[go: up one dir, main page]

  • Get Surfshark

Download a secure VPN for Android

  • Stay secure on public Wi-Fi and mobile data networks
  • Experience lightning-fast speeds on Android 6.0 and up
  • Keep your online activity to yourself with the strict no-logs policy
Phone showing a Connected status on the Surfshark VPN app with a US server and shield checkmark
4.3 28K reviews
4.7 109K reviews
4.6 213K reviews

What is a VPN on Android?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) for Android is an app that encrypts data sent to and from your device, routing it through a remote server via an encrypted tunnel to ensure privacy online.

VPN on Android can also refer to the built-in VPN functionality on devices running Android 6.0 or later, allowing secure, private connections over the internet.

What is a VPN on Android?

How to set up a VPN on Android

You can set up a VPN on your Android device in two ways: automatically via the official Surfshark app or manually using one of the VPN protocols — WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2.

Get Surfshark

1. Get Surfshark

Pick a pricing plan and sign up.

Get the app

2. Get the app

Download the Surfshark VPN Android app on Google Play, or get the APK here.

Connect to a server

3. Connect to a server

Hit Quick-connect and enjoy a more private, safe, and unrestricted internet.

Surfshark is compatible with Android devices running Android version 6.0 or later, including Android smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Please note that the Google Play Store version requires Android 7.0 or newer. If you’re using Android 6.0, you can download the Surfshark APK directly from our website.

 

To learn more about installing the APK, check out our dedicated guide. Want to test it out first? Start with a free trial and see how Surfshark works on your device.

Why is Surfshark the best VPN APK?

Available both as an APK file and in the Google Play Store, Surfshark makes getting reliable VPN protection on Android easy.

Why you don’t want to be using a modded Surfshark VPN APK

We know there are modded Surfshark VPN APKs out there, but beware — using them is risky. Here is why:

Compromised security

Compromised security

Whoever’s modified the Surfshark APK could be spying on you. They could even intercept all of your data, and you wouldn’t know it.

Surfshark support can’t help

Surfshark support can’t help

Who knows what modifications have been made to the altered Surfshark VPN APK? Surfshark’s support isn’t in the know, so if any troubles arise, they won’t be able to help.

Minimal security

Minimal security

A modded Surfshark APK misses out on all the updates necessary to keep the app secure and improve its functionality.

Actively working against the VPN

Actively working against the VPN

Surfshark has measures in place to detect and block unauthorized connections. This means that any benefits gained by using a modded APK could suddenly disappear.

Get Surfshark for every device you own

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can protect all your devices at the same time. Don’t limit your VPN use to Android — download our app on all your devices and stay private whenever you go online.

Get a VPN on all your devices — from smart TVs, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation to Oculus Quest and Apple Vision Pro. To protect your entire home network at once, you can always set up Surfshark VPN on your router.

Discover the benefits of a paid VPN for Android

Most free Android VPN services limit data usage and cap your speed. Some of them have also been known to collect and sell user data to keep their service running.

Here’s why Surfshark VPN blows its free alternatives out of the water:

4,500+ servers
100 countries
6 continents

All servers
4500+ servers, 100+ countries, 6 continents

Independently verified Surfshark security:
third-party audits

These independent VPN security audits show that Surfshark’s security claims are backed by evidence. Deloitte provided two assurance reports (in 2023 and again in 2025) verifying that we don’t log user activity, while Cure53 confirmed the security of our server infrastructure. Rather than expecting our users to rely on promises alone, we’ve put our VPN security to the test with the industry’s most respected auditors.

No-logs policy assurance report (2025)

✓ No-activity-logs policy verified

✓ No IP address storage confirmed

✓ Privacy-relevant configuration settings checked

✓ Server infrastructure reviewed

Read the full Deloitte report

(Available only for Surfshark users)

Security assessment (2025)

✓ Web, desktop, and mobile app security validated

✓ Protection against data leaks and unauthorized access verified

✓ Zero critical vulnerabilities found

✓ Browser extension and account security confirmed

Read the full SecuRing report

Infrastructure security penetration test (2025)

✓ No critical vulnerabilities found

✓ No high-risk issues impacting user security identified

✓ Zero tested vulnerabilities leading to serious security threats

✓ Strong infrastructure protection against real-world attack scenarios

Read the full SecuRing report

Surfshark security features

Latest protocols

Choose between the most secure, industry-leading protocols — Dausos, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 — to ensure your connection is always optimized for speed and safety.

Encryption

Safeguard your data with AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20 and AEGIS-256X2 encryption, the same standards used by cybersecurity experts and governments worldwide.

Post-quantum protection

Future-proof your security online with Surfshark’s advanced post-quantum implementation on WireGuard, designed to resist potential threats from future quantum computers.

No-logs policy

Your browsing habits are your business, which is why Surfshark never tracks, collects, or shares your activity. Our no-logs policy has been independently verified by Deloitte, ensuring total transparency.

Jurisdiction

Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark operates in a favorable legal environment with no mandatory data retention laws. This jurisdiction allows us to uphold our strict no-logs policy with no interference.

