How to set up a VPN on Android in one minute

Setting up a VPN on Android used to mean typing server addresses into the system settings. Today an app does it for you. Here’s the one-minute version, followed by fixes for the problems people usually hit.

1. Install a VPN app

Open Google Play and install a VPN app you trust. We’ll use Berry VPN as the example: it’s free and doesn’t need an account.

2. Open it and connect

Open the app and tap the big connect button (in Berry, the berry in the middle of the screen). The first time, Android shows a message like:

Connection request: Berry VPN wants to set up a VPN connection that allows it to monitor network traffic.

This is Android’s standard warning for every VPN app, because a VPN handles your traffic. Tap OK. You won’t be asked again.

The app now picks a server. Berry tests several at once and connects to the one that answers fastest. After a moment you’ll see You’re connected and a small key icon in Android’s status bar.

3. Choose a country (optional)

Leave the location on Auto for the fastest server, or tap the location card to choose a country. Pick a country near you for speed, or a specific country if you need that country’s version of a website.

4. Allow notifications

On Android 13 and newer, the app will ask to show notifications. Allow it: the VPN notification is how Android keeps the connection running in the background, and it lets you see at a glance that you’re protected.

Common problems and fixes

The app keeps connecting but never connects. Try another country, or switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks (schools, offices) block VPN connections.

Another VPN is active. Android allows only one VPN at a time. Turn the other one off in its app, or in Settings → Network & internet → VPN.

Battery saver closes the app. Some phones stop background apps aggressively. In Settings → Apps → Berry VPN → Battery, choose Unrestricted if connections drop when the screen is off.

Some apps don’t work over the VPN. A few banking and streaming apps block VPN traffic. Disconnect while using them.

The internet is slower. Traffic takes a detour through the VPN server, so choose a closer country. See our guide on VPN speed.

Should I use “Always-on VPN”?

Android has an Always-on VPN setting (Settings → Network & internet → VPN → gear icon). It keeps a VPN connected all the time and can block traffic when the VPN is down. It’s designed for apps that stay connected permanently. If your VPN has time-limited free sessions, leave it off and connect from the app when you need it.

That’s it

Install, tap, allow once. From then on it’s one tap whenever you’re on public Wi-Fi or want to keep your IP address to yourself.

Berry VPN is our own app.