Online privacy and freedom is fundamental to everyone using the internet in this digital era. Fortunately, the Opera browser has a built-in VPN (Virtual Private Network) that allows users to browse the web privately and securely. In addition, the VPN in the Opera browser is free and can help unblock region-blocked content seamlessly.

The best thing is to activate Opera VPN isn’t rocket science. Follow the straightforward steps in this guide and surf the web with enhanced privacy and without restrictions.

What Is Opera’s Built-In VPN?

Opera VPN is an add-on feature in the Opera browser, that lets you hide your IP address, browse the internet anonymously, and access geo rescricted content. Compared to ordinary VPN apps, Opera’s built-in VPN is user-friendly and does not require additional downloads and installation.

Here are the key benefits of Opera VPN:

  • Built-in VPN: Secure your online traffic within the browser with no need to download additional apps or browser extensions.
  • Free: It’s completely free without data limits for basic use.
  • Zero logs: Does log or store user information thus improving your privacy and security.
  • Unlock region-restricted content: Users can switch servers from the Americas, Europe, and Asia allowing access to region-specific content with ease.
  • Virtual IP address: You are assigned a virtual IP address different from your real location IP thus offering private and secure browsing.

PRO TIP: While Opera’s built-in VPN bundles a lot of benefits in terms of online freedom and privacy, it only acts within the Opera browser and not on other apps or services in your device. Also, unlike standalone VPNs, it lacks advanced features like specialty VPN servers and kill switches.

How To Activate and Use the Opera VPN on Windows?

Follow the below steps to activate and use the built-in VPN in the Opera browser on the Windows operating system.

  • Download and install Opera browser.
  • Activate the Opera VPN settings.
    • Launch the Opera browser.
    • Click the menu icon (Opera red logo) on the top left corner of the window page.
    • Click “Settings” from the pop-up menu. Or you can press “ALT+P.”
    • Click “Privacy & Security” from the new window page.
    • Scroll down to locate the “VPN” option and toggle it. In case you don’t see “VPN” click “Advanced” once you scroll to the bottom and you’ll see it.
  • Access and use Opera VPN.
    • Click the blue VPN icon that appears on the address bar. You’ll see your VPN status as “Protected” meaning your is VPN protected.
  • To change the VPN server on the Opera browser, click the greater than sign (>) next to “Optimal location”.
  • Choose your virtual location server (e.g. Americas, Asia, or Europe) and click it to connect.
  • To disconnect the Opera VPN, click the power button and your VPN status will change to “Unprotected.”
  • Test your Opera VPN connection.
    • Open a new tab on the Opera browser and type Ipleak.net.
    • Your IP address should match the Opera VPN assigned IP, meaning you can browse the internet safely.

How To Activate and Use the Opera VPN on Mac?

Opera browser also integrates its inbuilt VPN feature on Mac which assumes a similar setup process as that of Windows above:

  • Download and install the Opera browser for Mac.
    • Ensure you’ve got the latest Opera browser installed on your Mac device.
  • Go to “Preferences.”
    • Click the “Opera” from the top left corner.
    • Select “Preferences” from the menu.
  • Enable the Opera VPN.
    • Click the “Privacy & Security” option from the left panel of the browser window.
    • Scroll down to locate “VPN” and turn it on. In case “VPN” isn’t there upon scrolling, click the “Advanced” option to navigate to the “VPN” option.
  • Configure the Opera VPN on Mac.
    • Click the blue VPN icon that appears on the Opera browser address bar.
    • Check your VPN status if it is “Protected” meaning your traffic is encrypted. Otherwise, if it’s “Unprotected” click the power button to connect to the “Optimal location” automatically.
  • To choose a preferred location, click the “Optimal location” field to browse more servers (eg. Americas, Asia, and Europe) and connect.
  • Check your Connection.
    • Open a new tab and type Ipleak.net.
    • Check your IP address to be sure it’s a different IP, not your real IP.

