Using Opera Browser's Built-in VPN on Mobile

Using Opera Browser's Built-in VPN on Mobile

Opera's free VPN is built directly into the browser — no separate app needed.

Enable the VPN

  1. Open Opera on your phone (Android or iOS)
  2. Tap the O (Opera) menu icon at the bottom
  3. Go to Settings
  4. Toggle VPN to On

Once enabled, a VPN badge appears in the address bar.


Using It

  • Tap the VPN badge in the address bar to open the VPN panel
  • You can turn it on/off from there
  • Choose a virtual location: Optimal (auto), Europe, Americas, or Asia

Key Things to Know

  • It's free with no data cap, but it's a browser-only proxy — it only tunnels traffic inside the Opera browser, not your entire phone
  • No account required
  • It works on both Android and iOS
  • For private tabs specifically, you can set VPN to activate only in private browsing: Settings → VPN → Enable for Private Tabs

Limitations

  • Not a full-device VPN — apps outside Opera use your normal connection
  • Fewer server location options than paid VPNs
  • Opera is owned by a Chinese consortium, which is worth factoring in if privacy is the primary concern — for sensitive use cases, a dedicated VPN app (Mullvad, ProtonVPN) is a stronger choice