Answering FAQ: What is VPN and how does it work and more

Understanding What is VPN: A Simple Guide for Everyone

Hey there! I assume you wonder about what a VPN is and how it works. I also assume you’re curious about which VPN works best with Netflix or which is the ideal VPN for your Android or iPhone.

Well, you’re in the right place! I will try to explain it as simple as possible. In case you are looking for more information, then check out our blog. We should have most of the answers in different posts.

What is a VPN, and How Does It Work?

First off, “VPN” stands for Virtual Private Network. Think of it like a secret tunnel for your internet activity. Normally, when you go online, your internet service provider (ISP) can see everything you do, and so can anyone else if they’re snooping.

Now, a little bit more technical explanation of What is VPN.

Virtual Private Network – is a technology that you can use to protect your internet connection. VPNs use encryption protocols for protection, making your data impossible to read. Moreover, VPNs let you access the internet through a private network.

This private network creates a VPN tunnel between you and the VPN server. This connection helps to keep your data confidential and secure. But not only. VPN tunnel allows you to bypass internet restrictions. It’s the ultimate online protection tool you never knew you needed – until now.

So, What a VPN does is it hides your activity from prying eyes. It does this by encrypting your data (which is like turning it into a secret code) and routing it through a server in another location. The best is that you can choose the location of the server you will connect to. This way, what you do online is private, and your location can appear to be wherever the VPN server is installed.

This means you can change your online location instantly by switching VPN servers.

Therefore, when someone tries to see what you’re up to, all they see is that VPN server, but not you. Nobody will see where you really are. Nevertheless, using a good professional VPN that follows a no-logs policy is important. Read more about PureVPN’s no-logs policy.

DISCLAIMER:
DON’T GET A VPN BEFORE YOU READ THE COMPLETE INFORMATION ABOUT VPNs.
VPNs can’t protect you 100%. They can only make your data private if you follow some principles. So, keep reading if you want to know how to use VPN properly.

We have a special offer for you – click to download a free eBook with a link to the FREE version of the PureVPN available for 7 days

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A VPN is a tool that can help you stay safe and secure when you use the internet. It works by creating a “tunnel” between your computer or device and a VPN server somewhere else in the world. In truth, there is no real tunnel.

The encryption used to protect the data is called a tunnel. It starts at your device because a VPN encrypts your data before sending it through this tunnel. So, a VPN changes your data into a secret code that only your device and VPN server understand.

What Do VPNs Do?

VPNs are used for a bunch of reasons:

• Keeping your internet activity away from snoops (like hackers or advertisers)
• Getting around blocks or filters on the internet (like accessing content that’s not available in your country)
• Making your connection secure, especially on public Wi-Fi
• Getting the same prices for products as others from different locations (websites tend to change prices based on your IP address)

Why Would I Use a VPN?

Think of a VPN as your personal internet bodyguard. It protects your privacy online, lets you access global content, and keeps your connection safe and sound, especially on sketchy public Wi-Fi.

 

Pro TIP: When I was in the military, I had to travel to different countries. That made it impossible to access services like streaming. So, I had to use a good VPN to use what I paid for. Therefore, by using this way VPN, you use your rights to access the content you paid for.

 

What VPN Works with Netflix?

Ah, Netflix! We all love binge-watching our favorite shows, but sometimes, Netflix content varies by country. As I mentioned already, it’s even worse when you must travel, like I did. That time, you can’t access the content you paid for. In that case, use a VPN.

However, not all VPNs work with Netflix because Netflix tries to block VPN users from accessing content that’s not available globally. But here’s the good news: PureVPN works with Netflix.

One cool trick is using a dedicated IP from PureVPN. This means you get your own private internet address, which reduces the chances of Netflix blocking you because it doesn’t look like tons of traffic is coming from the same place. It’s very common when you use VPN server shared among other VPN users.

📢 Want to give PureVPN a spin with Netflix? As we all, you too want to test it first. So, use my link to get a full version for free for a 7-day trial!

Best VPN for Android and iPhone

Not all VPNs play nice with every device. It is important to test it because different phones might not work well with certain VPNs. I’ve tested PureVPN on my Android phone, and it’s been smooth sailing. A friend of mine uses it on their iPhone too, and it works just as well. So, if you’re looking for a reliable VPN that’s friendly with both Android and iPhone, PureVPN is worth checking out.

📢 Try the full version of PureVPN on your device for 7 days for free.

The Fastest VPN

When you connect to the VPN you can choose the location and type of code used for encryption. But, your choice will impact the level of security and speed of the VPN tunnel. That is why some users complain about VPNs. It’s essential to understand how VPN protocols work to get the benefits of a VPN.

So, you are looking for speed and security? Let me explain that the fastest VPN isn’t just about the VPN itself. It’s also about your device, how far you are from the VPN server and your internet connection.

However, a stable connection is key, and PureVPN has proven to be super stable in my tests. Even when the internet gets a bit slow, PureVPN keeps things smooth.

