Hotspot Shield VPN for Android

Hotspot Shield VPN 11.18.0 is the Android app of the Hotspot Shield VPN service, published by AnchorFree GmbH. It encrypts your phone's connection and routes it through the service's servers, which protects your data on public Wi-Fi and hides your IP address from websites. The app has a free tier and a premium subscription, and you can download Hotspot Shield VPN for Android from Google Play.

What is Hotspot Shield?

Hotspot Shield is a well-known consumer VPN brand, and as the name suggests, it was built around the idea of protecting people on Wi-Fi hotspots. When the app is on, Android sends traffic from all apps through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server. Anyone else on the café or airport network sees only encrypted data going to the VPN, and websites see the server's address. The app keeps the interface simple: a large connect button, the current location and basic statistics about the connection.

What is the difference between free and premium?

The free tier lets you use the VPN at no cost, with limits such as fewer locations and advertising. Premium removes ads, adds locations and raises speed or data limits. Details change, so check the current offer in the app and in Google Play before subscribing, and note the renewal date of any trial.

How do I install it?

1. Open the Hotspot Shield VPN page on Google Play and make sure the developer is AnchorFree GmbH.
2. Install the app and open it.
3. Accept the terms, tap connect and allow Android to set up the VPN.
4. Look for the key icon in the status bar.

The app is about 36.04 MB according to catalogue data.

Does it make me anonymous?

No. A VPN protects the path between your phone and the VPN server and hides your IP address from websites. It does not stop Google, social networks or shops from recognising you when you are signed in, and the VPN provider can see your connections. Read the privacy policy to understand what is logged.

Why does my banking app not work with the VPN?

Some banking, payment and streaming apps block connections from VPN servers for security or licensing reasons. Pause the VPN while using them, or choose a server in your own country.

Is it legal to use?

VPNs are legal in most places, but some countries restrict them and many schools and employers forbid them on their networks. Follow the rules that apply to you.

How do I cancel a subscription?

Subscriptions bought in the app are managed in Google Play: open your profile, choose Payments and subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Uninstalling the app alone does not stop payments.

Pros and cons

• Pro: well-known service with a simple interface.
• Pro: free tier to try it out.
• Pro: works on Wi-Fi and mobile data.
• Con: ads and limits in the free version.
• Con: premium features require a subscription.

What alternatives are there?

Other VPN apps for Android in our listings include ProtonVPN, Turbo VPN, X-VPN, Outline VPN and Psiphon, and 1.1.1.1 for encrypted DNS.