Access Blocked Websites with a VPN for Android

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Here is the best way to Access Blocked Websites with a VPN for Android. A personal VPN, or virtual private network, allows an Android user to bypass IP restricted websites.  Websites outside the user’s physical location detect the device’s IP address and restrict Internet access.  With an Android VPN, websites only see the IP address and location of the VPN.

Android users located in the United States access IP restricted French websites with a VPN for France. Users physically located in China view US websites without restriction when using a US VPN. The destination website treats the connection as if it is from within the country.

Global VPN Options

Current VPN options available for Android devices include:

• USA VPN – unblocks American websites from anywhere in the world
• France VPN – accesses French websites
• UK VPN – bypasses location-based IP blocking and access UK websites
• German VPN – accesses German websites that block visitors outside Germany
• Hong Kong VPN – accesses websites only available to those in Hong Kong
• VPN for China – unblocks websites in China

Multiple Protocol Options

For increased security, a personal VPN offers multiple protocol options for an Internet user to connect. Such options include:

• PPTP, or Point to Point Tunneling Protocol, provides basic security with 128-bit encryption and fast, reliable speeds.
• L2TP/IPSec, or Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IP Security, offers 256-bit encryption and a slower speed.  It encapsulates data twice, requiring more CPU processing.

Configuring and Connecting the Android via PPTP

Configure the connection as follows:

• Open the system menu
• Click “Settings”
• Click “Wireless and Network”
• Select the option, “VPN Settings”
• Next click “Add VPN”
• Click “Add PPTP VPN”
• Tap “VPN Name”
• Give this VPN a name you will remember
• Click “Set VPN Server”
• This is where you enter a hostname provided by the service provider
• Make sure “Enable Encryption” is checked
• Open the Menu
• Click “Save”

To open VPN connections:

• Open the system menu
• Click “Settings”
• Tap “Wireless and Network”
• Choose the VPN configuration just entered from the list
• This is where you can enter your username and password, provided by the service provider. Keep in mind this is case sensitive.
• Make sure the option to “Remember username” is selected
• Click “Connect”

Configuring and Connecting the Android VPN via L2TP / IPSec

Configure the connection as follows:

• Open the system menu
• Click “Settings”
• Choose “Wireless and Network”
• Click “VPN Settings”
• Tap “Add VPN”
• Select “Add L2TP / IPsec PSK VPN”
• Click “VPN Name”
• Type a descriptive name for this connection that you will remember
• Click “Set VPN Server”
• Enter the hostname provided by the VPN service provider
• Select “Set IPSec” pre-shared key
• Enter the pre-shared key provided by the VPN service provider
• Ensure that the selection for “Enable L2TP secret” is unchecked
• From the menu, choose “Save”

In order to connect:

• Open the system menu
• Click “Settings”
• Choose “Wireless and Network”
• Tap the VPN configuration just entered from the list
• Type your username and password, provided by the VPN service provider. Keep in mind that these are both capitalization sensitive.
• Ensure the “Remember username” selection is checked
• Click “Connect”

Disconnecting the VPN Connection:

To disconnect:

• Open the system menu
• Click “Settings”
• Choose “Wireless and Network”
• Tap the specific VPN configuration from the list
• Click “Disconnect”

Android users access the internet from any location in the world.  When traveling they view websites within other countries, in the language of choice, without restriction.  They also shop online and see prices in the preferred currency.  A VPN provides added security, ease of use, and access to blocked or IP restricted websites.