Virtual Private Network (VPN) isn’t only meant for streaming movies on Netflix or playing games with the unlimited data and security they provide. You also need privacy when you surf the internet.
Opera browser is one of the most popular and widely used browsers, and it provides you with an in-built VPN service to ensure a safe browsing experience. In this article, we will be showing you the simple steps to follow to activate your Opera browser VPN on your phone and computer. If you combine this VPN service with the Opera ad-blocker, you will enjoy a seamless and secure browsing experience.
How to Activate Opera VPN on Your Laptop
- First, launch the Opera browser by pressing the red O (Opera).
- Click on the Menu option in the top-left corner of the page.
- Click Settings from the dropdown menu that pops up.
(If you’re using Mac, you’ll click on the Opera option on the left corner of the page, and then select Preferences.
- In the Settings or Preferences menu, select the Privacy & Security option.
- Scroll down till you find the VPN section.
- Click Enable VPN and tick the box. This will activate the VPN. A blue VPN badge will appear on the side of your address bar.
So, you can now access your VPN service whenever you’re browsing. You can also turn it on or off from there and choose your location preferences.
In six simple steps, you have activated the VPN on your laptop browser. Let’s now look at how to activate Opera VPN on your Android phone.
How to Activate Opera VPN on your Android
You may not find the settings we’re going to show you in your Opera app. If you don’t, you should get Opera Beta to access the free VPN on your phone.
- Download and install the Opera App.
- Find the Opera icon (red O) in the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Select Settings.
- Locate the VPN toggle between the Ad Blocking and Data savings options. (If you don’t find the VPN toggle option there, it means you don’t have it yet).
When you enable the VPN on your phone, you automatically disable the Opera Data Savings feature. You can’t save data while using all the VPN features that keep your browsing secure.
Activating the VPN does not mean you are fully protected when you browse on Opera. Your VPN only activates when you are browsing in private tabs. Also, search engines can still access your location data even when the VPN is active.
But, you can fix this in a few simple steps
- Head over to the VPN submenu by tapping the VPN setting and not the switch.
- Disable the Use VPN for private tabs only toggle.
- Scroll down to turn off the Bypass VPN for search. So, you can now access full VPN services when browsing normally on your Opera browser.
In the Virtual Location setting, you can force your VPN to connect to certain regions such as America, Europe, or Asia, or you can just select the optimal location option.
To know if your VPN is active on your Opera browser, look for the blue icon beside the address bar.
Other VPNs You Can Use For Your Opera Browser
There are other VPNs you can use on your Opera browser if you don’t have access to the in-built Opera VPN (almost no one does anymore) or you just need something with more features.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the top VPN services and comes close to NordVPN. It is a good choice for your Opera browser because it offers lightning speed connection. It has over 3,000 servers in various locations and supports P2P connections. When using ExpressVPN, you will experience no connectivity issues. So, if you’re streaming videos on your browser, you’ll appreciate this more. It uses DNS leak protection, strong encryption, split tunnelling, and a kill switch to protect your data. ExpressVPN is not as cheap as other VPNs on the list, but you still get a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like it.
2. PureVPN
PureVPN keeps your browsing data secure by using its powerful kill switch and strong encryption. It has over 2,000 servers in `141 countries. Opera does not support VPN extensions like Google Chrome, but with PureVPN, you can run certain apps outside and inside the Opera browser using its split tunnelling feature. We love PureVPN because apart from these features for a secure browsing experience, it is also very easy to use and you can use it on up to 10 devices at a time. If you don’t like its features, you can return it within the first 31 days of purchase and get your money back in full.
3. NordVPN
We chose NordVPN for your Opera browsing security because it has higher coverage than many other VPN services. With NordVPN, you get access to over 5,200 obfuscated servers. So, you can access places like China (has strict security protocols that even other VPNs can’t access). People in China and other countries can also use NordVPN to enjoy restricted services. NordVPN uses its AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and another protocol supports to keep you secure. It is compatible with all Opera browsers and it is the best Opera VPN for your Android phone.
4. Surfshark
Surfshark has over 1,700 servers in various countries around the world and it offers all its services to you at a very affordable price. The opera browser no longer supports P2P activities online since the in-built VPN was removed. However, you can use Surfshark when you want to engage in P2P activities. Surfshark uses 256-bit encryption and multiple tunnelling protocols to keep your data safe. It also has a zero logs policy, so there’s no data to give out to government agencies even when they come asking. If you’re getting Surfshark, you also enjoy a full money-back guarantee for the first 30 days.
5. CyberGhost VPN
With over 6,500 servers in countries all over the world, CyberGhost VPN offers you stable connectivity and ensures that you get smooth access to restricted content and services. It also offers secure connections and uses standard encryption to protect your data. With CyberGhost VPN, you can engage in P2P networking and file sharing. This VPN offers you a 45-day refund policy, which is enough time to decide if you’re enjoying its features.
Using a VPN for your Opera browser is very important. It keeps you away from hackers that can compromise your privacy. So, if you don’t have access to the OperaVPN, get one of the five listed above for better browsing security and faster streaming services.