VPN for Android: install, connect, and avoid common traps
Android VPN reliability depends on the app, the OS VPN service, battery policy, and DNS settings. This guide shows the practical checks that keep GhostMesh stable on real phones.
Quick answer
Install GhostMesh from Google Play, allow the VPN profile when Android asks, disable aggressive battery restrictions for GhostMesh, and compare results with Private DNS on and off if DNS tests look inconsistent.
Install from Google Play
Open the Android download page on your phone, tap Google Play, and install or update GhostMesh from the Play Store page.
After installation, open GhostMesh and allow the VPN profile when Android asks.
Checklist
- ✓Use the official Google Play listing
- ✓Install or update GhostMesh from Google Play
- ✓Confirm the Android VPN permission dialog
Battery and background behavior
Some Android vendors pause VPN apps aggressively when the screen turns off. If the tunnel drops after sleep, exclude GhostMesh from battery optimization.
Keep the app updated because Android foreground-service rules and network behavior change across OS versions.
- Disable restrictive battery mode for GhostMesh
- Allow background network activity
- Retest after locking and unlocking the phone
Private DNS and VPN DNS
Private DNS can be useful, but it may hide what the VPN DNS path is doing. When diagnosing leaks, run one test with your usual Private DNS setting and one controlled test with it off.
If a captive portal or mobile carrier forces DNS behavior, switch networks and repeat the test before changing app settings.
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| DNS result shows your custom hostname | Private DNS is still active |
| Only some apps fail | Split tunnel or app-specific DNS behavior |
| Works on Wi-Fi but not mobile | Carrier filtering or captive DNS |
What to check after connect
Verify the public IP, DNS resolvers, and apps you care about. Messaging apps, browsers, and captive portals may behave differently.
If you cannot browse after connecting, move to the no-internet checklist rather than reinstalling immediately.
FAQ
Why does Android ask for VPN permission?
Only the OS can create a VPN tunnel. GhostMesh needs that permission to route traffic through Android VpnService.
Should Private DNS be disabled forever?
Not necessarily. Disable it for diagnosis, then choose the setting that works best with your threat model and network.