Android - Installing and Setting Up the PIA App

Learn how to install the Private Internet Access (PIA) app from the Google Play Store and set it up.

Important: If you can’t access the Google Play Store, you can download and install the PIA APK manually. 

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Install the PIA App

  1. Find the PIA app in the Google Play Store. Tap Install.

    The PIA VPN app in the Google Play store, with a highlighted "Install" button.

  2. Wait for the installation to finish. Tap Open.

    The PIA VPN app in the Google Play store, with a highlighted "Open" button.

Set Up the PIA App

  1. Open the PIA app, scroll down, and choose how to log into your account. You can tap:
    • Login: Enter the login credentials received by email after signing up.
    • Login using purchase receipt: If you have already bought a PIA subscription through Google Play, this option restores that purchase and logs you in automatically.
    • Login using magic email link: Request a link sent to the email address for your account; clicking it signs you in automatically.
  2. PIA will now request the necessary permissions for setting up and monitoring a VPN connection. Tap OK to grant the permission. If you tap Cancel, you will be returned to the previous screen.
  3. On the next window, tap I AGREE to allow PIA to send notifications related to your account and connection. 
  4. Your device will then show Android's own system permission prompt for notifications. Tap Allow or Don't allow, depending on your preference.

Connect To a VPN Server

  1. In the PIA app, tap the power button on the main screen. By default, PIA will suggest the server location that provides the optimal experience for you. You will see the name of the server underneath CURRENT VPN LOCATION.
  2. Once connected, you will see a “Protected” message at the top of the screen. 

To disconnect, tap the green power button again. Once disconnected, you will see a “Not Protected” message at the top of the screen.

Change VPN Server Location

  1. In the PIA app, tap SELECTED OPTIMAL LOCATION below the power button.
  2. You will see a list of all server locations. 
  3. Tap your preferred server location to select it. You can also use the search bar to find a specific location.
  4. You will be taken to the main screen where you can then tap the power button to connect. 

Change VPN Protocol

PIA supports WireGuard and OpenVPN on Android. To change to your preferred protocol:

  1. Tap the burger menu (☰).
  2. Go to Settings > Protocols.
  3. Tap Protocol Selection.
  4. Select WireGuard or OpenVPN.
  5. Return to the main screen and reconnect to PIA.

Learn more about VPN protocols in the Android app.

Enable VPN Kill Switch

The VPN kill switch blocks internet access when PIA disconnects to prevent your IP address and other data from leaking outside the VPN tunnel. 

To enable the feature, follow the steps below. Note that Android menu names may vary by device.

  1. Go to your phone’s Settings > Connections or Network & internet.

    Android settings showing the "Connections" option highlighted.

  2. Tap VPN.

    Android connection settings showing the "VPN" option highlighted.
    • On most Android devices, you may have to look under Advanced > VPN.

    • On Samsung, open More connection settings > VPN.

      Android connection settings showing the "More connection settings" option highlighted.

  3. Tap the gear icon next to PIA VPN.

    Android VPN settings showing the Gear icon for the PIA VPN highlighted.

  4. Switch the toggle next to Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN.

    PIA VPN settings on Android showing the "Always-on VPN" and "Block connections without VPN" options highlighted.
  5. Confirm the change if Android asks you to.

Note that enabling these settings will mean that your VPN will remain connected and your internet access will be blocked if you disconnect or the connection drops. Find out more about the PIA VPN Kill Switch on Android here.

Set Up VPN Snooze

Set up VPN Snooze directly from the PIA VPN dashboard to temporarily pause your VPN connection. You can choose a snooze period of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or 1 hour, after which the VPN automatically reconnects.

Enable PIA MACE

PIA MACE is a DNS-based feature that blocks ads, trackers, and known malicious domains. Because it works at the DNS level, MACE can filter requests both in your browser and across apps on your device. 

To enable it on Android: 

  1. Tap the burger menu (☰).
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Select Privacy.
  4. Toggle PIA MACE on.

Use Per App Settings

The Per App Settings feature in the PIA app for Android lets you decide which apps use PIA and which apps use your regular internet connection instead. To set it up: 

  1. Tap the burger menu (☰).
  2. Tap Per App Settings.
  3. By default, all apps use the PIA tunnel. 
    • To exclude an app: Tap the green lock next to it to turn red. 
    • To re-add an app: Tap the broken red lock next to it. 

