Skip to main content

Connect to WireGuard VPN on Android

Complete guide to setting up WireGuard VPN on your Android device

Android Native

Official WireGuard app for Android

QR Code Setup

Quick configuration scanning

Battery Efficient

Minimal battery drain

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • Android device running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
  • WireGuard VPN server already configured (see our server setup guide)
  • Server configuration file or QR code
  • Google Play Store access or ability to install APK

1. Install WireGuard App

Download the official WireGuard app:

  1. Open Google Play Store on your Android device
  2. Search for "WireGuard"
  3. Install the official app by "WireGuard Development Team"
  4. Open the WireGuard app after installation

Play Store Link: WireGuard on Play Store

Alternative: You can also download the APK directly from WireGuard's website if Play Store is not available.

2. Add VPN Configuration

You have three options to add your VPN configuration:

Option A: Scan QR Code (Easiest)

  1. Open the WireGuard app
  2. Tap the blue "+" button at the bottom
  3. Select "Create from QR code"
  4. Point your camera at the QR code from your server
  5. The configuration will be automatically imported

Option B: Import Configuration File

  1. Get your client configuration file (.conf) from your server
  2. Save it to your Android device (Downloads folder)
  3. Open WireGuard app and tap the "+" button
  4. Select "Create from file or archive"
  5. Navigate to and select your configuration file

Option C: Manual Configuration

  1. Tap the "+" button in WireGuard app
  2. Select "Create from scratch"
  3. Enter your configuration details manually

3. Configure Connection Settings

After importing, review and customize your configuration:

  • Name: Give your VPN a descriptive name
  • Private Key: Automatically generated (keep secure)
  • Public Key: Share this with your server admin to add you as a peer
  • Address: Your VPN IP (e.g., 10.8.0.2/24)
  • DNS Servers: DNS to use when connected (e.g., 8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1)

4. Configure Server Peer

Add your server information:

  • Public Key: Your server's public key
  • Endpoint: Server IP or domain with port (e.g., vpn.example.com:51820)
  • Allowed IPs:
    • 0.0.0.0/0 - Route all traffic through VPN
    • 10.8.0.0/24 - Only route VPN network traffic
    • 0.0.0.0/0, ::/0 - Route both IPv4 and IPv6
  • Persistent Keepalive: Set to 25 seconds (crucial for mobile/NAT connections)

5. Connect to VPN

To connect to your VPN:

  1. Open the WireGuard app
  2. Find your VPN configuration in the list
  3. Tap the toggle switch next to your configuration
  4. You'll be prompted to allow VPN connection - tap "OK"
  5. The switch will turn blue/green when connected

You'll see connection statistics (data sent/received) when connected.

6. Verify Connection

Verify your VPN is working:

  1. Check the connection indicator in WireGuard app (should show as connected)
  2. Visit whatismyipaddress.com - should show your server's IP
  3. Check the data transfer stats in the app
  4. Test accessing websites and services

7. Android-Specific Features

  • Always-On VPN: Enable in Android settings to keep VPN connected
  • Block connections without VPN: Prevent internet access when VPN disconnects
  • Battery Optimization: WireGuard is excluded from battery optimization by default
  • Split Tunneling: Configure which apps use VPN (Android 10+)
  • Kill Switch: Automatically blocks internet if VPN disconnects
  • Auto-Connect: Automatically connect when on specific networks

8. Troubleshooting Android Issues

Common issues and solutions:

  • Can't connect: Check server is running and firewall allows port 51820
  • Connection drops: Increase PersistentKeepalive to 25 or higher
  • Slow speeds: Check server location and network quality
  • Battery drain: WireGuard is efficient, but check for app updates
  • App crashes: Update to latest version from Play Store
  • Permission issues: Grant VPN permission when prompted

For more help, see our troubleshooting guide.

Related Guides