An Android widget is an interactive mini version of an app that you can use directly from your home screen. You can set one up for Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN to control your connection without opening the app.
How to Set Up the PIA VPN Widget
Follow these steps to add a PIA VPN widget to your home screen.
- Find an empty spot on your home screen. Tap and hold the empty spot to open the customization menu.
- Tap Widgets.
- You’ll see the available options for all the compatible apps on your phone. Scroll through the app list, then tap PIA VPN > Add.
- Tap and hold the PIA VPN widget, then slide it to where you want it on your home screen. Tap outside the widget to deselect it when you’re done.
Note: If you have to move the widget to another home screen page, hold the icon and drag it toward the edge of the screen. Keep holding until you reach the page you want.
Using the PIA VPN Widget
Here’s how to quickly connect or disconnect through the VPN widget:
- To connect, tap the power button on the widget. The button turns from yellow to green when the VPN is active. You should also see a notification in the top left corner that PIA VPN is running.
- Tap the green button to disconnect.
Note: The widget connects you to your most recent server. If you’d like to switch VPN servers, you’ll have to use the app.