A VPN on Android is an app, usually downloaded from the Google Play Store, that secures your internet connection. Once installed and activated, it works at the system level, meaning it protects all apps on your phone—from Chrome and Gmail to banking apps—without needing individual setup. Android also has built-in support for VPN protocols, allowing for manual configuration if you have your own server details. The VPN creates a secure "tunnel" for your data, encrypting it so that others on the same network cannot see your activity. This is especially crucial for protecting sensitive information when using public Wi-Fi.