How To Activate the Built-In VPN in the Opera Browser

Opera is one of the few web browsers that comes with a built-in VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature, allowing you to browse the web more securely and privately. This VPN is completely free to use and does not require any additional downloads or installations. It can be particularly useful for accessing content that might be restricted in your region or for adding an extra layer of privacy while browsing. This guide will walk you through the steps to activate and use the built-in VPN in the Opera browser.

What is the Opera VPN?

The Opera VPN allows you to:

• Hide your IP address: This can help keep your online activities private.
• Browse securely on public Wi-Fi: The VPN encrypts your browsing traffic, which is especially useful when using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Access region-restricted content: Although the VPN doesn’t offer specific country selections, it allows you to switch between regions like Americas, Europe, and Asia.

It’s worth noting that Opera’s built-in VPN works only within the browser, not on other applications or services on your device.

How to Activate the Built-In VPN in Opera on Desktop

Follow these steps to activate the built-in VPN on the Opera desktop browser:

Step 1: Download and Install Opera

If you haven’t already installed Opera, download it from the official website:

• Visit https://www.opera.com and download the latest version for your operating system.
• Install the browser and launch it.

Step 2: Access Opera Settings

1. Open Opera and click on the Menu button (red “O” icon) in the top-left corner of the browser window.
2. Go to Settings (or Preferences on macOS).
   • Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut:
     • Windows/Linux: Alt + P
     • Mac: Command + ,

Step 3: Enable the Built-In VPN

1. In the Settings menu, scroll down to the Privacy & Security section.
2. Find the VPN option and toggle it on to enable the VPN.You may see a description that explains the VPN feature and how it works. Once enabled, a VPN icon will appear to the left of the address bar in the Opera browser.

Step 4: Using the VPN

1. To activate the VPN, click on the VPN icon in the address bar.
2. A small window will appear, showing the VPN status. Click the toggle switch to turn the VPN on or off.
3. You can also choose your virtual location by selecting a region:
   • Optimal location (default)
   • Americas
   • Europe
   • Asia
4. Once the VPN is on, the icon will change color to indicate that it’s active, and the window will display information such as the current IP address and data usage.

Step 5: Verify the VPN

To verify that the VPN is working, you can visit a website like https://whatismyip.com to check if your IP address has changed.

How to Activate the Built-In VPN in Opera on Mobile

The built-in VPN feature is currently available only for the Opera desktop browser. However, there is a version called Opera for Android that includes a VPN feature:

Step 1: Download Opera for Android

1. Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for Opera Browser and download it.

Step 2: Enable the VPN

1. Open the Opera app on your Android device.
2. Tap the Opera icon (O) in the bottom-right corner to open the menu.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Find the VPN option under the Privacy section and toggle it on.The VPN will automatically activate when you open a private tab.

Note for iOS Users:

As of now, Opera’s built-in VPN is not available for the Opera browser on iOS devices. However, you can use Opera VPN Pro, a standalone VPN service by Opera, available on the App Store.

Customizing the VPN Settings in Opera

You can customize how the VPN behaves in Opera:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > VPN.
2. Choose whether you want the VPN to be enabled:
   • For all browsing or only when browsing in private mode.
   • If you want to use the VPN only when browsing in private mode, make sure to select this option.

Advantages of Using Opera’s Built-In VPN

• Free to Use: Unlike most VPN services, Opera’s VPN is completely free with no bandwidth limitations.
• No Additional Downloads: It’s built directly into the browser, so you don’t need to install any additional extensions or software.
• Enhanced Privacy: Opera’s VPN helps hide your IP address, making it harder for websites to track your online activity.

Limitations of Opera’s Built-In VPN

• Limited Location Selection: Unlike standalone VPN services, Opera’s VPN does not allow you to select specific countries—only regions.
• Browser-Only Protection: The VPN encrypts only traffic that goes through the Opera browser, not other applications on your computer.
• Speeds May Vary: As a free VPN, the speeds may be slower compared to premium VPN services, especially when the server load is high.

Summary

Activating and using Opera’s built-in VPN is straightforward and provides a simple way to enhance your online privacy while browsing. Whether you want to hide your IP address, access region-restricted content, or secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, Opera’s VPN can be a great tool. Just keep in mind that it is primarily a browser-based solution and may not offer the same level of flexibility and speed as paid VPN services. By following the steps above, you can start browsing more securely and privately with the Opera browser.