Overview
This article explains in detail exactly what VirtualShield VPN is, and how it works under the hood. It also teaches you how to get started protecting all of your devices using VirtualShield.
Learn how to create a new account, how to log in to the app, and how to activate VPN protection for the very first time. It doesn't matter which device you are using, this article applies to computers, cell phones, tablets, and more.
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What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Technically speaking, a VPN is a service that creates 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 websites, the government, Internet/Cellular providers, and more.
An anonymous VPN works differently from a private browser or a proxy server. Learn more about the differences here.
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.
VirtualShield's network uses patented technology to encrypt and 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 seeing what you're doing.
You can learn more about our VPN technology, and all of the benefits of using a VPN here.
Why choose VirtualShield?
We have secure datacenters available in 18+ countries around the world. All of our United States servers also come equipped with Unrestricted Streaming. This unique service allows you to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Amazom Prime, Disney+ and more, from anywhere in the world.
Our Ad & Malware Blocking service can also be used for an additional layer of protection. This helps prevent viruses, adware, rootkits, and other forms of malware before they can gain access to your data or damage your device.
As a reminder, we offer a 7 day risk-free 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 account at any time during your free trial period and you will not be billed.
See all of our plans and pricing here:
We also offer 60 days after your trial period ends, for a full money-back guarantee. There truly is nothing to lose.
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Choose a Protection Plan
Now it's time to choose your plan and apply any optional add-ons. We recommend 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.
If you're just looking to hide your location, the Basic plan is all you need. This plan also includes Real-time Threat Monitoring using our Personal Data Removal service. 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 family and all of your devices with our fast, secure, unlimited VPN service. Includes Unlimited devices, Over 25 virtual regions to choose from, Invisible VPN and unrestricted streaming on your favorite apps & websites, and more.
In addition to our fast, secure, unlimited VPN and Personal Data Removal service, this plan includes Ad & Malware Blocking, SSN Monitoring, Dark Web Scanning, 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 Antivirus Protection, Full Identity Theft Protection, Up to $1 million Insurance, and more.
If you have a coupon code, you can apply it when you're checking out to receive additional discounts. See our support article for more information.
Select a Payment Method
Next you will be asked to enter your login details and select a payment method. We accept all major forms of payment, including credit/debit cards as well as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
We'll just need to verify your information to keep spammers and hackers out. This helps us ensure that our network remains secure for valued customers just like you. Remember, 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 entirely 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 that 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 support team for assistance.
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Install the VPN app
First of all, congratulations on signing up, and 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 both your online and offline activity will be fully protected against all of the latest threats.
After signing up, the next step is to install the VirtualShield VPN and/or VirtualShield Antivirus app on all of your various devices.
After signing in to the app, you will be presented with the Home screen. This is where you can connect to and disconnect from the VirtualShield network.
This screen may look a little different depending on the make and model of your device, but the concept is the same. You will see a power button, and a place to choose your location.
You can also adjust your various configuration settings and view your subscription details from this screen.
Toggle Protection
Now all you need to do is press the power button to toggle VPN protection. That's it! You are now protected by VirtualShield.
The power button and the shield icon will appear green once you're connected. It will also display the location and IP address of the data center you are connected to.
On desktop and laptop computers, you can also toggle protection by flipping the Secure VPN switch, or clicking the shield icon near the corner of your screen (next to your clock).
By default, we automatically select the data center closest to you. See our support article for more info on how to change your location.
What's next?
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:
If you are connected to our secure network, this page will report your status as Protected. It will also display the IP address and geographic location of the data center you're connected to. Otherwise, this page will display your actual location.
This is the same information other websites, apps, and your Internet/Cellular provider can see. See our support article for more information.
As long as the Test My Protection page reports your status as Protected, it means you're all set. You can now surf the web and use all of your apps just as you would normally, but with relief and peace of mind, knowing your data is fully secure and not being shared with any third-parties.
You can follow the same steps to toggle VPN protection off again in order to use location-based apps, or play games that consume high bandwidth. However, it is strongly recommended to connect first before making purchases or sharing your personal details online.
You can also choose to automatically connect to our servers as soon as your internet connection can be detected. See our support article for more information.
Common Questions
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?
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. Learn more about the differences here.