- How to configure nine critical VPN settings that go beyond the basic "connect" button for maximum privacy.
- Where to find these often-hidden settings in popular VPN apps and your device's operating system.
- How to tailor your VPN setup for common Indian use cases like UPI payments and using budget smartphones from brands like Xiaomi and Realme.
So you installed a VPN. Good. You hit connect. Not good enough. After testing these services for years, I've learned the "connect" button is a placebo. The real work, and your real privacy, is hiding in the settings menu. Most people never open it, especially on cheaper phones where weird software can break things. That's a problem. Here are the nine settings I always turn on, and exactly how you can do it too.
What You'll Need
You need a VPN subscription from a known company (think ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark) with their app installed. Budget about 15 to 20 minutes. I'm writing this for the latest Android (including all those manufacturer skins) and iOS. Menus might shift around a bit depending on your VPN, but the names of these crucial options are pretty standard.
How to Enable the Kill Switch (Network Lock)
This is non-negotiable. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch cuts your internet entirely. No VPN, no internet. It stops your real IP address from leaking out in that split second of failure.
- Open your VPN app. Make sure you're logged in.
- Go to the app's settings. Look for a gear icon or a menu called Settings or Preferences.
- Find the Kill Switch. It's often under Connection, Privacy, or Security.
- Flip the Kill Switch ON. The toggle should change color.
Watch out: On some Android phones (Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo are big offenders), you might need to give the VPN app "Auto-start" permission in your phone's own settings. Otherwise, the kill switch might not survive a reboot. Check your VPN's help pages for your specific phone model.
How to Switch to a More Secure VPN Protocol
The protocol is the language your device uses to talk to the VPN server. Older protocols are faster but full of holes. You don't want those.
- Open your VPN app's Settings. Find Protocol or Connection Protocol.
- Pick a modern protocol. Choose WireGuard or OpenVPN (UDP/TCP). Avoid anything called PPTP or L2TP.
- Confirm the change. The app will usually use the new protocol right away.
Here's a tip: WireGuard is your best bet. It's fast and secure, which is perfect for India's 4G/5G networks and for keeping UPI payments smooth. If things get flaky, fall back to OpenVPN.
How to Enable DNS Leak Protection
Hiding your IP address is one thing. Your DNS requests, which translate website names to numbers, can still tell everyone what you're looking at online. This setting forces those queries through the VPN's private servers.
- In your VPN app settings, look for DNS or Advanced settings.
- Find the DNS leak protection. It could be a toggle called Use VPN DNS, Block DNS leaks, or something similar.
- Turn it ON. Some apps have this on by default, but trust nothing. Verify it yourself.
How to Use Obfuscated Servers (For Restrictive Networks)
Obfuscation is a fancy word for disguise. It makes your VPN traffic look like normal internet traffic. You need this on restrictive Wi-Fi (like at an airport or a corporate office) or in places that try to block VPNs.
- Look for specialty servers. In your VPN app's server list or settings, find servers labeled Obfuscated, Stealth, or Camouflage.
- Connect to an obfuscated server. Just tap and connect like normal.
- Or, turn on obfuscation mode. Some apps have a master toggle in Settings > Advanced that applies it to every server.
How to Enable Auto-Connect on Untrusted Networks
This makes your VPN turn itself on automatically whenever you join a new Wi-Fi or cellular network. It's your automatic bodyguard for sketchy coffee shop Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > Connection or Auto-Connect in your VPN app.
- Turn "Auto-Connect" ON. You'll usually see more options.
- Set the rules. Pick On untrusted networks or On all networks, whatever you prefer.
A quick trick for iPhone users: On iOS, also go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Make sure Connect On Demand is turned on for your VPN. This locks the rule in at the system level.
How to Disable IPv6 (To Prevent Leaks)
Most VPNs are really good at securing the old IPv4 internet traffic. The newer IPv6 standard? Not so much. If your network uses IPv6, your data might sneak out around the VPN. Turning it off on your device is a safe backup plan.
On Android (General Path):
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks (or something similar).
- Tap Access Point Names and pick your current APN.
- If you see APN protocol, set it to IPv4/IPv6. If you don't see it, your carrier probably hid the setting.
On iOS:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network.
- Scroll down. Make sure Configure IP is set to Automatic. iOS usually handles IPv6 safely when a VPN is on, so this is often just a check.
