How to Use the Built-In VPN in the Opera Browser?

Privacy is the biggest concern when browsing the internet in modern digital warfare. To avoid potential cyber threats, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) secures your network by encrypting your tunnels, masking your IP address, and preventing unauthorized access to your critical data and information.

Opera web browser offers a free built-in VPN to enhance online privacy and security. Free VPN service is available for desktops, iOS, and Android devices. You don’t need to download any additional browser extensions or applications.

In this article, I will guide you on how to activate and use Opera’s free, built-in VPN on Windows and Android devices.

How to Activate and Use Built-in Opera VPN on Windows?

• Open your Opera browser. Go to the top left corner and click on the Menu icon.

Figure 1: Setting Menu

• After clicking on the “Settings,” go to the “Features” menu (see Figure 2 below).

Figure 2: Features Menu

• Once you click on the “Features” tab, the “VPN” menu will appear. Scroll down and find the VPN option. Flip the slider and turn on your free VPN service. See Figure 3 below in this regard.

Figure 3: VPN Menu

• Click on the slider, and it will turn on and appear blue. In the VPN menu, you can turn on connecting to VPN when starting a browser, enabling default search engines by bypassing VPN, and enabling intranet sites by bypassing VPN. In addition, it will allow you to manage additional VPN bypass rules. The following Figure shows a VPN menu.

Figure 4: VPN Turn On

No sooner does the VPN start than its badge appears at the top-left corner of the search bar.

Figure 5: VPN Turn On

• You can see the on/off switch by clicking on the VPN badge. A pop-up will show the virtual IP address, virtual location, and the amount of data transferred. See Figure 6 below for a graphical representation of the VPN active mode.

Figure 6: VPN Settings and Active Mode

Now, your web browser has a virtual location, and you can change it by selecting the region from the list. By default, VPN will automatically assign you an optimal location if you don’t choose one. Flip the switch in the badge to turn off the VPN.

Your online security and privacy are essential. Therefore, you need to capitalize on the additional features. For example, Cookies can help attackers track your location even if you disguise it using a VPN. Opera offers you a “Blocking Ads” feature whereby you can block the source of many tracking cookies. As soon as your private browsing session comes to an end, you close the browser, and the ad blocker will delete all the cookies from that session.

How Can I Use Opera Free, Built-in VPN Service on Android?

• Download Opera browser from the Google Play Store and open it. The following window will appear. Trigger the “Users” menu button from the bottom-right of the window.

Figure 7: Opera Home Window

• After clicking on the user menu, the pop-up will appear with the VPN option (see the following Figure). You can toggle the VPN switch on and off with this menu. The “Ad Blocker” is switched on by default on Android.

Figure 8: VPN Option on Android

No sooner do you turn on the VPN than it will start protecting your network traffic. The VPN service will assign you a virtual location, like America, in the following Figure 9.

Figure 9: VPN Activated

FAQs

Can I use a free VPN on Opera?

Yes, Opera offers a free VPN service. However, you can purchase their premium plans to get additional features.

Does Opera offer a free VPN for Android?

Yes, Opera’s built-in free VPN service is available on Android devices.

Does Opera VPN track users?

No, Opera VPN doesn’t track you or gather your information as it doesn’t collect logs.

Does Opera VPN limit bandwidth or speed?

No, Opera VPN has no fixed limitations on bandwidth or speed. Nevertheless, the current server load will impact the browsing speeds.

Does Opera offer VPN Pro on Android?

Yes, Opera offers a VPN Pro or premium plans on Android devices.