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VPN Secure Connection - Getting Started

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

VPN Secure Connection Avast One disguises your real IP address while you browse online. This feature allows you to connect to the internet via secure Avast Virtual Private Network (VPN) servers, protecting your connection and ensuring your privacy. It is a premium feature that requires a paid subscription to use.

This article is about the VPN Secure Connection feature included in the old Avast One. For information about Avast SecureLine VPN, available as a standalone app or through the new Avast One app, refer to the relevant article below:

Your device:

Connect to the VPN

VPN Secure Connection can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy. It is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

To connect to the VPN:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection.
  2. Click the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON). By default, you are connected to the Fastest location.

You are now connected to the internet via our secure Avast VPN servers.

Connect to a different location

To connect to a different location:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection, then click Open VPN.
  2. Ensure that the Status tab is selected, then click the down arrow in the Location tile.
  3. Select a country. For countries that offer multiple cities, click the down arrow and select your preferred city.

Your location now shows as the country and city that you selected.

Manage VPN settings

You can specify how VPN Secure Connection behaves during certain activities such as banking or shopping, connecting to untrusted networks, or if VPN unexpectedly disconnects:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection, then click Open VPN.
  2. Ensure that the Settings tab is selected.
  3. Click the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON) to enable or disable each of the following options:
    1. Automatically turn on VPN: Automatically connect to a secure Avast VPN server for the chosen activities.
    2. Connection settings:
      • Show autoconnect notifications: A notification appears any time VPN is automatically connected.
      • Stop all internet traffic (kill switch): Block your internet connection if Avast VPN servers unexpectedly disconnect to keep your online activity private.
      • Enable local device access when using VPN: Allow access to local devices and shared drives while you are connected to a private network.

Connect to the VPN

VPN Secure Connection can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy, and is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

To connect to the VPN:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection.
  2. Click the red (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON). By default, you are connected to the Fastest location.

    The first time you connect to the VPN, you are prompted to add VPN configurations. Click Allow on the permissions dialog that appears.

You are now connected to the internet via our secure Avast VPN servers.

Connect to a different location

To connect to a different location:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection, then click Open VPN.
  2. Ensure that the Status tab is selected, then click Change in the Location tile.

    If you are using macOS Sonoma or newer, click See how and follow the on-screen instructions to enable Location Services.

  3. Select a location.

Your location now shows as the country and city that you selected.

Manage VPN settings

Specify how VPN Secure Connection behaves when you connect to an untrusted Wi-Fi network or visit vulnerable websites:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection, then click Open VPN.
  2. Select the Settings tab, then choose from the following options:
    1. Untrusted networks: Click the button next to When connecting to untrusted networks... and select your preferred action:
      • Turn on VPN: Automatically connect to a secure Avast VPN server whenever you connect to an untrusted Wi-Fi network.
      • Remind me: Asks you to turn on VPN Secure Connection when you connect to an untrusted Wi-Fi network.
      • Do nothing: You are not reminded to use VPN Secure Connection and the VPN does not turn on automatically.

      To specify trusted networks, refer to the section below to add trusted networks.

    2. Private activities: Click the button next to any listed activity, and select your preferred action:
      • Turn on VPN: Automatically connect to a secure Avast VPN server whenever you perform the chosen activity.
      • Remind me: Asks you to turn on VPN Secure Connection when you perform the chosen activity.
      • Do nothing: You are not reminded to use VPN Secure Connection and the VPN does not turn on automatically. This is the default option for all activities.

Add trusted networks

When you connect to a trusted network VPN Secure Connection will not prompt you to secure your connection. To add your network to the list of Trusted networks:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection, then click Open VPN.
  2. Select the Settings tab, then click View List.
  3. Click Trust while connected to the trusted network you want to add.

Your current network is added to the list of trusted networks.

To remove a network from the trusted networks list, hover the cursor over the network's panel and click the X icon.

Connect to the VPN

VPN Secure Connection can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy. It is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

To connect to the VPN:

  1. Tap the Avast One icon on the Home screen of your device. The app opens.
  2. Select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection.
  3. Tap the large gray OFF button so that it changes to blue ON. By default, you are connected to the Fastest location.
  4. If prompted, tap OK in the Connection request prompt to let Avast One add necessary VPN configurations.

    5. To automatically enable VPN each time you connect to an untrusted public Wi-Fi network, tap the gray (OFF) slider so that it changes to blue (ON) next to Auto-connect on public Wi-Fi.

You are now connected to the internet via our secure Avast VPN servers.

Connect to a different location

To connect to a different location:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection.
  2. Tap the Server location tile.
  3. Tap your preferred country and city to change your location.

Your server location is now changed.

Connect to the VPN

VPN Secure Connection can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy. It is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

To connect to the VPN:

  1. Tap the Avast One icon on the Home screen of your device. The app opens.
  2. Select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection.
  3. Tap the Enable button. By default, you are connected to the Fastest location.
  4. If prompted, tap Allow to let Avast One add necessary VPN configurations.

You are now connected to the internet via our secure Avast VPN servers.

Connect to a different location

To connect to a different location:

  1. Open Avast One and select Explore ▸ VPN Secure Connection.
  2. Tap the Your location appears to others as: tile.
  3. Tap your preferred country and city to change your location.

Your server location is now changed.

DocID: use-one-vpnLast modified: 09/03/2026

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