How to Activate and Use the Built-In VPN in Opera Browser

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Last Updated on: 12th December 2025, 07:18 pm

As you know most VPN services want your credit card before you can even try them but Opera they just built one right into the browser and said “here, use it for free.” No signup forms, no payment details, no nonsense. If you’re tired of websites tracking your every step or you just want a few more privacy online, this might be exactly what you need.

I will tell you how to get it run a VPN and actually use it.

Why Opera’s VPN Can Be Helpful For You?

You need to know that you don’t want to download a separate software, and you don’t need to create another account to forget the password for, and you also don’t need to pay monthly fees. You just flip a switch and you’re good to go.

It hides your IP address, encrypts your browsing, and gives you unlimited bandwidth. That last part is huge because most free VPNs cap you at a few gigabytes per month. Opera doesn’t do that.

Get It Up and Run on Your Desktop

This takes about 30 seconds, maybe less if you’re fast.

  1. Open Opera (make sure you’ve got the updated version). Look at the top-right corner where you see those three horizontal lines, sometimes called the “Easy Setup” button. You need to click that.
  2. Scroll down until you see “VPN” with a toggle switch next to it. Open that switch.

After that you’ll see a little blue VPN badge display on your address bar. That badge means you’re protected. Click on it anytime to see your new IP address or change your virtual location.

If you want to get there another way, press Alt+P to open Settings, then go to Advanced and look under Features. You’ll have same toggle, and same result.

Here’s How to Set It Up on Your Android Phone

The mobile-based version is very simple and easy.

  • Tap the Opera icon at the bottom-right (looks like a red “O”). Go into Settings, then find the VPN option. Toggle “Enable VPN” to on.
  • You’ll see the VPN badge in your address bar and a little key icon in your notification bar. That important icon is your quick reminder that you’re searching through the VPN.

Now You Can Use the VPN

You need to turn on that’s one thing and you can also use it properly.

  1. Click that VPN badge in your address bar. You’ll get a popup displaying your virtual IP address and how much data you’ve sent through the encrypted connection.
  2. The important part is the “Virtual location” dropdown. You can leave it on “Optimal location” and let Opera pick the fastest server for you. Or you can manually choose a region—Americas, Europe, or Asia. This is important when you’re trying to access content that’s blocked in your area.

About the blocked content, if you’re trying to watch streaming services from different regions, this can help. Whether you want to set up Proton VPN with your TV code or wanna know how to watch Hulu Live TV with a VPN, having Opera’s VPN running alongside these setups adds an extra layer of privacy to your streaming setup.

Same goes if you wan to activate services like Netflix with a TV code, DStv Stream, or even BBC iPlayer—the VPN keeps your browsing private while you’re getting everything arrange.

What Are The Limitations?

You must keep in mind that Opera’s free VPN only protects traffic inside the Opera browser. If you’re using Chrome, Firefox, or any other app on your computer, those connections aren’t protected. This isn’t Opera being cheap but it’s just how browser-based VPNs work.

Also, you’re selecting broad regions, not specific countries. You can pick “Europe” but you can’t pick “Germany” specifically. For most people, this is fine. If you need more control, Opera has a paid version called Opera VPN Pro that covers your whole device and gives you desired server locations.

Opera says they don’t log your activity. They’ve had third-party audits to back this up, which is more than a lot of free VPNs can say.

3 Best Fixes for Common Issues

  • Is your connection feels slow? Click the VPN badge and switch to “Optimal location.” That usually helps.
  • Is VPN won’t turn on? You can update Opera and seriously, that fixes it 90% of the time.
  • Do you want some extra privacy? Turn on the VPN, then open a private window. You get browser-level privacy plus network-level encryption.

My Last Words

Here’s what I like about this complete setup that there’s no risk. You’ve made any commitment to anything, you’re not giving your payment info, and if you don’t like it, you just turn it off. But for free, unlimited VPN service that you can use, it’s hard to beat.

Open Opera, find that toggle, flip it on and then see how it works. Your browsing is instantly more private, and you might be surprised how often that little blue badge gives you peace of mind.

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