General

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection, often described as a private tunnel, between your device and the internet. A VPN helps protect the data you upload and download, hides your real IP address from the websites you visit, and helps secure your connection when you use public Wi-Fi networks, such as in cafes or airports.

What is Avast VPN?

Avast VPN is a free VPN service that helps protect your internet connection and improve your online privacy. It includes unlimited data and can be used on an unlimited number of desktop and mobile devices, subject to our Fair Usage Policy. You can choose up to three VPN locations from a list of 40 free locations.

For access to all VPN locations and additional features, you can upgrade to Avast Premium VPN.

How is Avast VPN different from Avast Premium VPN?

Avast VPN includes:

• Up to three VPN locations of your choice from a list of 40 free locations.
• The WireGuard VPN protocol.
• Essential privacy features such as Kill Switch.

Avast Premium VPN includes everything in Avast VPN, plus:

• Access to all available VPN locations.
• Faster connection speeds.
• Additional VPN protocols.
• Advanced features such as Double VPN, IP Rotation, Auto Connect, Split Tunneling, and Tracker Blocker.
• Support for TV devices.

How do I get Avast VPN?

On Windows and Mac, Avast VPN is available in the Avast One desktop app. For information on installing Avast One, refer to the following article: Installing Avast One.

On Android and iOS, Free VPN is available in the Avast VPN app. You can download it from Google Play or the App Store.

How do I start using Avast VPN?

To start using Avast VPN on Windows or Mac:

1. Open Avast One, then select Free VPN in the side menu.
2. Sign in to your Avast Account, which is required to use Avast VPN:
   • If you do not have an Avast Account, click Create a free account and follow the on-screen instructions. For more information, refer to the following article: Creating your Avast Account.
   • If you already have an Avast Account, click Sign in and enter your Avast Account credentials.
3. Select up to three VPN locations from the list of free locations, then confirm your selection by clicking Continue.
4. Connect to one of your selected locations.

To start using Avast VPN on Android or iOS:

1. Open Avast VPN and tap Continue.
2. Sign in to your Avast Account, which is required to use Avast VPN:
   • If you do not have an Avast Account, tap Create an Avast Account and follow the on-screen instructions. For more information, refer to the following article: Creating your Avast Account.
   • If you already have an Avast Account, enter your email address, then tap Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Select up to three VPN locations from the list of free locations, then confirm your selection by tapping Continue.
4. Connect to one of your selected locations.

What features are included in Avast VPN?

Avast VPN includes the following features:

• Up to three VPN locations of your choice from a list of 40 free locations.
• Kill Switch: Blocks your internet connection if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, so that your data and real IP address are not exposed.
• Access to local devices: Allows you to use local devices, such as printers and shared drives, while you are connected to a private network.
• Pause VPN: Temporarily pauses your VPN connection for 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
• Multiple active VPNs: Allows you to turn on Avast VPN even if another VPN is active on your device. (Windows and Mac only)
• Manual IP refresh: If you experience connection issues while using the VPN, you can refresh your IP address using the refresh button that appears while connected to the VPN.

Why do I need an Avast Account to use Avast VPN?

An Avast Account helps us prevent abuse of our free VPN service and maintain its quality for all users. Your Avast Account also lets you use Avast VPN, with the same selected locations, on all of your devices.

Which VPN protocols are available in Avast VPN?

Avast VPN uses the WireGuard protocol. Additional VPN protocols, such as Mimic and OpenVPN, and the option to switch between protocols are available in Avast Premium VPN.

Is there a data limit in Avast VPN?

Avast VPN includes unlimited data, subject to our Fair Usage Policy, which is in place to prevent abuse.

Does Avast log my browsing or VPN activity, since I have to create an Avast Account?

No. Avast VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, which means that we do not log your browsing activity while you are connected to Avast VPN. For information about the limited data that we collect, refer to the Avast VPN Privacy Policy.

Devices

How many devices can I use with Avast VPN?

You can use Avast VPN on an unlimited number of Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, subject to our Fair Usage Policy, which is in place to prevent abuse. To use Avast VPN on another device, install Avast One (Windows and Mac) or the Avast VPN app (Android and iOS) and sign in with the same Avast Account. Your selected VPN locations are available on all of your devices.

Can I use Avast VPN on my TV?

No. Avast VPN is not available on TV devices. To use a VPN on a supported TV device, such as Android TV, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV, upgrade to Avast Premium VPN.

Speed and streaming

Is Avast VPN slower than Avast Premium VPN?

Due to the bandwidth required to provide a free VPN service, connection speeds in Avast VPN are limited and may be slower than in Avast Premium VPN. If you need faster speeds, you can upgrade to Avast Premium VPN.

Can I stream content with Avast VPN, and are there any limits for streaming?

Yes. You can use Avast VPN to stream content through your selected VPN locations. Streaming quality depends on your connection speed, and the availability of specific streaming services may vary by location.