Overview
This article explains in full detail exactly , and how it works under the hood. It also teaches you how to get started protecting all of your devices.
Learn how to , and how to for the very first time. It doesn’t matter which device you are using, this article applies to computers, cell phones, tablets, and more.
In this section
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for 
Virtual Private Network. Technically speaking, a VPN is a service that protects your online privacy by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. In other words, it allows you to browse the internet without anyone being able to see what you are doing online.
First and foremost, a VPN hides your location by scrambling your IP address. It also encrypts your data, and hides your traffic from all third-parties including Internet/Cellular providers, apps, websites, the government, and more.
For example, it prevents 
third-parties (such as your Internet Provider) from tracking your physical location. They can only detect the location of the secure data center you’re connected to, they will not be able to recognize your actual location. It also scrambles & encrypts your data for additional privacy.
Some security features include:
The Local Network Access option allows you to communicate with other wireless devices on your network (mouse/keyboard, gamepad, printer, etc.) while the VPN is active.
Disabling it provides an additional layer of security. However, you may not be able to access these devices until you disconnect.
If your plan includes Ad & Malware Blocking, you can enable it for another additional layer of protection. These exclusive servers will block harmful malware, intrusive ads/popups, and location trackers automatically.
If you do not have a Plus/One/Ultimate plan, contact us and we’ll be happy to upgrade your subscription.
The Connect Automatically option will automatically reconnect to our servers any time you get disconnected unexpectedly. It will also detect when your network changes, and when your device wakes up from Sleep/Hibernation mode.
If used in combination with the Keep Alive on Sleep option, you will also remain connected when your device enters Sleep mode.
In case the VPN unexpectedly disconnects, Internet Kill-Switch stops your device from accessing the internet. As soon as you are re-connected to the VPN server location, your internet traffic will be restored automatically.
This setting is only recommended for advanced users. If something goes wrong, you may need to restore your internet connection manually.
Stay tuned! We have lots of new security features coming soon, including Gaming Mode, Invisible VPN, Freemium servers and more. Contact our support team for more information.
Why is a VPN important?
When you’re connected to the internet, these third-parties try to collect your information. This includes various details like the device you’re using, your Operating System, the websites you visit frequently, and most importantly your IP address and your physical location.
The IP address isn’t everything, it’s just a visualization of what VirtualShield is doing in the background. Basically a VPN allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. All of your traffic will be encrypted and routed through our secure network before it reaches the other end.
VirtualShield’s network uses patented technology to protect your private online activity from potential hackers. What this means is that your entire internet connection is passed through our servers to give you a private tunnel to the internet, preventing all third-parties from tracking your online activity.
You can learn more about our VPN technology, and all of the benefits of using a VPN here.
Why choose VirtualShield?
We have secure data centers available in 18+ countries. All of our 
U.S. servers come equipped with 
Unrestricted Streaming. This unique service allows you to stream on apps and sites like 
Netflix, 
Hulu, 
Amazon Prime, , 
Disney Plus, , and many more from anywhere in the world.
Our exclusive Ad & Malware Blocking servers can be used for another additional layer of protection. This service blocks harmful websites, intrusive adware, and other forms of malware in their footsteps, before they can gain access to your data or damage your device.
As a reminder, we offer a trial period with all of our plans, so you can 
give us a try before you actually start to pay for our services. You can cancel your subscription at 
any time during your trial period and you will 
not be billed.
We also offer 60 days after your trial period ends, for a full . There truly is nothing to lose.In this section
Choose a Protection Plan
Now it’s time to choose your plan and apply any optional add-ons. We recommend choosing one of the 12 months or 24 months options to maximize your savings. Alternatively, you can choose to pay monthly instead if you prefer. The choice is entirely up to you.
See all of our plans and pricing here:
If you’re just looking to hide your location, the 
VirtualShield Basic plan is all you need. This plan also includes Real-Time Threat Monitoring and more. If you would like to take advantage of the additional services we offer, one of our Plus or Ultimate plans might interest you.
Protect your entire household and all of your devices with our secure, high-speed VPN service. Includes , 
Local Network Access, to choose from, on your favorite 
apps and 
websites, and more.
In addition to our secure, unlimited VPN service, this plan includes , , , , and more.
If you want to be fully protected, this plan unlocks full access to everything, without the need for any add-ons. Some features include , full for your entire family, up to , and more.
We're always offering seasonal promotions. If you have a , you can also apply it when you’re checking out to receive additional discounts.Select a Payment Method
After choosing your plan, you will be asked to enter your login details and select a payment method. We accept many different forms of currency and all major forms of payment, including credit cards, , , and .
We’ll just need to verify your information to keep spammers and hackers out. Be sure to enter the correct information on this page to complete the 
registration process.
Remember to enter your email address correctly or you might not receive the confirmation email, and our will be unable to contact you if something goes wrong.This helps us ensure our network remains secure for valued customers just like you. As a reminder, you won’t be billed for 7 days and you can choose to 
cancel at any time.
