Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android

You can connect your device to a private network, like your school or company's network, when you're not there. You make this kind of connection through a virtual private network (VPN).

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

The Pixel battery continuously learns your behaviours and optimises itself based on your most recent app usage. When you set up a new device or after a factory reset, optimisation may take up to a few weeks to take full effect. For best results keep Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimisation on.

It's normal for your Pixel battery to drain a little more than usual after a software update. This is because the phone is working hard to download and optimise the new software and get everything up and running.

If you still experience unusual battery drain after a few days, please let us know and we'll be happy to help.

Add or use a VPN

Add a saved network

Step 1: Get VPN information

Get your VPN information from your administrator. You might need to install a VPN app and begin setup in that app. The app could come from the Google Play Store or from your administrator.

Step 2: Enter VPN information

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network and Internet VPN.
   • If you can't find it, search for 'VPN'. If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. At the top right, tap Add .
4. Enter the information from your administrator.
5. Tap Save.

Connect

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network and Internet VPN.
   • If you can't find it, search for 'VPN'. If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. Tap the VPN that you want.
4. Enter your username and password.
5. Tap Connect.
   • If you use a VPN app, the app opens.

Tip: When you're connected, you'll see VPN on .

Disconnect or forget a VPN

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network and Internet VPN.
   • If you can't find it, search for 'VPN'. If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. Next to the VPN that you want to disconnect, tap Settings .
   • To disconnect: Turn off that VPN.
   • To forget the network: Tap Forget.

Edit VPN settings

Edit

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network and Internet VPN.
   • If you can't find it, search for 'VPN'. If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. Next to the VPN that you want to edit, tap Settings .
   • If you use a VPN app, the app will open.
4. Edit the VPN settings. If needed, tap Save.

Stay connected all the time

1. If you haven't already, add a VPN.
2. Open your device's Settings app.
3. Tap Network and Internet VPN.
   • If you can't find it, search for 'VPN'. If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
4. Next to the VPN that you want to change, tap Settings .
5. Turn Always-on VPN on or off.
   • If you've set up a VPN through an app, you won't have the Always-on option.
6. If needed, tap Save.

Clear VPN notification

Important: If your always-on VPN connection stops working, you'll get a notification that stays until you reconnect. To clear that notification, turn off always-on for that VPN.

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network and Internet VPN.
   • If you can't find it, search for 'VPN'. If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. Next to the VPN that you want to change, tap Settings .
4. Turn Always-on VPN off.

Work profile

You can make a VPN work only for apps associated with your work profile. Learn how to set up a work profile.

Related resources

• Add and remove certificates
• Set up a work profile