I frequently use my Android phone and tablet on public wifi networks. I have ExpressVPN for my PC and am wondering if I can use that for more privacy and security on my Android devices too? If so, can I add a handy shortcut too?
There are a surprising number of companies that offer Virtual Private Network service on both computers and mobile devices. Heck, even Google has a VPN that’s available if you have a Google Pixel Android device. I’m inherently skeptical of free VPN programs, however, so have always utilized one of the popular paid services. To me, the top three are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and SurfShark, and most recently, I’ve been relying on ExpressVPN for quite a few years.
The concept behind a VPN is fairly simple: You install software on the device, it creates a secure connection with a VPN server elsewhere on the Internet, then every data packet from your device is securely encrypted as it travels across the wireless network and through the ISP’s systems. Much better than a hacker surreptitiously grabbing your passwords off the shared wireless network, right?
Like most of the big companies, ExpressVPN has a wide range of supported devices, and has a robust solution available on Mac systems, Windows, Android, iOS, even ChromeOS and AppleTV. You can see the full range and grab what you need at expressvpn.com/vpn-download
Once you’ve done that, log in to your ExpressVPN account in the Android app. Now we’re ready!
ADDING SHORTCUTS IN ANDROID
If you’ve never changed it before, those handy shortcuts in Android are actually quite easy to tweak and move around to meet your needs. Swipe down from the top of your Android screen and they’ll show up…
The slider on the top is brightness, then the shortcut buttons tend to show useful information to not only remind of their function, but to sometimes offer enough information that you don’t need to tap on it. For example, I can see that I’m online through the Internet connection “WinotCC-5G”, an open Wi-Fi network. The two tiny dots along the bottom – one filled in, one hollow – indicate that I have two screens of shortcuts, not just one. Swiping left or right will let you move between them.
Still, though, no VPN shortcut, even with ExpressVPN installed.
To edit, rearrange, and add new Shortcuts, tap on the tiny pencil icon on the lower right.
It’s pretty small, but notice “Hold and drag to rearrange tiles”. What’s not obvious is that there are a lot of additional shortcuts you can peruse too. Just swipe up from the bottom to reveal the custom ExpressVPN tile (along with the Google VPN option if you have it):
Notice near the top “VPN by Google”, but closer to the bottom are both “ExpressVPN” and “VPN Pro” by Opera. The Opera browser has a built-in VPN, but there’s an optional paid VPN service that protects all device traffic, not just browser traffic. That’s “VPN Pro”.
I encourage you to peruse the many shortcuts shown and try adding a few to your usual mix. They might just simplify your life or streaming your activities. To do that, or just to have ExpressVPN appear in your usual set of Shortcuts, tap and drag the tile to the top of the screen. Eventually, it’ll bubble up to the very top and the list of active shortcuts…
Once I release and tap on the <– arrow on the top left, the new Shortcut will be added:
Do you see it?
EXPRESSVPN’S CONFUSING SHORTCUT
You’re probably saying “uh, no, I don’t see it.” The tiny icon gives it away, though: It’s the “Open” tile on the top right. Unfortunately, it doesn’t say “ExpressVPN” so it’s on you to learn its location and go from there. It still works just fine, however. In fact, when I watch the button, it’s switches to say “Connect to VPN” (though sometimes it’s just “Connect VPN”):
A tap on the Shortcut tile and it launches ExpressVPN which picks the best VPN Server and connects…
Notice the Shortcut button now says “Disconnect VPN”. A very smart Shortcut, and well worth having added to your list of Android shortcuts!
Pro Tip: There are lots of ways to manage your Android devices and ensure the best possible experience. Learn more by checking out my extensive Android help area while you’re here too!