There are various BitTorrent apps available for Android that will allow you to download torrents quickly and efficiently, but very few of them will enable you to download torrents anonymously on Android. This guide will tell you how to use an anonymous proxy or VPN service to download torrents anonymously on Android. (Also see, How To Check Your Torrent IP Address).
How to Download Torrent Anonymously on Android
STEP #1 – Choose Your Torrent App
Go to Google Play Store; type “Torrent Client” or “Torrent Downloader” and check all relevant apps one by one. Most of them are free.
STEP #2 – Choose the Anonymization Method: (VPN or Proxy)
No matter which anonymization method you choose. Both ways have their own advantages, and it solely depends on your priorities.
Proxy
- No encryption
- Torrent Client app must support proxy.
- Faster than a VPN connection
- Routes torrent traffic separate from other data
- Torrent IP distinctive than web browser IP address
- Manual setup of the torrent app
- If proxy disconnects; torrent IP not revealed
VPN
- Strong Encryption
- Support Torrent App
- Normally slower via proxy
- Routes all information through VPN
- Torrent IP same as web browser IP address
- One-Click VPN app or manual setup selections
- If VPN disconnects, torrent IP may be revealed*
Useful Tip – Since using a proxy for your android torrents needs a bit more manual configuration (and limits you to only 2 of our favorite torrent apps); most users will be better off starting with a VPN.
STEP #3A – Configure Your Proxy (For Proxy Subscribers)
Using a SOCKS proxy for your android torrents takes a couple of additional steps. Read this step-by-step guide to know more about how to download torrent anonymously on Android.
It’s essential to note that there are only 2 Android torrent apps at this time; that support proxy setup. These are Flud and Torrent. You need to use one of these apps that come as free; if you want to download torrents using a proxy service.(Also read, How to Select a Secure Torrent VPN?)
STEP #3B – Configure Your VPN(For VPN Subscribers)
There are two ways to connect to a VPN on an Android device.
- Using an OpenVPN supportive app (needs Android 4.0+)
- Standard setup (L2TP or PPTP only)
Method #1 is much more straightforward, has more robust encryption, and makes it much easier to change servers; so if your phone is using Android 4.0 or higher, this is the best choice. Each VPN provider usually has its own app on the Google Play Store. Some might only be accessible from the VPN providers’ website.
Method #1 (Easy Setup)
- Download the Android App for whichever VPN you subscribe to
- Open the app
- Enter your credential info
- Pick a server location
- Click connect. That’s it!
Useful Tip – You will find that mobile VPN connections are much more steady when connected to a wifi network. If you’re just utilizing your mobile network, you might see abandoned connections.
Some VPN providers such as ExpressVPN build a Kill-Switch into their mobile VPN Apps; which stops data from being sent unencrypted if your VPN drops. Here are all the VPNs with a Killswitch feature;
1. NordVPN
- Double encryption for added security
- Automatic kill switch
- A variety of platform support
- Six simultaneous connections
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- 3-Day free trial
2. ExpressVPN
- Unlimited Bandwidth with Ultra Speed
- Provides all VPN protocols OpenVPN (TCP, UDP), L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP
- Dedicated VPN Apps for Android & iOS
- High-End Security with OpenVPN 256-bits
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- 3 simultaneous connections
3. Surfshark
- AES 256-Bit Network Encryption
- Chrome Extension Available
- Kill-Switch functionality
- A variety of platform support
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
4. CyberGhost
- Uses AES 256 Encryption
- Supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP
- DNS & IP Leak Protection
- Uses 2048 Key & MD5 Authentication
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- Up to 7 Simultaneous Connections
5. Private Internet Access
- Offers all Protocols PPTP, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec including SOCKS5 Proxy
- IPv6 Leak Protection & DNS Leak Protection
- Kill-Switch functionality
- Encrypted Wi-Fi Protection
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- 10 simultaneous connections
Method #2 (Manual Setup: PPTP or L2TP)
The manual setup option takes a bit more work at the start, but once configured requires only one tap to start a VPN connection. This setup also conduces to be more solid because it’s configured immediately in the Android Operating System rather than relying on a 3rd party app.
The exact steps may differ based on what version of Android you’re running, but once you find the VPN settings on your phone, it should be pretty straightforward.
Each VPN provider will require different configurations for manual setup, so make sure to consult the step-by-step guide your VPN provider offers.
STEP #4 – Verify Whether or Not Your VPN is Working
This step is for VPN users only. If you opted to use a proxy server, make sure to follow the ‘Check your torrent IP’ stage in this Proxy Setup for Android Torrents Guide.
- To Confirm that your Android IP Address is Changed:
- Make sure you’re disconnected from the VPN
- Go to www.ipmonkey.com using your Android device.
- Make a note of your IP address, especially the first three digits
- Connect to the VPN
- Refresh the page on IPmonkey and make sure your IP address has changed
- You can also go to IPLocation.net to check the physical location of your new IP address
Congratulations, your Android data is now encrypted and anonymous! Now you can download torrent anonymously on Android.
