A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a server run by the VPN provider. To the rest of the internet, your traffic appears to come from that server — not from you.
How a VPN works
When you turn on a VPN, two things happen:
- Encryption — your internet traffic is scrambled so that no one between you and the VPN server (including your ISP or the owner of a public Wi-Fi network) can read it.
- IP masking — websites see the VPN server's IP address and location instead of your own public IP.
What people use VPNs for
- Privacy — stopping your ISP and websites from profiling your browsing.
- Security on public Wi-Fi — protecting your data on cafe or airport networks.
- Access — connecting to a work network, or reaching content available in another region.
What a VPN can't do
A VPN is a powerful privacy tool, but it isn't magic. It doesn't make you completely anonymous — you still log into accounts, and the VPN provider itself can see your traffic (so choosing a trustworthy, no-logs provider matters). It also won't stop malware or protect you if you hand over personal details yourself.
See it in action
Connect to a VPN, then open our home page — your IP address and location should now show the VPN server's, not yours. For other ways to change your IP, see how to hide your IP address.