Do you really need a VPN for your phone?

Many people think the main reason to use a VPN is to watch streaming content from other countries.

It is a main selling point, after all. Hopping between digital locations to enjoy something you can’t in your own country is great.

But since most people watch shows and movies on their TVs or computers, it might leave you wondering whether it’s worth installing a VPN on your phone.

It very much is, because VPNs are more than just about watching foreign films wherever you are.

Keeping your data safe on all devices

Your phone is just as vulnerable as your computer, if not more so

The important thing to know about VPNs is that they spoof your location to protect your personal data. By appearing to be somewhere else, ISPs and advertisers have more difficulty tracking your browsing activity.

Essentially, using a VPN helps prevent your information from being sold to the highest bidder for advertising or other purposes.

That means for some, a VPN on your phone is even more important than on your computer. You’re more likely to use public Wi-Fi on your phone, which exposes your personal data to all sorts of risks.

A VPN won’t protect you from every threat on your device or your data. You’ll want to make sure you also have tools like password managers and antivirus applications installed to keep you safe and secure.

But a VPN is a big component to a cybersecurity “kit,” so use it like one. Then, you can watch your foreign TV while also protecting yourself. It’s a win-win.

It’s easy to use a VPN on your phone

Just turn it on and go

Besides, it’s not exactly difficult to use a VPN on your phone.

Most popular VPN services, such as NordVPN and Proton VPN, offer Android and iOS apps for download. It’s as easy to use as installing it, logging in, and pressing the “on” button.

There are even some Android phones that make it easier to use a VPN. When I was using Surfshark on my Google Pixel 9a, I was able to add a toggle to the status bar, allowing me to turn the VPN on and off as easily as I could my flashlight.

The only thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to download just any VPN onto your phone and use it.

There are a lot of free VPN options available to install on the Google Play Store, but many of them aren’t trying to protect your personal information.

Instead, they’ll take that information they’re supposed to be protecting and sell it to the highest bidder for advertisements.

In short, it’s the exact opposite of what you’d want, so make sure you research and pick a VPN that won’t steal your information, on your phone or otherwise.

VPN subscriptions work with multiple devices

I’ve never seen a VPN that lets you use only one device

If you already have a VPN on your computer or TV, you can use it on your phone as well. Every VPN service I’ve researched allows you to use your account on multiple devices.

Even Windscribe, a well-known VPN with a popular free tier, lets you connect unlimited devices without paying.

So, that means that you don’t need to pay anything extra to protect your data on your phone — just download and go.

Note that not all VPN services allow you to connect to an unlimited number of devices. However, the limit is usually pretty high, with 10 or 12 devices, which will be more than enough for most people.

If you have more than a dozen devices to connect, a service like Windscribe or Surfshark is the way to go.

If you’re only using a VPN to bypass region restrictions, you’re missing out on one of its most important features.

Get your VPN downloaded onto all your devices (including your phone) and turn it on, and help keep your data safe.

This article was produced in partnership with NordVPN.