How a VPN works
- You open the VPN app and connect to a server, for example in your own country.
- Your device and that server agree encryption keys and set up an encrypted tunnel.
- Your internet traffic travels through the tunnel to the VPN server, then out to the internet.
- Websites see the VPN server’s IP address, not yours. Your internet provider or Wi‑Fi owner sees encrypted traffic going to a VPN server.
What a VPN protects
- Your browsing from your internet provider and the owner of the network you’re on.
- Your IP address (and so your approximate location) from websites and other users.
- Your traffic on untrusted public Wi‑Fi.
What a VPN can’t do
- It doesn’t make you anonymous: accounts, cookies and browser fingerprinting can still identify you.
- It doesn’t stop malware or phishing on its own, though some VPNs block known bad domains.
- It doesn’t hide your activity from the VPN provider, which is why no-logs policies matter.
- It doesn’t make illegal activity legal, or override a service’s terms.
Who needs a VPN?
A VPN is worth considering if you often use public Wi‑Fi, travel, want to keep your browsing private from your internet provider, or want to reach home services from abroad. Companies also use VPNs so staff can reach internal systems securely. If you mainly browse at home over HTTPS sites, a VPN is a nice-to-have rather than essential. Ready to choose? Use our VPN checklist.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
