Have you heard about the Avast VPN and wondered what it is? This is your one-stop guide to this popular VPN software.
What is Avast Secureline VPN?
Avast VPN is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) software that allows you to safely and securely browse the internet. It does this by encrypting (effectively “hiding”) your data and identity while you surf the web.
In this guide you will learn:
- About Avast VPN and How it Works
- How to Buy Avast Secureline VPN
- Install Avast VPN
- Set Up Avast VPN
- How to Change Your Location with Avast VPN
- Configure Avast VPN Settings
- Install and Use Avast VPN App on a Mobile Device
- How to Cancel Avast VPN Purchase
How Does Avast VPN Work?
Before we talk about how this VPN software works and keeps you safe online, let’s talk about how insecure (yes, insecure) the internet is. Most of us surf the web not knowing that advertisers track our every move and what you do. Creepy, right? Yes, but yet true.
That is just one risk of being online. What about when you travel or up and about and connect to a “free” public Wi-fi? Do you know that most of those public Wifis are very insecure and unsafe to use? Yes, they are. Your personal data (email, passwords, credit card information, etc) could easily be stolen when you connect to the internet from these “hot spots”.
One last thing before I move on. Do you know that there are countries the internet is censured? What does that even mean? It means that if you visit one of these countries and try getting online, you may not be able to visit some sites. A VPN gives you a way around this too.
So, how dos a VPN software like Avast keep you safe online? Simple answer: by effectively “hiding” you. When you browse the internet, your IP, location and most other data you wish to keep to yourself are publicly available. Avast VPN will hide you IP, DNS, location and every online activity. I am sure you are saying “but I have nothing to hide”. It is not about having something to hide. It is about keeping your personal information personal!
How to Buy Avast Secureline VPN
When you are ready to get Avast VPN, follow the steps below to buy a license:
- Open Buy or Try Avast VPN (opens in a new window/tab) link. The page similar to the one below will load.
- You could either download a free trial or buy a license right away. Click BUY NOW button. This will load the default buy option – $79.99/year for up to 5 devices. DO NOT be quick to click BUY NOW yet!
- Scroll down slightly to see other buying options. If you want to use the VPN on your phone, then you just need to spend $19.99. Alternatively, if you just need to use it in one Windows PC or Mac, you could save $20! Once you make a decision, click BUY NOW button beneath your choice.
I strongly recommend that you buy the multi-device option. This way, you can install on your computer and mobile devices.
- Once you click BUY NOW, the cart page will load. Select the number of PCs you want to protect and how many years license you wish to purchase [1]. Then Enter your details in box [2]. In box [3] select your payment option. Finally, click Agree & Continue, box [4].
- When you click Agree & Continue, your order will be processed. If everything goes as planned, an order confirmation page (similar to the one below) will display. Note your Avast SecureLine VPN Activation code [1]. Then click Download installation files. On the pop up, click Save file. Then save the installation file in a preferred location on your computer.
Click the invoice link to download your invoice. Open your invoice and note your order ID (highlighted in the image below). If you need to cancel your order (within 30 days), you will require the order ID.
How to Install Avast VPN
Once you have competed your order and downloaded the installation file, the next step is to install your VPN software.
Here are the installation steps.
- Open the location of the installation file and double-click it.
- Click Yes to the User Account Control pop up.
- Select your language. Then click Ok.
- Next, accept the License agreement. Then click Next.
- Change or accept the default installation location of Avast VPN. Then click Next. On the Ready to install page, click Install.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
- Click Ok to finish the installation and Restart your computer.
How to Set Up Avast VPN
The set up steps below was performed on Windows 10.
The steps outlined below will walk you through the setup.
- On the Windows search bar, enter Av then select Avast SecureLine.
- If the VPN setup wizard starts automatically, cancel it and return to the page shown below. Before you configure VPN, it is important to activate the software the license first.
How to Activate Avast VPN
To add your license code and activate Avast SecureLine VPN, follow the steps below:
- From the main window of the VPN software (see image below), click Menu (3 lines top right). Then click My Licenses.
