What is a VPN?
We explain what a VPN is, how it hides your data and why people use it to protect their personal information.
VPN protects your connection
Creates a secure encrypted channel between your device and the internet.
Hides your real IP address
Websites and services see the VPN server IP, not your real address.
Helps preserve your privacy
Your provider, public Wi-Fi and third-party services get less data about your activity.
Helps bypass access restrictions
Can open access to sites and services that are unavailable on a regular connection.
Works across devices
A VPN can be used on a smartphone, computer, tablet and other devices.
Does not make you fully anonymous
A VPN boosts privacy but still requires strong passwords and basic digital hygiene.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server you trust, then out to the wider internet. Two things change: your data becomes unreadable to anyone between you and that server, and the websites you visit see the server's IP address instead of yours.
How a VPN works on Android
You install a VPN app from Google Play, sign in and grant the system VPN permission. From that moment on, every connection from your phone — apps, browser, background sync — goes through the encrypted tunnel until you turn it off.
What a VPN doesn't do
A VPN isn't anonymity. If you log into accounts, those services still know it's you. It's also not antivirus — it doesn't stop malware or phishing on its own. And it doesn't make otherwise-illegal activity legal.
When a VPN is especially useful
A VPN can help in everyday life: for work, messaging, watching content, protecting data on the move and connecting safely to unfamiliar networks. It suits not only technical users, but also regular people who want a calmer experience online and more control over their data.
Get Pivot VPN — free for 7 days
No credit card upfront. Cancel anytime.
Try Pivot VPNSkip free VPNs
Free VPNs often throttle speeds, show ads, collect your data and offer no stable protection.
- Private connection with zero tracking
- Fast and stable speeds for streaming, video and apps
- Unlimited traffic with no daily caps
- Modern protection for all your internet traffic
- Stable servers for comfortable streaming
- May collect and share your data with third parties
- Throttle speeds and overload their servers
- Daily traffic caps and on-screen ads
- Show pop-up ads and push you to upgrade
- Basic encryption that isn't always stable
- Servers can be slow or unavailable
Connect a secure VPN and use the internet without limits, ads or hidden conditions.
One subscription, every device
Available on every platform you use — phone, tablet, laptop, TV.
Set up secure access for your needs
Answer a few short questions and we'll suggest the best setup for your devices, speed and use cases.
What do you need a VPN for, primarily?
Frequently asked questions
Is Pivot VPN really free for 7 days?
Yes. You start with a 7-day free trial with no payment upfront — no card pre-authorization. Cancel any time during the trial and you pay nothing.
Which devices does Pivot VPN support?
Pivot VPN runs on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux and Android TV. One subscription covers your phone, laptop and TV.
Does Pivot VPN keep logs?
No. We follow a strict no-logs policy and don't store browsing history, DNS requests or VPN traffic content.
Will it work for Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming?
Yes. Pivot VPN unblocks major streaming libraries with smooth 4K speeds on any of your devices.
How fast is the connection?
We use the modern WireGuard protocol, so nearby servers typically keep most of your line speed — fast enough for 4K streaming and gaming.
Is using a VPN legal?
In most countries yes. Rules vary, so check local laws. A VPN doesn't make otherwise-illegal activity legal.