Be careful: Messing with APN settings on Android can break your mobile data for a bit. Write down the original values before you change anything.
How to Enable App-Based Split Tunneling (If Available)
Split tunneling lets you choose which apps go through the VPN and which use your regular connection. This is a lifesaver for apps like PhonePe or Google Pay that freak out and block you if they see a login from a foreign VPN IP.
- Find the Split Tunneling menu. Look in your VPN app's Settings under Connection or Features.
- Select "Per-app split tunneling" or "App filter."
- Pick your apps. You can either choose apps to exclude from the VPN (like your banking apps) or include only in the VPN (like your browser).
Do this: Exclude your UPI apps, banking apps, and local streamers like Hotstar. Let them use your normal Indian connection so they work without a hitch. Tunnel everything else for privacy.
How to Block Ads, Trackers & Malware (Threat Protection)
A lot of premium VPNs now bundle a system-wide ad and tracker blocker. The good part, it often works even when the VPN itself is off.
- In your VPN app, find the feature called Threat Protection, CyberSec, or Ad Blocker.
- Turn on the main toggle. You might see separate switches for ads, trackers, and bad websites.
- Enable all the blocks. Turn on everything for ads, trackers, and malware to get the full shield.
How to Set Up a Privacy-First DNS on Your Device
Think of this as a backup privacy layer. If your VPN's DNS fails, or when the VPN is off, this encrypts your DNS queries directly on your device.
On Android 9+ (Stock, Samsung, OnePlus, etc.):
- Go to Settings > Connections > More Connection Settings (or Network & Internet).
- Tap Private DNS.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname and type in: dns.adguard.com or one.one.one.one (that's Cloudflare).
- Tap Save.
On iOS:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the (i) icon next to your network.
- Scroll down and tap Configure DNS.
- Set it to Manual, delete any servers already there, and add 1.1.1.1 or 94.140.14.14 (that's AdGuard).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: VPN Slows Down My Internet Drastically
Problem: Everything gets painfully slow after you change settings.
Solution: First, switch your protocol to WireGuard. It's the fastest. If you turned on the Threat Protection ad blocker, try disabling it temporarily. A filter might be the culprit. Last, connect to a server that's physically closer to you. If you're in India, try an Indian or Singapore server.
Issue: My Banking/UPI App Doesn't Work With VPN On
Problem: Apps like PhonePe, GPay, or your bank app won't log in or complete transactions.
Solution: That's the app's security doing its job, badly. It sees a foreign IP and blocks you. Use the Split Tunneling feature (explained above) to leave these specific apps outside the VPN tunnel. They'll use your local connection, and your other apps stay private.
Issue: VPN Disconnects Frequently on My Budget Android Phone
Problem: The VPN keeps dropping, especially on phones from Xiaomi, Realme, or Vivo with aggressive battery-saving software.
Solution: Go to your phone's Settings > Battery (or App Management). Find your VPN app and turn OFF battery optimization for it. Also, double-check that the app has "Auto-start" permission. This stops the phone from silently killing the VPN to save a sliver of battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will These Settings Void My Phone's Warranty?
No. Changing software settings in an app or your network config doesn't void a hardware warranty.
Can I Reverse These Changes Later?
Yes. Every single one of these settings can be switched off or set back to default whenever you want.
Will This Drain My Battery Faster?
A tiny bit, maybe. Features like the always-on VPN have a minimal effect. The ad-blocker can actually save battery by stopping power-hungry ads from loading.
Do I Need to Be a Tech Expert to Do This?
Not at all. If you can follow these steps, you can do it.
Are These Settings Effective on Budget Phones?
Yes, they work on any Android or iOS device. The menus might have slightly different names on phones with MIUI, HyperOS, or Realme UI, but the options are there.
Do I Have to Re-Apply Settings After a VPN App Update?
Usually no. Your preferences save inside the app and typically survive an update.
Final Thoughts
Look, a VPN is a tool. A default setup is a dull tool. These nine tweaks sharpen it. They adapt a generic privacy service for the specific chaos of Indian digital life, where your phone's software might fight you and your bank app hates foreign IPs. Spending twenty minutes here isn't about tech for tech's sake. It's the difference between feeling private and actually being private. Now go lock it down.
Sources
- ExpressVPN Support Documentation
- NordVPN Support Documentation
- Surfshark Support Documentation
- Android Authority
- XDA Developers