The tunnel
The VPN app establishes an encrypted tunnel to a selected endpoint. Services you access generally see the endpoint's network address rather than your direct connection.
VPN Basics
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network creates an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN endpoint, then sends selected internet traffic through that connection.
Privacy and security
A VPN can reduce exposure on local networks and limit what an internet provider can see about destinations, but it does not make you anonymous or replace safe browsing.
Routing choices
Full-tunnel connections send supported traffic through the VPN. Split routing lets selected apps or websites use the VPN while others use the regular connection.