VPN Servers for Android

VPN Servers is a free Android VPN app by developer DSchmidt; the catalogue lists it as version 48. As the name says, it presents a list of VPN servers you can choose from and connect to, encrypting your phone's traffic on the way. You can download VPN Servers for Android from Google Play.

Overview

Many VPN apps hide the servers behind a single button. VPN Servers puts the list front and centre, so you can see where a server is and pick one yourself. That appeals to users who like a bit more control: choosing a nearby server for speed, or a server in a specific country for testing how a website behaves there. The basic mechanism is the same as with any VPN. Android creates an encrypted tunnel from the phone to the chosen server, and your apps use it for their traffic. On public Wi-Fi this protects data from others on the network, and websites see the server's address. What matters most with a list of servers is trust. You should know who operates the servers you connect to, because they can see where your traffic goes. The app is from an individual developer, so read its description and privacy policy in Google Play to understand where the servers come from and how the service is financed.

Installation

1. Open the VPN Servers page on Google Play and check the developer name.
2. Install the app and open it.
3. Pick a server from the list and connect.
4. Approve Android's VPN request and confirm the key icon appears.

The app is small, about 7.29 MB according to catalogue data.

Choosing a server

• Nearby servers are usually faster and better for calls.
• If a server is slow or drops, switch to another from the list.
• Avoid sending sensitive data through servers whose operator you do not know.

Troubleshooting

If no server connects, check that another VPN app is not active and that the phone's date and time are set automatically; wrong clocks break encrypted connections. Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or back, quickly shows whether the network is blocking VPN traffic.

Privacy and legal notes

A VPN hides your IP address from websites, but not your identity from services you log in to. Banking and streaming apps may block VPN connections. VPN use is restricted in some countries and on many school and work networks; follow the rules where you are.

Key facts

Pros and cons

• Pro: visible list of servers to choose from.
• Pro: small and free.
• Pro: simple connect process.
• Con: trust depends on who runs the servers.
• Con: speed and stability vary between servers.

Alternatives

For a VPN from a well-known provider, our listings include ProtonVPN, Hotspot Shield VPN and Turbo VPN. Outline VPN connects to servers you or someone you trust set up.