Overview
This article explains in detail exactly what VirtualShield VPN is, and how it works under the hood. It also teaches you how to get started protecting all of your devices using VirtualShield.
Learn how to create a new account, and how to activate the VPN for the very first time. It doesn't matter which device you are using, this article applies to computers, cell phones, tablets, and more.
In this section
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Technically speaking, a VPN is a service that protects your privacy by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. In other words, it allows you to browse the internet without anyone being able to see what you are doing online.
First and foremost, a VPN hides your location by scrambling your IP address. It also encrypts your data, and hides your traffic from all third-parties including Internet/Cellular providers, apps, websites, the government, and more.
For example, it prevents third-parties (such as your Internet Provider) from tracking your physical location. They can only see the location of the secure datacenter you're connected to, will not be able to recognize your actual location. It also scrambles & encrypts your data for additional privacy.
An anonymous VPN works differently from a private browser or a proxy server. Learn more about the differences here.
Why is a VPN important?
When you're connected to the internet, these third-parties try to collect your information. This includes various details like the device you're using, your Operating System, the websites you visit frequently, and most importantly your IP address and your physical location.
The IP address isn't everything, it's just a visualization of what VirtualShield is doing in the background. Basically a VPN allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. All of your traffic will be encrypted and routed through our secure network before it reaches the other end.
VirtualShield's network uses patented technology to protect your private online activity from potential hackers. What this means is that your entire internet connection is passed through our servers to give you a private tunnel to the internet, preventing all third-parties from seeing what you're doing.
You can learn more about our VPN technology, and all of the benefits of using a VPN here.
Why choose VirtualShield?
We have secure datacenters available in 18+ countries around the world. Our servers also come equipped with a service called Invisible VPN, also known as Unrestricted Streaming. This unique service allows you to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Amazom Prime, Disney+ and more, from anywhere in the world.
Our exclusive Ad & Malware Blocking service can also be used for an additional layer of protection. This helps prevent viruses, adware, rootkits, and other forms of malware in their footsteps, before they can gain access to your data or damage your device.
As a reminder, we offer a 7 day risk-free trial period with all of our plans, so you can give us a try before you actually start to pay for our services. You can cancel your account at any time during your free trial period and you will not be billed.
See all of our plans and pricing here:
We also offer 60 days after your trial period ends, for a full money-back guarantee. There truly is nothing to lose.
In this section
Choose a Protection Plan
Now it's time to choose your plan and apply any optional add-ons. We recommend one of the 12 months or 24 months options to maximize your savings. Alternatively, you can choose to pay monthly instead if you prefer. The choice is entirely up to you.
If you're just looking to hide your location, the Basic plan is all you need. This plan also includes Real-time Threat Monitoring using our Personal Data Removal service. If you would like to take advantage of the additional services we offer, one of our Plus or Ultimate plans might interest you.
Protect your entire family and all of your devices with our fast, secure, unlimited VPN service. Includes Unlimited devices, Over 25 virtual regions to choose from, Invisible VPN and unrestricted streaming on your favorite apps & websites, and more.
In addition to our fast, secure, unlimited VPN and Personal Data Removal service, this plan includes Ad & Malware Blocking, SSN Monitoring, Dark Web Scanning, and more.
If you want to be fully protected, this plan unlocks full access to everything, without the need for any add-ons. Some features include Antivirus Protection, Full Identity Theft Protection, Up to $1 million Insurance, and more.
If you have a coupon code, you can apply it when you're checking out to receive additional discounts. See our support article for more information.
Select a Payment Method
Next you will be asked to enter your login details and select a payment method. We accept all major forms of payment, including credit/debit cards as well as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
We'll just need to verify your information to keep spammers and hackers out. This helps us ensure that our network remains secure for valued customers just like you. Remember, you won't be billed for 7 days, and you can choose to cancel at any time.
You can also choose to opt-out of the free trial period, and pay today instead. If you do, you will receive an additional 4 months added to your subscription entirely free of cost.
Verify your Email Address
As soon as you hit Continue, the system will process your order. You will receive a confirmation email in your inbox to confirm that your account has been created successfully.
Lastly you need to verify your email address, by pressing the button in the confirmation email. This is an important step to ensure that your account is fully registered within our system.
If you can't find the confirmation email, try looking in your junk/spam folder, or contact our support team for assistance.
In this section
Install the VPN app
First of all, congratulations on signing up, and taking the first step to reclaim your online privacy.
Not only will you be protected by our state-of-the-art VPN network, you can now rest assured use your devices with comfort and peace of mind, knowing that both your online and offline activity will be fully protected against all of the latest threats.
After signing up, the next step is to install the VirtualShield VPN app on all of your various devices.
Start by visiting your Account Dashboard. Select 
Apps from the navigation menu to download VPN protection for your device:
VPN Protection comes included with all of our new Basic/Plus/Ultimate plans. It doesn't matter which plan you choose.
Press the Download button next to your specific device, and follow the necessary steps to complete the installation.
That's it! The app will open automatically. You can also open it using the 
shield icon on your Desktop or App Library, to log in and connect to our secure network.
See our support article for more info on how to install the VPN on each of your various devices.
Toggle Protection
Once the app is installed, the next step is to sign in to your account and activate your protection, if you have not done so already.
The first time you open the app, you will be prompted for your credentials. Enter your email address and password, then press Login.
You will remain logged in permanently until you uninstall the app, or choose to sign out manually.
After logging in, you will be presented with the Home/Overview screen. This is where you can connect to and disconnect from the VirtualShield network.
You can also adjust your App/VPN Settings and view your subscription details from this screen.
Your 
current location will be displayed on this screen, it might say Fastest if you're not connected. You can change your location at any time by pressing this button.
See our support article for more info on how to connect to a specific location.
Now it is as simple as pressing the 
power button to toggle VPN protection. This button will appear green once you're connected.
That's it! You are now protected by VirtualShield. You can surf the web with full privacy, security and peace of mind, while being protected by our state-of-the-art VPN network.
What's next?
After installing the app and choosing your location, the final step is to personalize and customize the app to suit your needs. The articles below will help you get started.
You can Test your Protection at any time using this link. It doesn't matter which device you're using, this page will work on all of your various devices, computers, tablets, smart phones, and more.
This is the same information other websites, apps, and your Internet/Cellular provider can see. See our support article for more information.
Enable the State Selection option in your 
VPN Settings to fine-tune your location and choose a specific state/region to connect to, in addition to the country.
The Local Network Access option allows you to communicate with other wireless devices on your network (mouse/keyboard, gamepad, printer, etc.) while the VPN is active.
The Connect Automatically option will automatically reconnect to our servers any time you get disconnected unexpectedly. It will also detect when your network changes, and when your device wakes up from Sleep/Hibernation mode.
If your plan includes Ad & Malware Blocking, you can enable it for an additional layer of protection. These exclusive servers will block harmful malware, intrusive ads/popups, and location trackers automatically.
Common Questions
How many devices can I use?
As of October 1st, 2021, VirtualShield now offers support for unlimited devices. Each user on an account, whether it's an Individual or a Family plan, gets unlimited devices. See our support article for more information.
I use a free VPN, am I still protected?
Yes and no. Free VPNs collect your information, and sell it to advertisers. This applies to many paid VPNs as well. Learn more about the difference between free VPNs and paid ones here.
I use a proxy server, do I still need a VPN?
A proxy will hide the data inside of your web browser, but it will not protect or encrypt the other apps running on your device. See our support article for more information.