data leaks. Many users enable this for added security.
Some apps provide “Split Tunneling” to route only selected apps through the VPN. If you need a local server for a streaming service, you can add it here while keeping other apps direct to the internet.
After adjusting any options, return to the home screen and connect again. The VPN will now use your chosen configuration.
Now you can confidently change VPN on Android and customize the experience to match your needs.
Connecting to a New Server
Open the VPN app, tap the server list icon, and scroll through the countries. For a quick change, swipe left or right to see neighboring regions. You might pick the “Asia” region for an East Asian user, or “EU” for a European traveler.
When you select a country, the app will display a list of cities. Choosing a city close to your physical location usually yields the best latency. For example, selecting “Tokyo” if you’re in Japan.
Click the city, and the app will connect. You’ll see a notification indicating “Connected to Tokyo.” If you’re unsure whether the connection is secure, revisit the status bar lock icon.
Remember to test the new location. Visit a site like iplocation.net to confirm the IP has changed to the new country.
When you’re done, you can easily change VPN location on Android again by repeating this process.
Verifying Your Connection
After connecting, check your IP and DNS leaks. Use online tools like dnsleaktest.com to confirm your DNS queries are also routed through the VPN server.
Some apps might still use your device’s default DNS. If that’s the case, enable the “DNS over HTTPS” option in your VPN’s settings.
When everything looks correct—locked icon, new IP, no leaks—you’ve successfully changed VPN on Android and verified the change.
It’s a good practice to perform these checks every time you switch servers, especially if you’re accessing sensitive data.
By following these steps, you can confidently change VPN location on Android whenever you need to.
Tips
Here are some handy tips to make the most of your VPN on Android:
- Use a dedicated VPN app: Instead of the built‑in Android VPN settings, dedicated apps usually provide better performance and more features.
- Keep the app updated: Updates often contain security patches and protocol improvements.
- Enable split tunneling: If you only need to access a geo‑restricted service, route just that app through the VPN.
- Turn on the kill switch: Prevent data leaks if the VPN drops unexpectedly.
- Use WireGuard: It’s a modern protocol that offers faster speeds on many devices.
For a deeper dive into why certain tools like Grammarly may not work with a VPN, check out Why Grammarly may not work when connected to a VPN. The article explains how some corporate or school networks block VPN traffic.
Remember that not all VPNs are created equal. Research the privacy policy and server locations before choosing one. A solid provider will list their server countries, so you can plan your change VPN location on Android accordingly.
For users who are concerned about speed, many VPNs offer “optimized” servers. These are tuned for low latency, ideal for streaming or gaming. Just select one from the list before connecting.
Finally, if you’re traveling to a country with heavy internet censorship, you may want to choose a server in a neighboring country with strong internet freedom, such as choosing a UK server when visiting the UAE.
Alternative Methods
Beyond the standard app approach, there are a few alternative ways to change your VPN settings on Android.
Using the Built‑in Android VPN Settings
Android’s native VPN interface allows you to add a VPN manually. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → VPN. Tap “Add VPN,” fill in the details, and connect. This method is useful if you want to use a custom VPN server you don’t have an app for.
When you add a custom VPN, you’ll need the server’s IP address, the protocol (OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, etc.), and your credentials. Many ISPs provide these details, or you can get them from your VPN provider’s support page.
Once the VPN is added, you can toggle it on from the status bar. If you need to switch servers, just select a different VPN profile from the list.
This method can be handy if you prefer a lightweight solution or if you’re troubleshooting an app that conflicts with the built‑in VPN.
For more advanced users, you can also configure VPN programmatically on Android, allowing you to integrate VPN connection logic into your own apps.
Using a Third‑Party VPN Service via IPSec
Some VPNs support IPSec on Android. Follow the official guide from Asus: VPN IPSec VPN set up on Android. This method is more technical but can be useful for certain corporate setups.
To set up IPSec, you’ll need the server’s IP, your username, and a pre‑shared key. Open Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → Add VPN, then input the details. Make sure to select “IPSec” as the VPN type.
After adding the profile, you can connect and disconnect as needed. This approach provides a second way to change your VPN location if the app doesn’t offer a certain server.
Note that IPSec may be slower on older devices, but it’s highly secure and widely supported.
These alternative methods give you flexibility, especially if you encounter restrictions in the app’s server selection.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of how to change VPN on Android gives you control over your internet experience. From choosing the right server to verifying the connection, each step is essential for a safe, fast, and unrestricted browsing session.
When you need to how to change VPN location on Android for geo‑restrictions or privacy concerns, these simple steps ensure you stay connected to the right place. Whether you’re in the U.S., the U.K., or Asia, the same process applies.
Remember the key takeaways: install a reliable app, enable a kill switch, choose a fast server, verify the IP, and test for leaks. With these best practices, you’ll always have a secure, private connection.
For a deeper understanding of why a VPN matters, read Why You Need a VPN. It covers encryption, anonymity, and how a VPN can protect your data in high‑risk areas.
Finally, if you’ve ever wondered about the legal and ethical aspects of VPN usage, the article Why People Use VPN explores the motivations behind widespread VPN adoption across different regions.
With these insights and techniques, you’re now equipped to navigate the digital world confidently, no matter where you are.
