Using a virtual private network or VPN helps keep you safe from prying eyes while surfing the internet. If you use the Opera web browser, you can access a free, browser-based VPN service. All you need to do is activate it. This wikiHow teaches you how to enable Opera's built-in free VPN feature on a PC, Mac computer, or Android device. Sadly, The iPhone/iPad version of Opera no longer supports the VPN feature.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using the Android Version of Opera
Step 1. Open Opera on the device
This browser is marked by a red “O” icon which is usually on the page/app drawer.
Step 2. Touch the red "O" icon
It's the Opera logo in the lower-right corner of the browser window. The menu will be displayed afterwards.
If using a larger display, you may need to touch the “ ☰ ” ("hamburger" menu button) in the top left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Touch Settings on the menu
This option is at the bottom of the menu.
Step 4. Slide the “VPN” switch to the on or “On” position
The switch color will turn blue which indicates that you can surf the internet privately through the VPN while using the private browsing window. For VPN to work on all windows, keep reading and following these methods.
To open a private browsing window and use a VPN, return to the main Opera page, tap the square icon with multiple tabs in it, tap the three-dot menu icon, and select “ New private tab ”.
Step 5. Adjust the VPN settings
By default, Opera will only use the VPN in private browsing mode. If you want to change the VPN usage system, follow these steps:
- Touch " VPN ” on the left side of the slider.
- Uncheck the "Use VPN for private tabs only" option so that the VPN is always enabled.
- Opera disables VPN automatically when you visit search engines like Google and Bing. This happens because a VPN makes your web traffic appear as if it's coming from another location (usually overseas) so that search results will be inconsistent. To keep the VPN active when you use search engines, toggle the " Bypass VPN for search " switch to off or “Off” (grayed out).
Method 2 of 2: Using Opera on a Computer
Step 1. Open Opera on the computer
You can find this browser icon in the “Start” menu on a Windows computer, or in the “Applications” folder if you are using a MacOS operating system.
Step 2. Open browser settings
The steps that need to be followed will differ depending on the operating system of the computer:
- Windows and Linux: Click the red “O” icon in the top-left corner of the browser window and select “ Settings ”.
- MacOS: Click the menu “ Opera ” at the top of the screen and select “ Preferences ”.
Step 3. Click Advanced
It's in the left sidebar. Several additional options will appear on the menu.
Step 4. Click Privacy and security
It's in the left sidebar.
Step 5. Swipe the screen and select Enable VPN
This option is under the "VPN" section. A tick will be placed in the box so that you can now turn the VPN feature on and off.
Step 6. Enable or disable VPN as needed
After bringing up the VPN feature in your browser, you should see a blue “VPN” badge at the far left of the address bar. Click the button to open the VPN pop-up window and use the toggle at the top to turn VPN on or off.
Step 7. Change VPN location (optional)
A VPN makes your web traffic appear as if it's coming from another location (usually overseas). If you want to select a specific country, click the "Virtual location" menu at the bottom of the pop-up window and select the desired country.
Tips
- VPN can increase local network privacy.
- Opera's VPN feature can be used for free, without restrictions.
- When a VPN is enabled, websites will have a hard time tracking your location and recognizing your computer.
- Opera's VPN feature can also block various tracking cookies from websites.
- With the VPN feature in your browser, you can protect internet browsing activity from other users who are connected to the same public network.