Read more about the Per App Settings Feature on Android here.

Use Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is a PIA feature that lets you open a specific port on your VPN connection so that incoming connections can reach your device.

This can be useful for applications that need incoming connections, such as peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, certain multiplayer games, or self-hosted services. When port forwarding is enabled, PIA assigns you an available port that you can enter in the application that needs it.

To enable port forwarding on Android: 

  1. Tap the burger menu (☰).
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Select Networks.
  4. Toggle Request Port Forwarding on.

Note: Port forwarding is not available on US server locations. 

Allow LAN Traffic

Allow LAN Traffic lets your device communicate with other devices on the same local area network (LAN) while you're connected to PIA. This can be useful for accessing shared folders, network printers, smart home devices, or other devices on your home network without disconnecting from the VPN.

  1. Tap the burger menu (☰).
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Select Networks.
  4. Toggle Allow LAN Traffic on.

Change DNS

Change DNS lets you choose which DNS servers PIA uses to translate domain names into IP addresses. Using a different DNS provider can sometimes improve reliability, connection speed, or access to specific services, depending on your network and location. 

  1. Tap the burger menu (☰).
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Select Networks.
  4. Tap DNS.
  5. Select your preferred DNS settings.
    • PIA DNS: Uses PIA's DNS servers to resolve domain names while you're connected to the VPN.
    • System DNS Resolver: Uses the DNS servers configured on your device or network instead of PIA's DNS servers.

To use a custom DNS: 

  1. Tap System DNS Resolver and select Edit.
  2. Enter the DNS server address provided by your chosen DNS provider.
  3. Save your changes.

Note: For the best privacy and easiest setup, we recommend using PIA DNS. If you choose Custom DNS, use a trusted provider and double-check that you've entered its DNS address correctly. Learn more about changing DNS on Android here.  

Set Up Automation

PIA VPN’s automation settings for Android let you set connection rules for different networks. For example, you can set the VPN to auto-connect when it joins a new Wi-Fi network to instantly protect the connection.

To enable automation:

  1. Tap the burger menu (☰).
  2. Go to Settings > Automation.
  3. Switch the Automation toggle to on.
  4. If you have not already done so, you will be prompted to enable location permissions. The PIA VPN app needs this level of access for automation to work properly.

Set a Default Network Rule

  1. Tap Manage Automation.
  2. Select Mobile data, Secure Wi-Fi, or Open Wi-Fi.
  3. Select one of the following rules:
    • Always connect VPN
    • Always disconnect VPN
    • Retain VPN state
  4. Tap OK.

Add a Rule for a Specific Wi-Fi Network

  1. Tap Add new rule.
  2. Select the Wi-Fi network.
  3. Choose a connection rule and tap OK.

Customize Your Home Screen

You can customize which features appear on the dashboard screen to make your most-used options easier to access. 

  1. Tap the rearrange icon in the top-right corner. 
  2. Customize your home screen:
    • Eye icon: Show or hide a feature on the dashboard. 
    • Arrow icon: Move a feature up or down to change its position. 
  3. Tap the check mark to return to save your changes or the return arrow to discard.

Add the PIA Widget 

The PIA widget lets you connect or disconnect from the VPN directly from your Android’s home screen. To create a PIA widget:

  1. Tap and hold an empty area on your Android home screen. Tap Widgets.

    Android homescreen showing the "Widgets" option highlighted.

  2. Find PIA VPN and select it.

    PIA VPN widget highlighted in the Android settings.

  3. Tap Add.

    Android settings showing the PIA VPN widget highlighted.

  4. Drag the widget to your preferred position. Tap outside the widget when you finish.

    Android-Installing-and-Setting-Up-the-PIA-App-11.png

  5. Tap the widget’s power button to connect or disconnect.

    Android-Installing-and-Setting-Up-the-PIA-App-12.png

Note: The widget connects to your most recently used server. Open the PIA app to choose another server.

Uninstall the App

To uninstall PIA from your Android device, follow the steps below. 

  1. On your home screen, tap and hold the PIA app. 
  2. Then select the “i” icon. 
  3. Tap Uninstall.

Alternatively, you can uninstall PIA using the Play Store app. 

  1. Open Play Store and tap on your profile icon.
  2. Tap Manage apps & devices.
  3. Tap Manage.
  4. Find and select the PIA VPN app and tap Uninstall.

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