VPN on Android step by step guide (Using L2TP/IPsec VPN)

Here is an instruction how to connect to a VPN Gate Public VPN Relay Server by using L2TP/IPsec VPN Client which is built-in on Android.

On this instruction, every screen-shots are taken on Android 4.x. Other versions of Android 4.x are similar to be configured, however there might be minor different on UIs. Some third-parties customizes the configuration screens of Android.

These screen-shots are in English version Android iOS. If you use other language, you can still configure it easily by referring the following instructions.

1. Initial configurations (only once at the first time)

Start the "Settings" application on Android.
In the "Wireless & Networks" category, open "More..." and tap "VPN".
Click the "Add VPN profile" button to create a new VPN connection setting.

A new VPN connection setting editing screen will appear. Input something string on the "Name" field (e.g. "vpn" ), and choose "L2TP/IPSec PSK" in the "Type" field.

On this screen, you have to specify either hostname or IP address of the destination VPN Gate Public VPN Relay Server.
Open the VPN Servers List page, select one VPN Relay Server which you want to use. Copy the Hostname (e.g. vpn-ams1.cocoleech.com) and paste it on the "Server address" field on the configuration screen.

Scroll down the configuration screen, and tap the "Show advanced options" checkbox if appropriate.

Specify "vpn" (3-letters) on the "IPSec pre-shared key" field.

Specify "0.0.0.0/0" (9-letters) on the "Forwarding routes" field. Make sure that you input the "Forwarding routes" field correctly. If not, you cannot communicate via VPN.

After all inputted, tap the "Save" button and save the VPN connection setting.

2. Connect a VPN

You can start a VPN connection by using a created VPN connection setting at any time. Open the VPN connection settings list and tap a setting, you will see the following screen.

At the first time of using, you have to input "Username" and "Password" fields.
Fill "Username" and "Password" fields, and check "Save account information" .

Tap "Connect" to start the VPN connection.

After the VPN connection will be established, the indicate string "Connected" will be displayed next to the VPN connection setting, and the status indication area of Android will show "VPN activated" message. You can tap the message to see the current status of the VPN connection.

3. Enjoy Internet via VPN relaying

While VPN is established, all communications towards the Internet will be relayed via the VPN Server.
You can visit the VPN Servers Page to see your current global IP address. You can see your source country or region has been changed to other if you are connecting to a VPN server which is located on oversea country.