How to Change VPN on Android: A Complete UK User's Guide

Introduction: Why and When You Might Need to Change Your Android VPN

For millions in the UK, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool for online privacy, accessing geo-restricted content like BBC iPlayer or UK Netflix libraries while abroad, and securing connections on public Wi-Fi. However, simply installing a VPN app isn’t the end of the process. Knowing how to change a VPN on Android—whether to switch servers, alter protocols, or replace the app entirely—is a core skill for maintaining optimal performance, security, and access.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the UK, such as BT, Virgin Media, or Sky, can see your traffic patterns. While a VPN encrypts this data, its effectiveness depends on proper configuration. Furthermore, under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, handled by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the security of your personal data is paramount. A poorly configured or outdated VPN can undermine this protection. This guide will walk you through every method to change your VPN setup on an Android device, ensuring you remain in control of your digital footprint.

Method 1: Changing Servers or Locations Within Your VPN App

This is the most common and frequent change users make. The primary reason is to access different regional content libraries on streaming services or to find a faster, less congested server.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Open your VPN app. This will be the application you downloaded from the Google Play Store (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Proton VPN).
2. Locate the server list. This is typically represented by a map interface or a list button (often labelled “Locations,” “Servers,” or a pin icon).
3. Select a new server. You can choose by country (e.g., “United Kingdom,” “United States,” “Germany”) or sometimes by specific city. For UK streaming, connecting to a server within the UK is usually required to maintain your home library access.
4. Connect. Tap the large connect button. The app will disconnect from the current server and establish a new tunnel to your chosen location. The status will change to “Connected” with the new location displayed.

UK Context: To watch BBC iPlayer, you must connect to a UK-based server. For services like Netflix, server choice within a country can matter, as not all servers are optimised for streaming. Many premium VPNs offer “streaming-optimised” servers for this purpose. If you’re working remotely for a UK company and need to appear as if you’re on a UK network, selecting a London or Manchester server is key.

Method 2: Switching VPN Protocols or Settings

Sometimes, changing the server isn’t enough. You might need to adjust the underlying protocol for better speed, reliability, or to bypass restrictive networks (like some university or corporate Wi-Fi in the UK).

What is a Protocol? It’s the method by which your device connects to the VPN server. Common ones include:

• WireGuard: Modern, fast, and efficient. Often the default for top providers.
• OpenVPN: Very secure, highly configurable, and reliable. A great all-rounder.
• IKEv2/IPsec: Excellent for mobile networks, handling network switches (e.g., Wi-Fi to 4G/5G) seamlessly.

How to Change It:

1. Inside your VPN app, go to Settings (usually a gear icon).
2. Look for an option called “Protocol,” “VPN Protocol,” or “Connection Type.”
3. Select your desired protocol from the list. WireGuard is recommended for most UK users for its speed and modern cryptography. OpenVPN is a trusted fallback if you encounter connectivity issues.
4. Reconnect to the server.

Important Note: Changing protocols can sometimes help if your ISP is using deep packet inspection (DPI) to throttle or detect VPN traffic. Using a more modern or obfuscated protocol can help maintain your connection without interference.

Method 3: Changing the Entire VPN Application or Service

You might want to change your VPN app entirely if you’re dissatisfied with speeds, server options, privacy policy, or cost. This is a more significant change.

The Safe Transition Process:

1. Research and choose a new provider. Use an independent VPN comparison tool to evaluate services based on UK needs—strong UK server network, no-logs policy (audited is best), and good speeds. Avoid “free” VPNs aggressively; they often have data limits, poor speeds, and questionable security practices, with some even selling user data or containing malware.
2. Subscribe and download. Purchase a subscription from the new provider’s website and download the official Android app from the Google Play Store.
3. Install and log in. Install the new app and log in with your new credentials.
4. Connect before disconnecting old app. Crucially, establish a connection with the new VPN before you disconnect or uninstall the old one. This ensures you are never without an encrypted tunnel if you need one for security.
5. Uninstall the old app. Go to Settings > Apps, find your old VPN app, and select “Uninstall.” You may also want to revoke its device-specific authorisation from your old provider’s account dashboard online.

UK-Specific Warning: Be especially cautious of free VPNs promising “unlimited” access. The ICO has cracked down on apps that mislead users about data collection. Your personal data and browsing habits are valuable; a reputable paid VPN is a far safer investment for privacy and security under UK law.

Method 4: Using Android’s Built-in VPN Settings (For Manual Setups)

While most users rely on apps, Android has a native VPN client in Settings > Network & internet > VPN. This is primarily used for:

• Corporate or university VPNs that provide manual configuration files (.ovpn for OpenVPN).
• Advanced users who want to set up a VPN without an app (less common for consumer use).

How to Add/Change a Manual VPN:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
2. Tap the + (plus) icon to add a new VPN profile.
3. Fill in the details provided by your VPN service or network administrator: Name, Server address, Type (protocol), and any required credentials or certificates.
4. Save. You can now tap this profile to connect/disconnect.
5. To change, you would edit this profile or add a new one for a different server/configuration.

Note: For most consumer VPNs, the dedicated app is simpler and offers more features (like kill switches, split tunnelling, and easy server switching). Use the system settings only if specifically instructed by your provider or IT department.

Important Considerations for UK Users

• Streaming & Geo-Blocks: Changing servers is the primary way to navigate regional streaming restrictions. Always connect to a server in the country where the content is licensed. UK services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 are strict about UK IP addresses.
• Remote Work: If your employer provides a VPN for secure access to internal systems, do not change its settings without IT approval. Altering protocols or servers could breach security policies and data protection obligations under UK GDPR.
• Speed vs. Security: Closer servers (within the UK or Europe) generally offer better speeds. If you need maximum security, use the strongest protocol (like WireGuard or OpenVPN with AES-256) even if it means a minor speed trade-off.
• The Kill Switch: Ensure your VPN’s kill switch (Network Lock) is enabled in the app settings. This critical feature blocks all internet traffic if the VPN drops, preventing your real IP and data from being exposed—a vital protection on UK mobile networks.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Changing Doesn’t Work

• “Unable to connect” after switching servers: Try a different server in the same country or a different protocol. Your ISP might be blocking the specific server’s IP.
• Slow speeds after change: The new server might be overloaded or far away. Switch to a less congested server or one geographically closer. Using WireGuard can often improve speed.
• App crashes or won’t open: Clear the app’s cache (Settings > Apps > [Your VPN] > Storage > Clear Cache) or reinstall it. Ensure your Android OS is up to date.
• Streaming service still blocks you: The VPN server’s IP may have been blacklisted. Switch to a different server in the same country, or contact your VPN’s support for a recommended streaming server.

Conclusion: Maintaining Control and Security

Changing your VPN on Android is a straightforward process that puts you in charge of your online experience. Whether you’re a UK-based remote worker needing a stable connection, a traveller wanting to catch up on UK TV, or a privacy-conscious individual avoiding ISP tracking, mastering these changes is essential. Regularly review your VPN’s performance and consider switching providers if it no longer meets your needs for speed, security, or content access.

For a detailed, up-to-date comparison of the best VPN services for UK users—evaluated on server networks, privacy policies, speeds, and value—visit our comprehensive VPN comparison tool. It’s the best starting point to ensure you have the right tool for the job before you ever need to change a setting.

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Disclaimer: This is editorial content based on general information. VPN laws and provider terms of service are subject to change. You should verify the current legal status of VPN use in your specific circumstances and always read the terms and conditions of your chosen VPN provider. This site does not endorse or encourage copyright infringement.