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Download a secure VPN for Android

  • Protect your mobile payments
  • Stay secure on public Wi-Fi and mobile data networks
  • Connect all your mobile devices
  • Experience lightning-fast speeds on Android 4.0 and up
  • Enjoy a 7-day free trial on Android
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30-day money-back guarantee

What is a VPN on Android?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) for Android is an app that encrypts data sent to and from your device, routing it through a remote server via an encrypted tunnel to ensure privacy online.

VPN on Android can also refer to the built-in VPN functionality on devices running Android 4.0 or later, allowing secure, private connections over the internet.

What is a VPN on Android?

Try Surfshark risk-free

Try it risk-free and see for yourself. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans purchased directly from our website, and you can even get a 7-day free trial through the Android app:

  1. Download the Surfshark app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and choose Start free trial.
  3. Create your account and select the 12-month option.
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Try Surfshark risk-free

How to set up a VPN on Android

Get Surfshark

1. Get Surfshark

Pick a pricing plan and sign up.

Get the app

2. Get the app

Download the Surfshark VPN Android app on Google Play, or get the APK here.

Connect to a server

3. Connect to a server

Hit Quick-connect and enjoy a private, safe, and unrestricted internet.

Surfshark is supported by API (Application Programming Interface) versions 21 or newer, Android 5.0 and newer systems, as well as Android phones, tablets, and smart TVs.

 

The app is available on Google Play, while the APK can be downloaded from our website.

 

We’ve also got a video on how to set up Surfshark on Android!

A VPN that works wonders

Stream, browse, and shop privately from any location

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30-day money-back guarantee
A VPN that works wonders

Why is Surfshark the best VPN APK?

Available both as an .APK and in the Google Play Store, Surfshark leaves no doubt as to which is the best VPN app for Android.

Kill Switch

Kill Switch automatically disconnects your Android device from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This way, no sensitive data or personal information is leaked. It’s especially useful when using public Wi-Fi or avoiding online censorship.

CleanWeb

CleanWeb is an in-built ad blocking feature that keeps your Android devices clean from ads and trackers. It stops ads from loading and saves you from potentially clicking on a malicious one.

Bypasser

Bypasser lets you choose which Android apps or websites bypass the VPN connection while keeping everything else protected. This is useful when you want to protect only specific processes or exempt them from the VPN, like a banking app.

Unlimited devices

With Surfshark, you can connect multiple devices to one account. You can secure not just your Android phone but also your tablet, smart TV, or any other device — without ever needing to log out.

End-to-end encryption

We use industry-leading AES-256 VPN encryption to protect your sensitive information — no computer system that exists now could crack it in a human lifetime. Encryption is the key to keeping your data safe from ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and snoopers.

No-logs policy

Surfshark adheres to a no-activity-logs policy, which means we don’t monitor or log your online activity — whether you use an Android device or not. What you do online stays completely your business.

Why you don’t want to be using a modded Surfshark VPN APK

We know there are modded Surfshark VPN APKs out there, but beware — using them is risky. Here is why:

Compromised security

Compromised security

Whoever’s modified the Surfshark APK could be spying on you. They could even intercept all of your data, and you wouldn’t know it.

Surfshark support can’t help

Surfshark support can’t help

Who knows what modifications have been made to the modified Surfshark VPN APK? Surfshark’s support isn’t in the know, so if any troubles arise, they won’t be able to help.

Minimal security

Minimal security

A modded Surfshark APK misses out on all the updates necessary to keep the app secure and improve its functionality.

Actively working against the VPN

Actively working against the VPN

Surfshark has measures in place to detect and block unauthorized connections. This means that any benefits gained by using a modded APK could suddenly disappear.

Get Surfshark for every device you own

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can protect all your devices at the same time. Don’t limit your VPN use to Android — download our app on all your devices and stay private whenever you go online.

Download a VPN on all your devices, including smart TVs, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Oculus Quest, and Apple Vision Pro. And if you want to protect your entire home network at once, you can always set up Surfshark VPN on your router.

Discover the benefits of a paid VPN for Android

Most free Android VPN services limit data usage and cap your speed. Some of them have also been known to collect and sell user data to keep their service running. Here’s why Surfshark VPN blows its free alternatives out of the water:

No activity logs

Paid VPNs don’t need to sell user data to finance themselves, so they’re much more likely to have a no-activity-logs policy and abide by it.

Modern protocols

Free VPN developers don’t have the money for research and development like paid VPN developers.

Unlimited data

A free VPN is likely to limit your speed or data — that’s their way of making you upgrade to a paid plan. A paid VPN already comes with unlimited bandwidth.

Advanced security

Maintaining a secure and modern VPN network requires money. A free VPN can’t ensure the same level of security that a subscription-funded paid VPN can.

Thousands of servers

Your internet connection speed with a VPN depends partly on the number of servers and locations a VPN offers. Paid VPNs always have a larger server selection and better server infrastructure than free alternatives.

Good speeds

A paid VPN like Surfshark can afford to upgrade its servers to 10Gbps — something a free VPN would hardly be able to do.

3,200+ servers, 100 countries, 6 continents

All servers
3200+ servers, 100+ countries, 6 continents

Verified security

“To sum up, Cure53 is highly satisfied to see such a strong security posture on the Surfshark VPN proxy extension, especially given the common vulnerability of similar products to privacy issues.”

Dr. Mario Heiderich, Founder & CEO of Cure53

Verified security

Testimonials proving excellence

At Surfshark, we strive to offer a hassle-free experience for all our users. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what the world has to say about us.

The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
Tom's guide

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

4.5/5 ★

Techradar

“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”

4.5/5 ★

CNET

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

4.5/5 ★

The reviews quoted on this section have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

MRWHOSETHEBOSS 20.2M subscribers

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

SAM CHUI 3.61M subscribers

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

MAX & OCCY 265K subscribers
The reviews quoted on this section have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit
The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Your mobile devices deserve the best

Stay secure and browse at top speeds — on all your Android devices at once

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30-day money-back guarantee
Your mobile devices deserve the best

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Android devices have integrated VPN functionality. However, the built-in VPN:

  • Cannot run the latest VPN protocols;
  • Requires manual setup; 
  • Doesn’t come with a VPN server; you’ll still need to find one on your own (most likely through a subscription).

Using a VPN service is legal in most parts of the world. VPNs are privacy and security tools, and there’s nothing illegal about protecting yourself online.

Most VPNs are safe to use on Android as long as you stay away from the free options. Just remember to research the VPN provider and check their privacy policy before you sign up.

Yes, Surshark works on Android TVs listed in the Google Play Store. Please note that the app does not support Ethernet cable connections on Android TVs and boxes running Android 9.

Free VPNs for Android do exist, but we do not recommend using them. Not only do they provide a sub-par VPN experience due to a slow and limited connection, but they are also known to carry serious security risks. To get the best VPN for Android, go with a paid tool.

If you want to install a VPN manually, you’ll need to download and install an APK file. We have a dedicated guide on how to do this, with the short version being:

  • Download the APK file;
  • Open the file;
  • Wait for the VPN app to install;
  • Launch the app and log in.

A VPN can help prevent ISP throttling by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for the ISP to detect the type of content you are accessing and thus reducing the likelihood of them slowing down your connection.

While you can never be 100% anonymous on the internet, a reliable VPN will make you extremely hard to track.

The truth of the matter is there is no best free VPN service we can recommend. Most free options come with risks, such as slower speeds, limited features, and potential privacy concerns. For better security and performance, opt for a reputable paid VPN service.

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