1. For speed tests, fast-forward to 2:40.
2. Watch it carefully till the end to see the difference between different servers in different countries.

📢 Check out my test video to see PureVPN in action!

VPNs with Free Trials

While many VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, getting an actual free trial is rare. But guess what? Through my link, you can get a FREE trial of PureVPN. It’s a great way to test the waters without committing.

📢 Grab your free trial of PureVPN through my link and enjoy 7 days of testing for free.

What is VPN in 10 simple points

1. Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates a secure and private connection over the internet, allowing users to access the web while protecting their privacy and enhancing security.
2. Secure Tunnel: At its core, a VPN creates a secure and encrypted tunnel between your device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) and a server operated by the VPN provider. This tunnel safeguards your data from potential eavesdroppers.
3. Privacy Protection: VPNs help protect your online privacy by masking your real IP address. Instead, your IP address appears as if it’s coming from the VPN server’s location, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your real-world location.
4. Data Encryption: VPNs use encryption protocols to scramble your data, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This encryption ensures the confidentiality and integrity of your internet traffic.
5. Anonymous Browsing: VPNs enable anonymous browsing by hiding your online activities from your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, and even government agencies. This means your ISP won’t be able to monitor or record your web usage.
6. Geo-restriction Bypass: VPNs allow you to bypass geographical restrictions imposed by websites and streaming services. By connecting to a server in a different region, you can access content that is typically unavailable in your location.
7. Enhanced Security: When connected to a VPN, your data is protected even when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often insecure. VPNs add an extra layer of security to prevent cyberattacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks.
8. Circumventing Censorship: VPNs are valuable tools for individuals living in countries with strict internet censorship. They can help users access blocked websites and communicate freely.
9. Remote Access: In a business context, companies use VPNs to provide secure remote access to their internal network resources. This allows employees to work from home or while traveling and still maintain a secure connection to their workplace’s servers.
10. Online Freedom: VPNs promote internet freedom by allowing users to control their online experiences. They empower individuals to access information, express opinions, and communicate without fear of surveillance or restrictions.

Why would you want to use a VPN?

Well, there are a few reasons. One is that it can help protect your privacy. Suppose you go to McDonald’s, a coffee shop, or an airport and connect to the free WiFi. First, you don’t know to what device you are connecting. Second, your connection without a VPN is open. So, the internet service provider (ISP) can see everything you do online. That means they can see what websites you visit, what you search for, and even what you type into forms.

Some will tell you that there is an SSL (HTTPS) that protects you. It’s true if you know the WiFi access point you connect to. But often hackers set up fake access points, and you might not even notice it. If you use one of them, they can capture everything you do online. So, your logins, passwords, and every data that goes online. To protect you from this type of cyberattack, you need a VPN. With a VPN, nobody between you and the VPN server can read the data and see what you’re doing.

How can I unblock websites or social media?

Another reason to use a VPN is to access content with restrictions. It’s more and more often that countries or corporations block access to the internet or specific websites like social media, ChatGPT, etc.. VPN can help you to bypass it. For example, if you live in the United States and want to watch a TV show that is only available in the United Kingdom. Then, you can use a VPN to make it look like you’re in the UK. You start the VPN app on your device and select the VPN server in the place where you want to have access. Next, you connect to that server and access content. It looks like your device is the server. Nobody can recognize that you are in a completely different place. You can read more about how to watch some sports events for free.

So, a VPN is a tool that can help you stay safe and secure when you use the internet. It can protect your privacy, allow you to access blocked content, and help protect you from bad guys. Still, there are essential aspects that I will cover next in this article.

Choosing Your VPN for Firestick

So, what VPN should you use? It depends on what you need it for – Netflix, secure browsing, or maybe for your specific device like Android, iPhone, or even a Firestick. Speaking of which, using a VPN on Firestick can enhance your streaming experience by unlocking more content and keeping your watching habits private. Installing PureVPN on Firestick is straightforward, and it opens up a world of content for you to enjoy.

What is VPN tunneling?

A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and a VPN server. That server belongs to the VPN network. So, when you look for a VPN, you need to consider the locations of servers and how many of them they offer. You can pick any server from their list if you subscribe to the VPN service. It means that in seconds you can switch your connection and access the internet from that place.
Watch the video presenting how the VPN works:

As you can see, your device (like your computer, phone, or tablet) connects to a VPN server. To connect to the server, you need an account and a VPN application installed on your device. Their application will encrypt your connection and turn it into a secret code. This is the VPN tunnel connecting you to the VPN server. Once your data reaches the VPN server, the software will decrypt and send it to the internet. This will make you look like you are connecting from a server located anywhere in the world.

Thanks to the VPN mechanism, your ISP or hackers cannot read your data. Even if they intercept it when you’re using public Wi-Fi, they will not be able to decrypt it. This also helps to bypass geographic restrictions. Whenever you connect to the VPN server, you appear as connecting from the VPN server location.

I hope this helps illustrate how a VPN works!
Now let me explain when VPN will not work as expected and how to prevent it.

