Published Feb 24, 2026, 10:30 AM EST
Kanika began writing about consumer technology in 2019 and has contributed to tech websites like Beebom and The Mac Observer. During her journey, she covered a wide range of topics, including Android, Windows, AI, and everything Apple. She has been a loyal iPhone user since 2014, and owns an Apple device from almost every lineup. With a keen eye on the latest trends, she strives to help users get the most out of their gadgets.
Beyond her love for writing, she is a deep researcher and a lifelong learner, always eager to explore the latest innovations and emerging technologies. With her passion for technology and writing, she joined MUO in 2025 as a Freelance Tech Writer.
When not writing, she's probably trying a viral Instagram recipe or watching some thriller suspense on Netflix.
Using a VPN is one of the easiest ways to protect your online privacy. Just with a tap, VPN changes your IP address, encrypts your traffic, and your ISP can’t easily see what you’re doing on the internet. That being said, using a VPN and using a VPN correctly are completely different things. Many people install and start using a VPN, assuming they are fully protected. However, some small mistakes can wipe out the true benefits of a VPN. A lot of people make these mistakes without even realizing it .
If you’re serious about your online privacy and security, installing a VPN is only half the job. How you use them plays a huge role in your protection. If you’re using your VPN wrong, it’s time to fix it right away before it costs your privacy.
Using a free VPN for everything
Free VPNs cost you more than you think
Many people fall for a common myth that all VPNs are created equal. That’s why many first-time users go for free VPNs for all their needs. Of course, free VPNs are tempting. They promise to offer complete protection at zero cost. That being said, it’s not free. A VPN involves servers, bandwidth, development, support, and whatnot. All of this requires money. And if you aren’t spending money, you’re paying with your privacy.
Some free VPN providers might also log your browsing activity, insert annoying ads, and sell your personal data to third parties. Also, most free VPNs offer slow speeds or limited bandwidth. They won’t even offer the same features, customization, and support as the paid versions.
To stay safe, it’s always better to go for reliable VPN providers like Proton VPN, Nord VPN, and Surfshark. Besides offering a high-speed performance, these VPNs have a strict no-log policy that doesn’t track your IP address, browsing history, or other data. You can opt for the VPN you like, but make sure to go for a reputable provider. Also, it’s important to check out the security features, read the privacy policy, and look for no-log claims. Some paid VPNs also offer a free trial version with limited features. You can try them before making a purchase.
Thinking a VPN makes you fully anonymous
A VPN isn’t an invisibility cloak
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about VPNs. Yes, a VPN hides your IP address, encrypts the traffic, and protects you from online hazards. Now, this doesn’t mean a VPN is completely foolproof. If you’re using a VPN, it won’t make you invisible online, stop websites from tracking you via cookies, or hide your activity from accounts you’ve logged into. Also, it doesn’t prevent fingerprinting techniques, where websites can identify you based on your computer’s and browser’s settings. So, if you’re logged into Google, Facebook, or other websites, they will know it’s you even if you’re using a VPN.
It’s a challenge to maintain a stronger anonymity. That being said, some top VPNs and secure browsers can help you maximize online anonymity. For instance, Tor browser routes traffic through multiple relays, which makes it difficult to track your online activity. Mullvad VPN and Norton VPN are often recommended for maximum privacy and anonymity. Beyond this, you should always clear cookies and switch to private browsing mode to reduce tracking.
Always picking the closest server
The nearest server isn’t always the best choice
Most VPNs automatically connect you to the closest or fastest server. This is fine, but not always optimal. Sometimes, the closest server might be overloaded, or you may need a specific country IP for accessing a certain type of content. It’s also important to consider that some regions have better privacy protocols than others, and certain servers are optimized for streaming or P2P traffic. For instance, servers in Switzerland and Iceland offer stronger privacy than others.
If you wish to enjoy optimal performance, you shouldn’t always rely on the auto-connect feature. You can check a few nearby servers to compare their speeds. Also, it’s better to choose a server based on your needs, like privacy, streaming, and torrenting. After all, the best server isn’t always the closest one; rather, it’s the one that fits your needs.
Leaving VPN on/off at the wrong times
Use it at the right time
Some people leave their VPN on and running 24/7, while others only turn it on when they remember, and it’s usually too late. Both of these habits can be problematic. When you’re at home and using a trusted and secure network to access banking or financial services, it’s better to turn off VPN. In such cases, using a VPN can cause unnecessary slowdowns, connection issues, and even trigger security alerts in some cases.
When you’re using public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, cafés, or lounges, you must turn on VPN. Certainly, no exceptions here. That’s because when you’re using a public Wi-Fi, you’re more susceptible to hackers and cyber threats. In particular, free Wi-Fi is often encrypted, which might expose your passwords and access codes to bad actors using the same network. So, you have to be very thoughtful of when to keep your VPN on and off.
Ignoring the Kill switch
One feature you should never leave disabled
Kill switch is one of the most important security features of a VPN, and it’s mostly overlooked by many users. Some VPNs automatically block your device from accessing the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. It’s basically a safety measure to ensure that your real IP address and personal data aren’t suddenly exposed to your ISP.
Without a kill switch, there’s always a risk of exposing your IP address, online activity, and location. Connection drops are more common with low-cost and free VPNs. That being said, even the best and most secure VPNs may face occasional connection glitches. Therefore, you must always enable the kill switch in your VPN settings. If available, use the system-level kill switch rather than the app-level ones. This will terminate all internet traffic at the OS level in case any connection drops. You can also test if the feature is working properly by briefly disconnecting the VPN.
Related
I stopped using browser VPNs after this—and you should too
You should avoid browser VPNs for security and performance reasons.
A VPN is a powerful tool, only if you use it correctly
Simply turning the VPN on isn’t enough. Small decisions play a huge role in how you’re protected. You have to go for a trustworthy VPN provider, pick an optimal server, pay close attention to the privacy policy, and enable the kill switch in the settings. You only need to spare a few minutes to review your settings and usage habits. When used correctly, a VPN not only masks your IP address but also offers better privacy, better control, and peace of mind.