Android setup guide

This guide covers installing and using TP VPN on Android, including the direct APK route for devices without Google Play and how to verify the package before installing. No configuration file ever needs to be imported by hand.

Requirements

• Android 8.0 (API 26) or later.
• A working Google account for installation from Google Play; for the APK, permission to install apps from that source.

Option 1: install from Google Play

Search for "TP VPN" on Google Play or use the button on the download page. Apps installed from the store update automatically. If the store says the app is unavailable, confirm the system requirement and check the account's region; if it is still unavailable, use option 2.

Option 2: install the APK from the website

1. Get the package only from the APK download page on this website, never from other sites or chat groups.
2. Verify the package as described in the next section.
3. When you open the package, Android asks you to allow installing apps from this source. Allow it and complete the installation; you can revoke the permission afterwards.
4. APK installs do not update automatically. Return to the download page for new versions; a newer version installs over the old one.

Verifying the SHA-256 checksum and signing fingerprint

To avoid installing a tampered package, compare two values with the download page before installing. Both are generated by the release pipeline and updated with every version.

First: the SHA-256 checksum. Run the following on a computer and compare the output, character by character, with the checksum shown on the download page.

macOS or Linux:

shasum -a 256 tpvpn-latest.apk

Windows (Command Prompt or PowerShell):

certutil -hashfile tpvpn-latest.apk SHA256

Second: the signing certificate fingerprint. Use apksigner from the Android SDK to print the signing certificate and compare the fingerprint:

apksigner verify --print-certs tpvpn-latest.apk

Install only when both values match. If either differs, do not install, and report it to support@tpvpn.com.

Sign in

TP VPN has no passwords. The first sign-in creates your account automatically; choose a subscription to start an eligible 3-day trial. The methods available on Android:

• Email code: enter your address and type the 6-digit code.
• Passkey: verify with your fingerprint or screen lock; the passkey is stored in Google Password Manager and syncs.
• Crypto wallet and Telegram: under More options.

Sign in with Apple is offered on iOS and the website only. After signing in you are assigned an @handle, which you can change immediately or later under Me → Account details. When you change devices later, sign in with the same method you first registered with.

Allow the VPN connection request

The first time you tap the connect button, Android shows a "Connection request" dialog explaining that TP VPN wants to set up a VPN connection. Tap OK. This is needed only once; afterwards TP VPN is listed under Settings → Network & internet → VPN. If the dialog does not appear, close any other VPN or proxy app first, because Android allows only one active VPN connection at a time.

Exclude the app from battery optimisation

Android's battery optimisation restricts background apps and may cut the tunnel after the screen locks. Go to Settings → Apps → TP VPN → Battery and choose Unrestricted. Some manufacturers add further background controls, such as allowing auto-start or locking the app in the recent-apps view; the exact path depends on the device.

While connected, the app shows a persistent notification that Android requires to keep the VPN service running. Allow notifications for TP VPN and leave that notification in place.

Choose a scene and a node

The app has four tabs: Connect, Nodes, Plans and Me.

• On the Connect tab, simply tap the button; Smart pick joins the best node based on latency, load and packet loss.
• At the top of the Nodes tab you can switch between Smart pick, Gaming, AI services and Exchanges. Nodes are grouped by country and region; tap the star to add favourites (up to 20), or search for a city or country.
• Nodes with a lock icon belong to higher plans and unlock as soon as you upgrade.

See How to choose a server location.

Recommended settings

Under Me → Settings, turn on Auto-connect on launch and set a Default scenario. When you move from Wi-Fi to mobile data the tunnel resumes in place; if it drops unexpectedly, the app reconnects automatically and shows the attempt count.

Subscriptions, redeem codes and devices

• Plans: the Plans tab shows your current plan, expiry date and usage for this period, and lets you buy or upgrade through Google Play. If a purchase does not show as active, tap Restore purchases.
• Managing the subscription: subscriptions bought through Google Play are managed under Payments and subscriptions → Subscriptions in Google Play; see Managing your subscription and auto-renewal.
• Redeem codes: tap Use a redeem code on the Plans tab, or open Me → Redeem code; see How to use a redeem code.
• Devices: view and remove devices under Me → Devices.

Common issues

Connected but no internet. Switch to Smart pick and reconnect. If that fails, choose a node in another country and make sure automatic time is on under Settings → System → Date & time.

Frequent drops after the screen locks. Exclude the app from battery optimisation as described above and check the manufacturer's background settings.

The connection request dialog never appears. Close other VPN or proxy apps and try again.

The APK reports "App not installed" or a signature conflict. A version from another channel is usually already on the device; uninstall it first. If the checksum does not match, do not install.

Can it be used in a work profile? The tunnel applies only to the profile in which the app is installed; to protect the work profile as well, install the app there separately.

For anything else, visit the Support Center or read Connection troubleshooting.

Further reading

• iOS setup guide
• Staying safe on public Wi-Fi
• Understanding the WireGuard protocol
• Plans and pricing