How To Activate and Use the Opera VPN on Android?

Android users are also able to use Opera’s built-in VPN to secure their connection and access region-restricted content anywhere. Here’s how:

  • Install Opera browser for Android.
    • Go to Google Play Store.
    • Search the Opera browser and install the app on your device.
  • Enable Opera VPN.
    • Open the Opera app on your Android device.
    • Tap the profile avatar at the bottom right corner.
    • Tap the setting/gear icon.
    • Find the “VPN” option and switch it on.
  • Set up and use the VPN.
  • Once enabled, tap the VPN option. It’ll open a new page with the VPN status as “Protected” and the server location connected.
  • Tap on the connected server location to browse and connect to your preferred location.
  • To disconnect the Opera VPN on Android, tap the power button and your status will change to “Unprotected”.
  • Test the Connection.
    • Go to the Opera search address and type Ipleak.net
    • Confirm the IP address is Opera VPN assigned and not your real IP.

How To Activate and Use the Opera VPN on iOS?

Opera also has a free built-in VPN on iOS devices, that can be activated as follows:

  • Install the Opera browser on your iPhone.
    • Go to Apple Store on your iOS device.
    • Search Opera and install the app.
  • Activate the Opera VPN in the app.
    • Tap to open the Opera browser app on your iOS device.
    • Tap the hamburger icon at the bottom right corner.
    • Navigate to “Settings.”
    • Find the “VPN” section and toggle to it to activate.
    • Customize the Opera VPN settings.
  • Tap the VPN section to view the connection status and server location.
  • To switch to a preferred server location, tap the active server to view more server locations and connect.
  • Check your IP address.
    • For certainty, type ipleak.net on the Opera search bar on your iPhone.
    • Confirm the IP address is different from your real location IP.

PRO TIP: Opera’s built-in free VPN has limited features such as only three server locations (Americas, Asia, and Europe) and the inability to choose your preferred VPN protocol. Luckily to unlock more VPN servers and advanced VPN features, the Opera-built VPN has a Pro version which you can consider, but at an extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can I Configure My Router With Opera Browser VPN?

Configuring your router to work with Opera browser VPN is not possible in the first place. This is because the Opera built-in VPN is engineered to be used in its browser, and thus may not support direct router configurations.

Is Free VPN Provided by Opera Safe to Use?

Opera browser built-in free VPN is safe to use. This is because Opera VPN uses the best-in-market 256-bit encryption which is hard for hackers to break and access user data. Also, Opera claims to have a strict no-logs policy, though not audited, it’s an assurance it does not log or store your browser history, IP address, and or connection activities.

What Are the Limitations of Opera Built-in Free VPN?

Opera’s built-in free VPN has some limitations, such as being a browser-based VPN solution only, so it does not work on other apps and services on your device. Also, the free Opera VPN offers only three server locations, limiting user access to other locations of interest. Lastly, Opera’s built-in free VPN tends to slow connection speed especially when the server load is high.

Why Is Opera VPN Not Working?

Opera VPN may fail to work as expected due to several reasons including an outdated Opera browser, conflict with other apps, ISP/Firewall settings, and poor internet connection. Also, problems with the Opera VPN server could lead to connection issues.

So, check all these probable issues in the event the Opera VPN isn’t working as well as restart your network adapters and clear cache and cookies. In case the issue persists, contact the Opera support team for more troubleshooting tips.

How to Use Opera VPN in Nutshell

Opera’s built-in VPN is a viable option for anyone looking to browse the internet freely and privately. Whether you’re using a Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android device, there’s an easy-to-set-up built-in VPN on the Opera browser for your device.

Of course, the Opera VPN can’t replace the standalone VPN apps as they offer more advanced VPN features, but at least with it you get access to region-blocked and maximum protection over public WiFi networks.

Alternatively, you can explore 1Browser.com for more advanced VPN browser features that guarantee sure IP masking and brute-force encryption of your digital footprints.