How to activate and use the built-in VPN in Brave.

Introduction

Brave is well known for its privacy-first browser features, and among its offerings is a built-in Firewall + VPN service that helps secure your internet connection, mask your IP address, and protect your data on unsecured networks. Whether you’re on a mobile device or desktop, activating and using Brave’s integrated VPN is straightforward. This article provides a step-by-step guide to enable, configure, and optimize the VPN in Brave, along with troubleshooting tips and a feature comparison. If you want a larger server network or additional controls, Brave also works smoothly alongside third-party providers such as NordVPN and Proton VPN.

Requirements and Availability

Before you begin, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Brave Version: Current Brave release on desktop and the latest Brave build on iOS/Android.
• Operating System:
  • iOS 14.0 or later
  • Android 8.0 or later
  • Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and newer
• Subscription:
  • Mobile (iOS/Android): Monthly or annual plan through Apple/Google app stores.
  • Desktop: Brave Firewall + VPN subscription (availability varies by region).
• Network Access: Internet connection to download and activate the VPN service.

Activating the Built-in VPN

On Mobile (iOS and Android)

Step 1: Open Brave Browser
Launch the Brave app on your device. Make sure it’s updated via the App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2: Navigate to VPN Settings
Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines or dots) at the bottom or top of the screen, then select Settings → Brave Firewall + VPN.

Step 3: Subscribe and Sign In
Choose your preferred plan (monthly or annual). Confirm the purchase via your Apple ID or Google account. Once purchased, Brave will automatically sign you in.

Step 4: Enable the VPN
Toggle the VPN switch to On. Grant the necessary permissions for VPN configurations on your device.

Step 5: Select a Server Location
Tap Server Location and choose your desired country or region. Brave will establish a secure tunnel through that location.

On Desktop (Windows and macOS)

Step 1: Open Brave and Access Settings
Launch Brave, click the three-line menu (≡) in the upper-right corner, then select Settings.

Step 2: Go to Brave Firewall + VPN
In the left sidebar, choose Privacy and security, then click Brave Firewall + VPN.

Step 3: Purchase or Sign In
Click Subscribe or Sign In if you already have an active subscription. Complete authentication as prompted.

Step 4: Toggle the VPN On
Switch the VPN slider to On. You may be prompted to install a small helper application. Follow the installer’s instructions.

Step 5: Choose Your Virtual Location
Within the VPN section, click Location and pick the region that best suits your needs (streaming, privacy, performance).

How to Use the VPN

Connecting and Disconnecting

• To connect, toggle the VPN switch to On.
• To disconnect, toggle it back to Off.
• When connected, an icon (key or shield) appears in the browser UI or status bar.

Choosing a Server Location

• Default (Fastest): Automatically selects the nearest, least-loaded server.
• Specific Region: Manually pick from available countries for geo-spoofing or to access region-locked content.

Managing VPN Settings

• Auto-connect on Unsecured Wi-Fi: Enable this option to secure yourself automatically on public hotspots.
• Split Tunneling: Not offered as a user-facing feature in most builds.
• Notification Preferences: Choose whether you see pop-ups when VPN connects or disconnects.

Feature Comparison

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Unable to Connect: Ensure your network allows VPN connections. Try switching Wi-Fi networks or using cellular data.
• Slow Speeds: Switch to a different server location or use the Fastest default setting.
• Subscription Issues: Verify your in-app purchase receipt in the App Store/Google Play or manage your plan in your Brave account.
• App Crashes: Update Brave to the latest version and reboot your device.
• Location/Region Not Appearing: Update Brave to the latest version to see the current list of locations.

Brave with Third-Party VPNs

Brave’s built-in protections pair well with premium VPN providers if you need a wider server fleet, specialized streaming routes, or granular controls like per-app split tunneling and dedicated kill-switch settings. Two ideal options to use alongside Brave are NordVPN and Proton VPN. Install either provider’s app, connect at the system level, and continue browsing in Brave to combine strong tracker/ad blocking with robust VPN features.

Conclusion

Brave’s built-in VPN delivers a seamless, privacy-focused browsing experience without needing third-party applications. By following the steps above, you can easily activate, customize, and troubleshoot the VPN on both mobile and desktop platforms. Protect your data, maintain anonymity, and browse the web securely with confidence using Brave’s integrated VPN service—or pair Brave with NordVPN or Proton VPN for advanced features and an even broader network.