Enable Always-on VPN on Android 12+ (Guide)
If you want uninterrupted privacy and a consistent secure connection on Android 12 or newer, enabling an always-on VPN ensures your device stays protected whenever it’s online. This guide walks you through enabling always-on VPN with Free VPN Grass, explains benefits, and helps troubleshoot common issues.
How do I enable always-on VPN on Android 12+?
Android exposes an “always-on VPN” option per VPN provider. Enabling this option tells the system to automatically establish the VPN connection when the device boots and to keep it active in the background. Below is a concise overview of the required actions before the detailed, step-by-step HowTo section.
- Install and grant VPN permission to Free VPN Grass.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > VPN and locate Free VPN Grass.
- Open the app-specific settings (gear icon), toggle Always-on, and consider enabling Block connections without VPN.
These steps make sure all apps and services use the VPN tunnel by default, which is especially useful on untrusted Wi-Fi networks and when you want a consistent IP and encryption for background services.
Step-by-step setup with Free VPN Grass
Follow these numbered steps to enable always-on VPN with Free VPN Grass on Android 12 and above. Each step must be completed in order.
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Install Free VPN Grass
Open Google Play, search for Free VPN Grass, and tap Install. Launch the app once installation completes and accept the VPN permission prompt when requested. Granting permission allows Free VPN Grass to create the secure tunnel required for system-level VPN control.
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Confirm initial connection
From the app, connect to your desired server to confirm Free VPN Grass can establish a VPN session. Verify browsing and check the app shows ‘Connected’ and a VPN key icon appears in your status bar.
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Open Android VPN settings
Go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN. On some devices the path may be Settings > Connections > VPN or Settings > Network & internet > Advanced > VPN.
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Select Free VPN Grass
In the VPN list, find Free VPN Grass. Tap the gear icon or the app name to open its VPN-specific options. If you don’t see Free VPN Grass, ensure the app is installed and you have started it at least once.
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Enable Always-on VPN
Toggle “Always-on VPN” to ON. This will make Android automatically connect the device to Free VPN Grass at boot and attempt to maintain the connection continuously.
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(Optional) Block connections without VPN
If you want to ensure no traffic leaves the device outside the VPN tunnel, enable “Block connections without VPN” (sometimes called ‘Always-on with lockdown’). Warning: enabling this will prevent network access if the VPN cannot connect.
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Test and reboot
Disconnect and reconnect Free VPN Grass, then reboot your device to verify the VPN reconnects automatically. If you enabled blocking, ensure you can still reach the internet via the VPN after restart.
How always-on VPN works and benefits
Always-on VPN hooks into Android’s system-level VPN manager. Once enabled for Free VPN Grass, Android will:
- Automatically establish the VPN connection at boot or when network becomes available.
- Prevent apps from accidentally sending traffic outside the VPN (when block mode is enabled).
- Keep background processes protected without manual reconnection.
Key benefits
- Continuous protection on public Wi-Fi and captive portals.
- Reduced risk of accidental data leaks from apps that run in the background.
- Consistent IP/location for apps that require persistent connections.
Troubleshooting common issues
If always-on VPN won’t stay connected or certain apps fail to access the network, try these checks:
Common fixes
- Ensure Free VPN Grass is updated to the latest version from Google Play.
- Temporarily disable battery optimization for Free VPN Grass (Settings > Apps > Free VPN Grass > Battery) to prevent the system from killing the app.
- Double-check VPN permission: open Free VPN Grass and re-approve any prompts.
- If you enabled “Block connections without VPN”, turn it off to test connectivity—this setting can prevent some background services from completing pre-login steps on captive portals.
- Try a different server inside Free VPN Grass—some servers may block certain traffic or be temporarily overloaded.
When apps don’t work
Some apps may detect VPN use and refuse to run (banking or streaming apps). You can:
- Disable always-on temporarily for troubleshooting.
- Contact Free VPN Grass support for recommended server options or split-tunneling features if available.
Comparison: Always-on VPN vs Regular VPN
| Feature | Always-on VPN | Regular VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Connection persistence | Automatic and persistent across reboots | Manual connection required |
| Traffic leakage risk | Low (especially with block mode enabled) | Higher if you forget to connect |
| Control for specific apps | System-wide; affects all apps | Can be used selectively per session or app if app supports split tunneling |
| Battery impact | Possible higher background usage | Only when actively connected |
Use always-on if you need continuous protection. Use regular VPN connections if you prefer to toggle protection for specific sessions to save battery or troubleshoot app compatibility.
Privacy & security considerations
Enabling always-on VPN increases privacy, but it’s important to understand what is protected:
- Network traffic is encrypted between your device and the VPN server, protecting against local Wi-Fi snooping.
- Your public IP address will appear as the VPN server’s IP, masking your real IP from websites and services.
- Choose a trusted VPN provider and review their privacy policy—Free VPN Grass is designed to offer secure, private browsing at no cost.
Potential caveats
- If the VPN provider logs connection metadata, that can affect anonymity—review Free VPN Grass’s privacy practices.
- Blocking network connections without VPN can prevent some emergency or system services from connecting if the VPN fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will enabling always-on VPN slow down my internet?
Always-on VPN can introduce slight latency because traffic is routed through a VPN server, but speeds depend on server load and your connection. Free VPN Grass optimizes servers for performance; choose a nearby server to minimize speed impact while keeping encryption active.
Can I use split tunneling with always-on VPN?
Android’s always-on VPN applies system-wide. If you need split tunneling, check whether Free VPN Grass offers an in-app split-tunneling feature. If not supported, always-on will route all app traffic through the VPN without exceptions.
What happens if the VPN server goes down?
If the VPN server fails, Android will attempt reconnection. If “Block connections without VPN” is enabled, network access will be stopped until the VPN reconnects. Disable blocking to allow unsecured connections temporarily while troubleshooting.
Is always-on VPN available on all Android devices?
Most devices running Android 7.0+ support always-on VPN in system settings. The exact menu path or UI may vary by manufacturer, but Android 12 and newer include VPN options under Network & internet. Ensure Free VPN Grass is installed and launched first.
Will always-on VPN affect SMS or phone calls?
Always-on VPN affects network traffic (internet). SMS and traditional cellular calls use the mobile network and are not routed through VPN. VoIP calls over data (Wi‑Fi or mobile data) will go through the VPN when connected.
Conclusion
Setting up always-on VPN on Android 12+ with Free VPN Grass is straightforward and provides continuous protection for apps and background services. By enabling “Always-on VPN” and optionally “Block connections without VPN”, you reduce the chance of data leakage and improve privacy on untrusted networks.
Ready to get started? Download Free VPN Grass today and enjoy secure, private browsing!
