Free VPN for Android — FreeGuard on Google Play

FreeGuard’s free VPN for Android is available on Google Play and as a direct APK from our website. Supports Android 7.0+ with anytls, hysteria2, and trojan protocols, a quick-settings tile, and Android’s system-level always-on VPN.

How You Actually Install FreeGuard on Android

Two install paths: Google Play (easiest) or direct APK download from our website for devices without Play Services.

• Google Play: FreeGuard VPN on Google Play. This is the primary channel and what most users should pick.
• Direct APK: download the APK from freeguardvpn.com for devices without Google Play (Huawei AppGallery phones, custom ROMs, GrapheneOS-like environments).

Both come from the same source tree; the APK and Play Store build have the same features.

Features That Actually Ship on Android Today

What you get: anytls/hysteria2/trojan protocols, system always-on VPN support, quick-settings tile for one-tap toggle, DNS resolver picker. What you do not get yet: per-app split tunneling exposed in the app UI.

• Protocols: anytls, hysteria2, trojan
• Quick-settings tile: Android shade tile (backed by TileService) to connect/disconnect without opening the app
• Always-on VPN compatibility: works with Android’s system-level “Always-on VPN” / “Block connections without VPN” settings, which act as an OS-enforced kill switch
• DNS resolver picker: Settings → DNS Server lets you pick among Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8), Quad9, OpenDNS, AdGuard. DNS is sent through the VPN tunnel
• Network transitions: tunnel persists as the device switches between Wi-Fi and cellular

Per-app split tunneling: the underlying Android VPN API supports it, and the infrastructure exists in our native code, but the feature is not exposed in the current FreeGuard app UI. You can still use Android’s own “Always-on VPN + per-app exception” settings as a workaround.

How to Get Started

1. Step 1: Install FreeGuard VPN from Google Play, or sideload the APK from our website
2. Step 2: Open the app, sign in to your free account, and approve the VPN connection permission
3. Step 3: Tap Connect — optionally enable “Always-on VPN” in Android Settings → Network → VPN → FreeGuard for OS-level enforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FreeGuard available on Google Play?

Yes. The primary distribution channel on Android is Google Play. We also provide a direct APK for devices without Play Services.

Which Android versions are supported?

Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later. This is tied to the VPN API capabilities we rely on.

Does FreeGuard have a quick-settings tile?

Yes. Pull down the notification shade, edit the tiles, and add FreeGuard. One tap connects or disconnects.

Does FreeGuard support per-app split tunneling on Android?

Not in the app UI today. The native VPN service supports the mechanism, but there is no in-app picker to choose apps. If you need per-app exceptions, use Android’s system-level “Always-on VPN” plus per-app settings as a workaround.

Can I choose which DNS resolver FreeGuard uses?

Yes. Settings → DNS Server lists Cloudflare, Google, Quad9, OpenDNS, and AdGuard. Queries go through the VPN tunnel to the chosen provider.

Does FreeGuard work with Android’s Always-on VPN?

Yes. Turn on Always-on VPN (and optionally Block connections without VPN) under Android Settings → Network → VPN → FreeGuard. Android will enforce the tunnel at the system level.

How do I install FreeGuard without Google Play?

Download the APK from our website and install it manually. On most Android devices you will need to enable “Install unknown apps” for the browser or file manager you are using.

Does FreeGuard survive switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data?

Yes. The tunnel handles network transitions, and hysteria2 in particular recovers quickly when the underlying connection changes.