- My Licenses window opens. Click Enter a valid activation code.
- Then enter the activation code you received when you purchased your Avast VPN. Finally, to activate your VPN software, click ENTER.
- Your license code will be verified and activated (see image below). The part labelled [1] is your license code. [2] shows the validity of your license (when it expires). Click CONTINUE [3].
- Note your license details [2]. Then click the x mark [1] to close My Licenses page.
- You are now returned to the home page.
How to Turn Your VPN On
Now that your license key have been activated, you can switch your VPN on. Here is how.
- Click the red OFF button and wait.
- Your Avast SecureLine VPN is now on! If you look closely, the VPN is presenting my location as Madrid, Spain.
How to Change Your Location with Avast VPN
One great benefit of using a VPN software is that you can decide to browse from any city. Or better still, appear to be located in any city!
The steps below will show you how to change your location in Avast VPN.
- From the main page, click CHANGE LOCATION (just beneath the last red highlight above)
- Next, click the continent you wish to browse from [1]. Then click the arrow beside the country [2]. Finally, click the city you wish to show that you are browsing from. To confirm the change, click CHANGE LOCATION (second image below).
- I now appear to be browsing from Chicago! Also, I have a new IP address and can securely browse the internet without my privacy being compromised. How good is that!
How to Configure Your VPN Settings
Avast SecureLine VPN has some settings you may wish to modify or configure. To configure additional settings for your VPN, use the steps below:
- From the home page of the software, click Menu. Then select Settings.
- Configure General Settings [1]. You can Show SecureLine notifications [2]. If this is checked, you will receive pop up notifications from the software. Next, configure Startup [3]. If you check Start SecureLine when my computer starts, your VPN will start automatically each time you boot your computer. Note that this may slow your PC down a bit. Finally, you can decide to Receive beta updates [4]. If you check this box, Avast will contact you to test new updates and releases. You can also change your Language in this page.
- Next click the Network Security tab. Here you can configure to Automatically turn on your VPN when you connect to the internet [2]. You can also configure Ask me to turn on the VPN when connected to the internet [3] – pretty straightforward. Finally, you can decide to Exclude Trusted (private) networks (I will not recommend this).
How to Install the Avast VPN App for iPhone
This section will demonstrate how you can install and set up Avast SecureLine VPN App for iPhone.
- On the App store, search Avast SecureLine VPN. To install the App, click Get.
- When the app is installed, open it the click the Already Purchased? button.
- Then choose the option Enter Avast Subscription Code. Enter the subscription code you received when you ordered Avast VPN software (second image below). Click Continue to activate the VPN on your phone.
To use the same license code on multiple devices, you need to have purchased the multi-device license. Otherwise, it will not work!
How to Cancel Avast VPN Subscription
In the final part of this guide, you learn how to cancel your Avast VPN subscription.
If your purchase is within 30 days, you could cancel and get a refund. Alternatively, if you do not wish to auto renew at the end of your subscription, you could cancel automatic renewal.
Your Avast VPN subscription will automatically renew at the end of your subscription. If you do not wish to auto renew, you could cancel automatic renewal.
Follow the steps below to cancel your Avast VPN Subscription (Have your order number and email address ready before you proceed):
- For US customers, call the number 844-340-9251 (+1 844-340-9251 if you are calling from outside the US). If you are a UK customer, call 0800-085-4821 (+44 800-085-4821 if calling from outside the UK).
- Select option 1 (refund or license question), then select option 3 (refund).
- Provide the agent your order number, your order email address. Then ask the agent to cancel your order (if your order is within 30 days). Alternatively, you could as to cancel subscription auto renewal.
- The agent will ask you why you wish to cancel the order. Simply say you do not need the product any more. Your order or subscription will be cancelled.
If for any reason Avast changes these numbers in the future, you could get the updated numbers from Avast Support Site.
Conclusion
There you have it – How to buy, download, install, and set up Avast VPN. I hope you found this Itechguide helpful.
If you have any questions or comments, use the “Leave a Reply” form at the end of the page. You could also share your personal experience with Avast SecureLine VPN. This will benefit other readers.
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