Does VPN make a computer or phone extra safe?

Yes and no. As I explained already, VPN is software installed on your device. If you have a virus, it will access your data before it’s encrypted by the VPN. In this case, VPN will not protect you unless you install an antivirus. Some VPNs offer a complete set of protection apps. So you might get not only a VPN but also an antivirus or ads blocker and even more.

Besides encrypting your online activity, many VPNs come with built-in security features. For example, they can protect you from malware and phishing attacks. Moreover, they can block malicious websites and prevent hackers from accessing your device.

It’s important to remember that a VPN is not a silver bullet for online safety.

How come I get tracked even if I use a VPN?

VPN is what is a general question that is enough for many users. Unfortunately, VPN can protect you only up to the VPN server. From that point, your connection becomes unprotected. That is why it’s essential to practice safe online habits.

First, you must understand that VPN will not make your identity private if you log in to Google. Whenever you login, the service you use will know it is you. So, they might track your IP and recognize that you use VPN if you switch locations in the meantime. Also, if you login to services from different VPN servers, they will assume you travel or use a VPN. To avoid that, always try to have a VPN turned on and use static VPN IP. This is an extra service that not all VPNs provide. So, you will have to pay extra for it. It’s a little, but it’s very useful. Still, you need to remember that even a remote static address will point back to you if you use it to log in somewhere.

In case you use a shared VPN IP, which is the standard option, you access the internet from the same IP as the rest of the VPN users. This is important to understand from two aspects. You have a higher level of anonymity but share the internet connection with others. It means your VPN connection will be slower than it would be on private, static IP. To be honest, even static IPs can use the same network connection as others. This is a more advanced configuration, and I will not cover it in this article to keep it simple.

You might already noticed that you should use the same VPN servers for the specific services you log in to. Moreover, I recommend using static VPN IP with particular services, for example, Netflix. This will make it difficult to recognize you as using VPN. Instead, it will look like your home or office is at the VPN location.

VPN is not an easy topic, and to complicate it further, there are other techniques used to discover if you use VPN. Unfortunately, I can’t cover everything in this article, but you might want to get a free eBook, “VPN is what?“. I explain the topic more in-depth, and you can get a full VPN for one week for testing to ensure it works for you.

So, if you would like to get a free eBook about VPNs and a special offer to get the VPN for testing, then sign up here:

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It’s not that VPN is what HTTPS offers?

You’re right. HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) provides encryption for the data. HTTPS protects your communication with the website in a fundamental way. HTTPS-enabled websites use SSL/TLS encryption to protect your data. (SSL/TLS stands for Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security)
Yet, using HTTPS alone doesn’t provide complete privacy and security. Even if you’re using HTTPS, there are several ways that someone can track your online activity. For example:

• Your ISP can still see the domains you’re visiting, even if they can’t see the content of your traffic.
• Your IP address can be used to track your location and other identifying information. Check our page to find out What is my IP.
• Some websites still don’t use HTTPS. Then your data is transmitted in plain text. So, anybody can intercept it and read it.
• cybercriminals can still use various methods to steal your login credentials or other sensitive information.

These are only some examples justifying the need for the use of VPN. With a commercial VPN, you get an extra layer of security and protection. VPNs encrypt and route your traffic through a secure server. This helps to hide your IP address and other online activity data. That is why HTTPS with a VPN can provide extra protection for your online privacy and security.

VPN for iPhone

Using a VPN on your iPhone can help to protect your online privacy and security. This is essential if you travel or use it with free hotspots. Moreover, VPN allow you to access geo-restricted content. There are many VPN apps available for iOS devices. You can try PureVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost. When using a VPN on your iPhone, look for strong encryption and strict no-logging policy. Additionally, make sure to follow any setup instructions provided by the VPN provider. This will help you to ensure that your iPhone is properly configured.

VPN for school

I know how frustrating it is when they block you from accessing YouTube or social media. That is why using a VPN at school can help you bypass any internet restrictions or censorship. With a VPN, you can access restricted websites or use blocked apps. But it’s important to note that using a VPN at school may be against your school’s acceptable use policy. So, please check with your school’s IT department before using a VPN. Also, remember to choose a VPN with strong encryption and a strict no-logging policy.

VPN for PC

I think that VPN on a PC is as important as on your mobile devices. You don’t want your data to leak and let someone unauthorized access your home network.

VPN for Chrome

Sometimes, you might have problems downloading a VPN app. In that situation, try first installing VPN for Chrome. If you install it and connect to the VPN server, you can try to download the VPN system app. This problem might happen on school Chromebooks. You have to remember that a VPN extension may not offer the same level of security as a full VPN client. So it’s important to install the full VPN app.

VPN is safe

Like everything, yes, when used properly. VPN is a safe and effective tool for protecting your online privacy and security. Still, choose a reputable VPN provider with strong encryption and a strict no-logging policy. Don’t forget that using a VPN may not make you completely anonymous online. There are still potential risks associated with using the internet. But, a VPN can provide an extra layer of protection and help to mitigate these risks.