What Is a VPN and What Is It for in a Smartphone

This article explains what a VPN is. You'll learn how this technology helps smartphone owners protect themselves from intruders and traffic data interception, especially when using open Wi-Fi networks. We'll also explain how to connect to a VPN and why data security is not directly dependent on the user's home network security level that connects to the VPN.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (or VPN for short) is a technology that allows you to securely connect to the network, bypass local restrictions, and maintain privacy.

The service is suitable for secure data transfer between smartphones and other devices when using public networks. The essence of the technology is to encrypt data and mask IP addresses. This prevents third parties from accessing and reading this information without special permission to use it.

Since when traveling abroad, there is an increase in the usage of public Wi-Fi networks, through which fraudsters obtain 90% of users' confidential information, a VPN is a necessity for a modern tourist. When you are going abroad, select and install the right service to protect data and traffic on your smartphone.

By installing a smartphone VPN provider Yesim, you can enjoy high-speed, secure internet globally.

Read also: Top 7 best VPNs 2023

Why use a VPN

We will explain the reasons why you need a VPN on your smartphone in simple words: by activating the technology, you hide your real location, encrypt your traffic, and create serious difficulties for hackers. In addition, a VPN is ideal for fast and secure online work.

Most modern services have such features as:

1. Traffic encryption: deprives third parties of the ability to find out what a particular user is doing online. Even the Internet provider will not be able to get such information. For the same reason, a provider will not be able to limit the bandwidth of the connection. 2. Protection of confidential information: thanks to encryption, hackers will not be able to see passwords, phone numbers, dates of birth, or bank card data. If a cybercriminal is able to steal your data, he will receive it in encrypted form and is unlikely to be able to decrypt it. 3. Protect privacy by masking the original IP address. When the IP is hidden, services and sites will not be able to pinpoint the user's location. 4. Block trackers, ads, pop-ups, and dangerous sites: some VPNs protect gadgets from viruses by blocking any attempts to infiltrate the operating system.

How to set up a VPN: step-by-step instructions

VPN services come in free and paid versions. The first ones perform some basic tasks but do not provide any guarantees. Paid versions provide reliable protection for your smartphone under any conditions.

Let's take a step-by-step look at how to install a VPN on iPhone and Android.

On the iPhone

Installing the app on your iPhone goes like this:

1. Go to "Settings‎"‎, go to "Main" and select the item VPN. 2. Click "Add VPN Configuration". 3. Click "Type" and determine the type of connection (L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2). 4. Follow the settings given by the virtual server. 5. If using a proxy server, select the appropriate item. 6. Go to "Configuration" and activate the created connection by tapping on it.

On Android

Now let's figure out how to connect a VPN on your Android:

1. Go to "Settings‎"‎ and find "Connections"‎ or "Wireless Networks". 2. Press "Open VPN". 3. Activate the screen lock at the request of the system, without this option you cannot connect to the application. 4. Choose "Add" or "New Network". 5. . Come up with a name for the network, for example, "My VPN". 6. Define the access protocol — it can be L2TP, IPSec or PPTP in the «Type» field. 7. Get the server address from your ISP and enter it into a special field. 8. After selecting the protocol, specify certificates, DNS servers, and encryption keys for the connection. All this data is obtained from the provider. 9. Enter your username and password.

To always stay in touch and not overpay for mobile internet, download the application Yesim.

The site has convenient rates that are linked to the amount of traffic or time—install the app on your smartphone and follow the instructions. Just in case, check your gadget for eSIM compatibility on this page of the service.

Read also: What is eSIM: What Is It for and How to Use It

How to use a VPN

As a rule, the use of a VPN for traffic security and data protection does not contradict the norms of legislation. Any user has the right to protect personal information on the Internet with suitable software for his smartphone. But in some countries, certain applications, services, and companies are directly banned.

So before you install a VPN, make sure that running such software on your smartphone will not create problems with the law and regulatory authorities.

In addition, choose services that do not store identification data and do not keep logs with any other information about users. It is important to understand the difference between anonymity and privacy. Privacy is blocking any attempts by unauthorized persons to find and record the information they want. Anonymity means that you can do whatever you want, and stay visible, but no one can guess that it's you.

The VPN's performance is determined by the IP leak test. If the application copes with masking and when you go online you see the address of another state, it means that everything works properly. But if you see the old IP address, the application doesn't work properly.

Trusting free VPNs is not safe. Only premium-category services guarantee comfortable online activity and reliable data protection when connecting to any resources and services. As a rule, paid VPNs are products of large companies that care about their reputation. They are not interested in transferring or selling users’ data to third parties, such as advertisers.

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