You can also choose to opt-out of the free trial period, and pay today instead. If you do, you will receive an additional 4 months added to your subscription completely free of cost.
Verify your Email Address
As soon as you hit Continue, the system will process your order. You will receive a confirmation email in your inbox to confirm that your account has been 
created successfully.
Lastly, you need to verify your email address by pressing the button in the confirmation email. This is an important step to ensure your account is fully registered within our system.
If you can’t find the confirmation email try looking in your junk/spam folder, or contact our for assistance.In this section
Install the VPN app
First of all, congratulations on taking the first step to reclaim your online privacy. Not only will you be protected by our state-of-the-art VPN network, you can now rest assured use your devices with comfort and peace of mind, knowing that your data will be fully secure against the latest threats.
After signing up, the next step is to on all of your devices. Don’t forget, your entire family will be covered under our new plans. No more restrictions, device limitations, or caps on your bandwidth. VirtualShield has gone UNLIMITED.
Start by visiting your Account Dashboard. Select 
Apps from the navigation menu to download VPN protection for your device:
VPN Protection comes included with all of our new Basic/Plus/Ultimate plans. It doesn’t matter which plan you choose.
Press the Download button next to your specific device, and follow the necessary steps to complete the installation.
That’s it! The app will open automatically. You can also open it using the 
shield icon on your Desktop or App Library, to log in and connect to our secure network.
See our support article for more info on how to install the VPN on each of your various devices.
Toggle Protection
Once the app is installed, it’s time to sign in to your account and activate your protection. You will remain logged in permanently until you uninstall the app, or choose to sign out manually.
The first time you open the app, you will be prompted for your credentials. Enter your email address and password, then press Login.
Your password is CaSe-sensitive. If you use any capital letters or symbols, you must type it exactly the same in order to log in again.
After logging in, you will be presented with the 
Home/Overview screen. This is where you can connect to and disconnect from the VirtualShield network.
You can also adjust your configuration settings and view your subscription details from this screen.
Your 
current location will be displayed on this screen, it might say Fastest if you’re not connected. You can change your location at any time by pressing this button.
See our support article for more info on how to connect to a specific location.
Now it’s as simple as pressing the 
Power button to toggle VPN protection. This button will appear green once you’re connected.
If you’re not connected to our network, this button will appear yellow in color.
That’s it! You are now protected by VirtualShield. You can surf the web with full privacy, security and peace of mind, while being protected by our state-of-the-art network.
On computers, you will see aVPN or a
key icon.
What’s next?
After installing the app and activating protection, the final step is to adjust your configuration settings and personalize the app to suit your needs. The articles below will help you get started.
You can Test your Protection at any time using this link. It doesn’t matter which device you’re using. This page will work on all of your various devices, computers, tablets, smart phones, and more.
This is the same information other websites, apps, and your Internet/Cellular provider can see. See our support article for more information.
Enable the State Selection option in your 
VPN Settings to fine-tune your location and choose a specific state/region to connect to, in addition to the country.
Changing your location is entirely optional, it is not required in order to be protected. All of our VPN servers are fast, secure, and unlimited.
The Local Network Access option allows you to communicate with other wireless devices on your network (mouse/keyboard, gamepad, printer, etc.) while the VPN is active.
Disabling it provides an additional layer of security. However, you may not be able to access these devices until you disconnect.
If your plan includes Ad & Malware Blocking, you can enable it for another additional layer of protection. These exclusive servers will block harmful malware, intrusive ads/popups, and location trackers automatically.
If you do not have a Plus/One/Ultimate plan, contact us and we’ll be happy to upgrade your subscription.
The Connect Automatically option will automatically reconnect to our servers any time you get disconnected unexpectedly. It will also detect when your network changes, and when your device wakes up from Sleep/Hibernation mode.
If used in combination with the Keep Alive on Sleep option, you will also remain connected when your device enters Sleep mode.
In case the VPN unexpectedly disconnects, Internet Kill-Switch stops your device from accessing the internet. As soon as you are re-connected to the VPN server location, your internet traffic will be restored automatically.
This setting is only recommended for advanced users. If something goes wrong, you may need to restore your internet connection manually.
You can customize VirtualShield to open automatically each time you power on or restart your device. This will help ensure that your data remains private, and you don’t have to open the app every time you want to connect.
This option is enabled by default on desktop and laptop computers. On mobile devices, you may need to toggle it on manually.
Common Questions
How many devices can I use?
As of October 1st, 2021, VirtualShield now offers support for unlimited devices. Each user on an account, whether it’s an Individual or a Family plan, gets unlimited devices. See our for more information.I use a free VPN, am I still protected?
Yes and no. Free VPNs collect your information, and sell it to advertisers. This applies to many paid VPNs as well. Learn more about the difference between free VPNs and paid ones here.
I use a proxy server, do I still need a VPN?
An anonymous VPN works differently from a private browser or a proxy server. A proxy will hide the data inside of your web browser, but it will not protect or encrypt the other apps running on your device. See our support article for more information.