Android Guide
OrbVPN for Android
The complete guide to using OrbVPN on your Android phone and tablet. Built using Android's VPN Service API with fingerprint authentication, Google integration, and advanced notification controls.
Android Features Overview
OrbVPN for Android uses the official VPN Service API to create a secure, system-level VPN connection. The app integrates with Android's biometric framework, notification system, and Google services for a seamless experience.
VPN Service API
Uses Android's native VPN Service for system-level traffic routing. All apps on your device are protected by the VPN tunnel.
Fingerprint Auth
Secure app access with your fingerprint using Android's BiometricPrompt API. Supported on all devices with a fingerprint sensor.
Google Sign-In
Sign in with your Google account for quick, secure authentication. No need to create a separate password for OrbVPN.
Installation
Open Google Play Store
On your Android device, open the Google Play Store and search for OrbVPN, or tap the download link above to go directly to the listing.
Install the App
Tap 'Install' to download OrbVPN. The app downloads and installs automatically. No special permissions are required during installation.
Allow VPN Connection
When you first connect, Android displays a system dialog asking to allow OrbVPN to set up a VPN connection. Tap 'OK' to confirm.
Sign In or Create Account
Enter your OrbVPN credentials or tap 'Sign in with Google' for one-tap authentication using your Google account.
Android VPN Permission
Android requires explicit user consent before any app can establish a VPN connection. This is a security feature to ensure you are aware of which app is routing your network traffic.
Android-Specific Features
Fingerprint Authentication
Enable fingerprint login in Settings then Security then Biometric Login. OrbVPN uses Android's BiometricPrompt API, which supports fingerprint, face recognition, and other biometric methods depending on your device hardware.
Google Sign-In
Signing in with Google streamlines the account creation and login process. Your OrbVPN account is linked to your Google account, enabling one-tap authentication on any Android device.
Google Drive Backup
OrbVPN can back up your settings, preferences, and server favorites to Google Drive. When you set up a new Android device or reinstall the app, your configuration is restored automatically from your Google Drive backup.
Google Drive Sync
Your app settings, favorite servers, and preferences are backed up to Google Drive. Restore them instantly when switching to a new Android device.
Keystore Security
Your credentials are stored in Android's hardware-backed Keystore. This provides hardware-level encryption that protects your login data.
Notification Channel
OrbVPN for Android uses a dedicated notification channel to keep you informed about your VPN status without being intrusive.
Persistent Notification
While the VPN is active, a persistent notification shows your connection status, current server, and data usage. Tap to open the app.
Quick Actions
The notification includes quick action buttons to disconnect or switch servers without opening the full app. Save time with one-tap controls.
Customizing Notifications
Android allows you to customize OrbVPN notifications at the system level. Long-press the notification or go to Android Settings then Apps then OrbVPN then Notifications to configure notification behavior, sound, and priority.
Do Not Disturb
OrbVPN's persistent VPN notification respects your Do Not Disturb settings. The notification remains visible but will not make sounds or vibrations when DND is active.
VPN Service Behavior
Always-On VPN
Enable Always-On VPN in Android system settings to ensure OrbVPN automatically reconnects after device restarts and network changes.
Per-App VPN
Android supports split tunneling at the system level. Configure which apps use the VPN and which connect directly in the OrbVPN settings.
Kill Switch
Block all traffic when the VPN is disconnected. Android's native 'Block connections without VPN' setting provides system-level kill switch.
Battery Optimization
Exclude OrbVPN from battery optimization to prevent Android from killing the VPN service in the background. This ensures continuous protection.
Battery Optimization
Some Android manufacturers aggressively restrict background apps. If your VPN disconnects unexpectedly, go to Android Settings then Battery then OrbVPN and disable battery optimization for the app.
Kill Switch Protection Levels
Android offers two levels of kill switch protection when using OrbVPN. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right level for your needs.
Full Kill Switch
Blocks ALL network traffic when the VPN is not connected, including system apps, push notifications, and background services. No data leaves your device without VPN protection.
Partial Kill Switch
Blocks user app traffic when VPN drops, but allows essential system services like push notifications, messaging sync, and system updates to continue functioning.
Choosing a Kill Switch Level
Full kill switch is ideal for maximum privacy, but you will not receive any notifications or calls while the VPN is disconnected. Partial kill switch strikes a balance by keeping system services alive while still protecting your app traffic.
Always-On VPN System Setting
For the most reliable protection, configure Always-On VPN at the Android system level. This ensures the VPN starts automatically and stays connected.
Open Android Settings
Navigate to Android Settings then Network and Internet then VPN. You will see a list of installed VPN apps.
Select OrbVPN
Tap the gear icon next to OrbVPN to open the VPN configuration for the app.
Enable Always-on VPN
Toggle 'Always-on VPN' to on. This ensures OrbVPN reconnects automatically after reboots, network changes, and app restarts.
Optionally Block Connections Without VPN
Enable 'Block connections without VPN' for a system-level kill switch. This prevents any data from leaving your device when the VPN is disconnected.
Split Tunneling via Per-App VPN
Android supports system-level split tunneling through its per-app VPN feature. This lets you choose exactly which apps route through the VPN tunnel and which connect directly to the internet.
Include Mode
Only selected apps use the VPN tunnel. All other apps connect directly. Useful when you only need protection for specific apps like browsers or messaging.
Exclude Mode
All apps use the VPN except the ones you exclude. Useful for apps that need a local connection, like casting to a smart TV or using a local printer.
Split Tunneling for Streaming
If a streaming app works better without VPN, add it to the exclude list. Your browser and other sensitive apps will remain protected through the VPN tunnel.
Background Battery Optimization
For reliable always-on VPN protection, you must exclude OrbVPN from Android's battery optimization. Without this, Android may kill the VPN service in the background to save battery.
Open Battery Settings
Go to Android Settings then Battery (or Battery and Device Care on Samsung devices).
Find OrbVPN
Tap 'Battery Optimization' or 'App Battery Usage' and locate OrbVPN in the list of apps.
Disable Optimization
Set OrbVPN to 'Not Optimized' or 'Unrestricted'. This allows OrbVPN to run continuously in the background without being suspended.
Manufacturer-Specific Settings
On Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and OnePlus devices, check for additional battery management settings. These manufacturers often have aggressive background restrictions that must be disabled separately.
Required for Always-On
If you use Always-On VPN or rely on the kill switch, excluding OrbVPN from battery optimization is essential. Without this, the VPN may disconnect during extended idle periods.
Widgets
Home Screen Widget
Add the OrbVPN widget to your Android home screen. View your connection status and toggle the VPN on or off with a single tap.
Quick Settings Tile
Add an OrbVPN tile to your Quick Settings panel. Pull down the notification shade and tap the tile to connect or disconnect instantly.
Troubleshooting
VPN Keeps Disconnecting
Disable battery optimization for OrbVPN. Enable 'Always-On VPN' in Android Settings then Network then VPN then OrbVPN.
Fingerprint Not Recognized
Re-enroll your fingerprint in Android Settings then Security then Fingerprint. Ensure biometric login is enabled in OrbVPN settings.
App Crashes on Startup
Clear the app cache in Android Settings then Apps then OrbVPN then Storage then Clear Cache. Update to the latest version from Google Play.
Conflict with Other VPN
Android only allows one active VPN at a time. Disconnect any other VPN app before connecting OrbVPN. Remove conflicting VPN profiles if needed.
Secure Your Android Device
OrbVPN for Android provides native integration with Google services, biometric security, and advanced notification controls. Download now from Google Play.