Obfuscation

Obfuscation hides your data and makes it much harder to identify that you’re using a VPN. This technology helps you browse freely even in places that highly restrict internet usage.

RAM-only servers

Surfshark’s entire network runs on diskless, RAM-only servers that automatically wipe all data with every reboot. This hardware-level security ensures that no information can ever be physically retrieved from our servers.

Kill switch

Protect your data from accidental exposure with a kill switch — an automatic safety net that cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops. This ensures no unencrypted data leaves your device.

Double VPN

Boost your protection online by routing your traffic through two different VPN servers at once with Multi Hop. This process encrypts your connection twice, making it virtually impossible for anyone to trace your digital footprint.

Everlink

Experience a self-healing connection with Surfshark’s patented Everlink infrastructure that keeps your VPN stable. If a server requires maintenance, Everlink seamlessly switches you to a new one without interrupting your session.

DNS leak protection

Surfshark routes all your DNS (Domain Name System) requests through private, encrypted tunnels. This prevents Wi-Fi eavesdropping and your ISP from seeing which websites you visit, ensuring your browsing history stays private.

Split tunneling

Use Bypasser, Surfshark’s VPN split tunneling, to choose which apps and websites need VPN protection and which can access the internet directly without encryption — perfect for IP-sensitive services.

Rotating IP

Stay ahead of trackers by automatically changing your IP address every few minutes without disconnecting. This constant IP rotation makes it much harder for advertisers and data brokers to profile your online behavior.

More than a VPN

Get a complete cybersecurity suite including a built-in ad blocker, antivirus, and identity masking tools. From blocking malware to generating an alternative persona, Surfshark takes protecting your digital presence to another level.

See why millions trust Surfshark

Check out what users and tech experts around the world have to say about Surfshark.

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”
“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”
“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”
The reviews quoted on this page have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

MRWHOSETHEBOSS 20.2M subscribers

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

SAM CHUI 3.61M subscribers

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

MAX & OCCY 265K subscribers
The reviews quoted on this page have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit
The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
PC Mag Best of 2026 Award Badge
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies 2024, 2025, 2026 Badge
CNET Editors’ Choice 2026 Badge
VPN Trust Initiative certification 2026 Badge
Forbes Technology Council member 2026 Badge

Surfshark supports the open internet

We partner with digital rights organizations to promote online freedom and keep the internet safe and accessible to all.

Your Android devices deserve the best

Stay secure and browse at top speeds — on all your Android devices at once

Get Surfshark
30-day money-back guarantee
Your Android devices deserve the best

FAQ

Yes, Android devices have integrated VPN functionality. However, the built-in VPN:

  • Cannot run the latest VPN protocols;
  • Requires manual setup;
  • Doesn’t come with a VPN server — you’ll still need to find one on your own (most likely through a subscription).

Using a VPN service is legal in most parts of the world. VPNs are privacy and security tools, and there’s nothing illegal about protecting yourself online.

Yes, most paid, reliable VPNs are safe to use on Android. You can even combine a VPN with an antivirus for your Android phone for greater protection.

Just remember to research the VPN provider and check their privacy policy before you sign up.

A secure Android VPN app needs strong encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, modern protocols like WireGuard, a kill switch (blocks traffic if the VPN drops), and DNS leak protection. These matter most on public Wi-Fi and untrusted networks, where attackers and snoopers could otherwise intercept your traffic or see your activity.

Surfshark’s Android app integrates all of these features, making it a good example of what to look for.

Surfshark encrypts traffic and masks your ISP-provided IP address. On public Wi-Fi, it helps prevent data interception and DNS leaks by routing queries through private channels. An independently audited no-logs policy ensures no browsing history is recorded. Combining encryption, IP masking, and private DNS on Android, Surfshark helps keep your browsing activity and personal data private.

Yes, Surfshark works on Android TVs listed in the Google Play Store. Please note that the app does not support Ethernet cable connections on Android TVs and boxes running Android 9.

Free VPNs for Android do exist, but we do not recommend using them. Not only do they typically provide a subpar VPN experience due to a slow and limited connection, but they are also known to carry serious security risks. To get the best VPN for Android, go with a paid tool.

If your Android VPN is showing unusual behavior, the problem might be caused by conflicting apps or malware. Try restarting your VPN connection and trying other servers. If issues persist, consider booting your Android device in Safe Mode to identify problematic apps that might be causing conflicts, or contact your VPN provider’s support team.

A VPN can help prevent ISP throttling based on traffic type by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for the ISP to detect the type of content you are accessing and thus reducing the likelihood of them slowing down your connection.

While you can never be 100% anonymous on the internet, a reliable VPN will make you extremely hard to track.

There is no best free VPN service we can truly recommend. Most free options come with risks, such as slower speeds, limited features, and potential privacy concerns. For better security and performance, opt for a reputable paid VPN service.

Surfshark VPN is designed to work on most Android devices, but compatibility with custom Android ROMs can’t be guaranteed since they vary in stability and features. If your ROM supports the Google Play Store or manual APK installation, you should be OK, though.