Q&A for How to Use a VPN

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  • Question
    When should a VP be started, before or after connecting to WiFi?
    Hannamo
    Hannamo
    Community Answer
    You can connect to VPN only when you are connected to the Internet. So first connect to WiFi, then turn on VPN.
  • Question
    What if I want to watch a video that is blocked in my country?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Find out which countries allow the video, then connect to the video site through a VPN server setup in one of those countries.
  • Question
    I want to download torrents or stream movies, but I keep getting copyright infringement notices from my ISP. Can I use a VPN to hide these activities?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use a VPN for this.
  • Question
    Does the V.P.N. stay connected, or do I need to connect each time I boot up?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    You need to connect every time you boot up. However, most VPNs offer 'Auto-connect on startup' and similar features, so you can set that up once you boot up, and the VPN automatically connects to your wanted server.
  • Question
    Will a VPN be incompatible with antivirus programs?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    Sometimes it can clash with an antivirus, but most of the time it shouldn't. It usually clashes when an antivirus company has its own VPN service.
  • Question
    Can I use a VPN on my mobile?
    Hannamo
    Hannamo
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use VPN on your mobile. You can set up an SSTP, L2TP, or PPTP VPN connection.
  • Question
    If I want to use a hotel's WiFi, should I also be using a VPN?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You may want to. It's better to be secure than to take a risk by connecting to something public.
  • Question
    Am I able to do this if I live in China?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    Yes, popular VPNs offer mirror websites or alternative domains that you can use to get the VPN provider.
  • Question
    If I want to log into my bank account, do I go straight to the bank's website?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on the VPN setup. If all traffic is forced through the tunnel, and no where else, then yes, you do.
  • Question
    How many computers, iPads, or smartphones can use the VPN at the same time?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    It depends on the VPN service provider. VPN services list how many simultaneous connections you can hold/how many devices you can use at once. The majority of VPNs offer 5 devices, so you can secure your laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc. However, it varies with the provider. This information usually can be found on the VPN's homepage.
  • Question
    Which one is the best?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    That depends a lot on what you'll be using the VPN for -- streaming, privacy, torrenting, etc. Different VPNs offer different features for different purposes.
  • Question
    Will use of a VPN prevent other people from finding out what I do online?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    Yes, a VPN encrypts your online traffic and your activities become pretty much anonymous. Of course, be mindful to use Incognito mode on your browser and to log out of your Gmail, etc.
  • Question
    Is it possible to download movies over a VPN connection?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is possible to do so, though if you mean torrenting, you'd need to check whether your VPN of choice allows torrents and P2P, because not all VPNs let you do that. If you mean just downloading direct files - yes, it is possible.
  • Question
    How to set up a VPN server on mobile devices?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    Premium VPN providers offer native apps for iOS and Android, so it's very easy to set up. You can do so via App Store, Play Store or by downloading the app straight from the provider's website.
  • Question
    Can I download files using a VPN?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can download files while using a VPN, it does not restrict them in any way. But if you mean torrents and such, then you need to check in with the VPN, whether they allow torrenting/P2P.
  • Question
    Can you describe what a VPN is and what purposes it can be used for?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    A VPN creates a private tunnel between your device and the Internet, encrypting your online traffic. This means that your IP address changes and your Internet activities become anonymous. A VPN can be used for privacy/security, it's good for traveling, especially when you connect to unknown wireless networks. Also, you can bypass geo-blocked content that is not available in your country.
  • Question
    I have set up Express VPN on my PC, but I don't know how to get started. For example, if I want to watch some sports programming from India or the UK which is not available in Singapore, how do I access?
    Andrew
    Andrew
    Community Answer
    Connect to a server in the country where the sports program is available. If everything is done correctly, the website should see that now your location is India and let you access said program instead of blocking you.
  • Question
    If I download a film using a VPN and then turn off VPN while still downloading it, does my home ISP say I am downloading?
    Hannamo
    Hannamo
    Community Answer
    This depends on your P2P downloading software. When your turn off VPN, some p2p programs stop downloading. Also, if VPN is turned off, your IP is visible.
  • Question
    If I am using a VPN, can I still use my regular search engine?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    You can continue to use your normal search engine, but privacy-focused engines like DuckDuckGo can further enhance your anonymity.
  • Question
    After I connect to a VPN, what are the next steps to access content that might be restricted by my location?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    After connecting, you can open your browser or streaming app, select the desired server location, and begin browsing or streaming content.
  • Question
    Does using a VPN increase my data consumption when I am connected to the internet?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    Yes, a VPN can slightly increase your data usage due to the encryption process, but this impact is usually small.
  • Question
    If I create an email using ProtonMail and access it through DuckDuckGo, can my original location still be traced?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    Your location will be harder to trace, but combining a VPN with other privacy practices offers even better protection.
  • Question
    Can I hide all of my online search activity from internet service providers and other entities?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    VPNs and private browsers can hide your activity from internet service providers, but achieving complete anonymity online requires strict adherence to privacy best practices.
  • Question
    Do I have to let my VPN access my files and media?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    You should grant only necessary permissions, as VPNs do not need full access to your files to function.
  • Question
    I'm in the USA and I stream content; should I use a USA VPN server or a VPN server from another country?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    To access geo-restricted content, you should use a VPN server located in the country where that content is available.
  • Question
    Do I have to change my email address when I start using a VPN?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    No, you do not need to change your existing email address. However, using anonymous email services can further enhance your online privacy.
  • Question
    I understand that remaining signed in to personal accounts such as Google services can hinder a VPN’s ability to protect my anonymity. What other steps can I take to ensure I can't be tracked?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    You should sign out of all personal accounts, use private or incognito browsing modes, regularly clear cookies, and consider a privacy-focused browser to further reduce tracking.
  • Question
    Can I use a VPN for a garage door opener camera?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    Yes, if the camera supports VPN connections. While a VPN secures remote access, it may not be compatible with all devices.
  • Question
    Can I watch Prime Video or Netflix using a VPN if I do not have a subscription to those services?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot watch Prime Video or Netflix without a subscription, as a VPN only changes your perceived location and does not bypass subscription requirements.
  • Question
    Do I use my normal browser with a VPN?
    Tim Sandberg
    Tim Sandberg
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use your regular browser with a VPN, although privacy browsers may offer extra protection.
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