VPN Beginner FAQ: 10 Common Questions Answered

What’s the difference between an account, a plan, and a client?

Creating an account doesn’t connect you to a VPN. VPN15 doesn’t require an email address; create an account with a username and password, then follow the dashboard instructions to choose a service, get a client, and set up your connection. Keep your login details secure, and don’t reuse a password from another site.

A client is software installed on your device; a server route is the network endpoint it connects to. Even with an active account, the wrong configuration, missing system permissions, or a local network issue can prevent access. Troubleshooting is more effective when you first identify which part is causing the problem instead of repeatedly changing your password.

VPN15 supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. For the correct installer, setup steps, and available options, refer to the client download page and the beginner’s guide after signing in. Don’t install an unfamiliar version just because its name looks similar.

Can I use multiple devices at the same time?

VPN15 has no limit on the number of devices connected at once. You can connect a computer and a tablet separately without disconnecting one to switch to the other. However, unlimited devices doesn’t mean each one gets a separate data allowance. Check usage across devices in your account dashboard.

The more devices you use, the more background sync, system updates, and video playback can add up. If your data is running out quickly, check what each device is doing—not just the browser you’re using now. Downloads on multiple devices also share your home network and server capacity, so unlimited devices doesn’t mean every device gets dedicated bandwidth.

When sharing devices with others, protect your dashboard credentials and subscription link. A subscription link may contain access credentials, so treat it like a password: don’t share it publicly or paste it into an untrusted online conversion tool.

How is data usage counted, and should I choose a monthly plan or a data package?

Browsing, streaming video, and uploading files all use data. Which traffic counts toward your plan depends on the client’s routing mode and the server’s accounting rules. The client’s usage display may differ from your dashboard because of different counting methods or update times. Check your account dashboard and the official plan details for the authoritative usage total.

If you use the service regularly and your monthly data needs are fairly consistent, compare the monthly plans. If you only occasionally access international websites or go long periods between sessions, a data package may be a better fit. The no-expiration policy applies to data packages, not monthly plans. If you upgrade a monthly plan mid-cycle, the price difference is prorated for the remaining days; check the dashboard before confirming.

Does a slow connection mean my speed is being throttled?

Not necessarily. Speed depends on your local network, Wi-Fi signal, carrier routing, server congestion, the destination website, and your device. A speed test also doesn’t necessarily reflect how meetings, videos, or downloads will perform. Low latency alone doesn’t mean high throughput.

The available plan details don’t specify a fixed bandwidth or a universal throttling threshold, so no particular speed can be guaranteed—and one slowdown doesn’t prove throttling. Keep the device and destination website the same, compare the connection with and without the VPN, then try another available route. Change one thing at a time to help pinpoint the cause.

IEPL, relay, and direct connections describe routing paths or transport methods, not encryption protocols. Generally, a direct connection uses a more straightforward route, a relay forwards traffic through an additional endpoint, and IEPL refers to dedicated international transport. Check the service details for specific entry and exit points. A route’s name doesn’t guarantee peak-hour performance; judge it by how it works for your needs.

Does a VPN need to stay on, and how do I set up split tunneling?

It depends on how you use it. Connect only when you need access to specific resources to avoid unnecessary data use. If you want certain apps to use a designated route throughout your workday, you can leave the connection on. Check the connection status again after your device sleeps, switches networks, or closes background processes.

Rule-based split tunneling routes requests directly or through a proxy based on criteria such as domain, address, or app. A global proxy typically sends more requests through the proxy, but whether it covers every app depends on whether the client uses the system proxy, a virtual network adapter, or another traffic-routing method. Not all apps follow the system proxy setting.

Beginners can start with the service’s default rules. If an app can’t connect, check whether its traffic is routed through the proxy before enabling system-wide traffic capture. Banking, corporate intranets, and local network devices may require a direct connection or a specific rule. Test each affected app after making changes.

How do I import a subscription link into a client?

Some clients require you to import a subscription, while others retrieve configuration through your account. A subscription link is generally used to fetch server routes and connection settings; it isn’t a regular webpage and shouldn’t be shared by opening it publicly in a browser. Check VPN15’s current download guide to see whether your client needs an import.

1. Get the client for your platform from the account dashboard, and check its source and installation instructions.
2. If the guide calls for a subscription, copy the full link and import it from the client’s subscription or configuration menu.
3. After updating the configuration, make sure the server list appears correctly, then choose a route and connect.
4. Grant the required network permissions when prompted, then visit your destination website to check that it works.
5. If the import fails, check that you copied the full link, your account is in good standing, and the client supports the configuration format.

Shadowsocks, VMess, Trojan, VLESS, Hysteria2, and TUIC are different proxy protocols or protocol families, not interchangeable subscription formats. A client’s support for a protocol doesn’t mean it can read every service’s subscription data. These are general technical terms and don’t imply that VPN15 offers every protocol listed.

Before sharing a screenshot of an error, hide your username, subscription link, and any credentials in the configuration. If you need help, provide only the necessary details through the site’s support channel; don’t share your full configuration publicly.

Do permissions and connection methods differ by platform?

They can. Windows and macOS clients may use a system proxy or virtual network interface, and a virtual network adapter may require additional permissions. Follow the official download instructions when prompted; don’t disable system security protections just to dismiss a warning.

iOS and Android typically ask for permission to add a system VPN configuration. This system VPN indicator describes how traffic is routed; it doesn’t identify the underlying protocol. Android background and battery settings can affect connection stability. On iOS, follow the current system prompts and the client’s instructions.

Linux desktop environments and network managers vary, so check the installation guide, process status, and routing settings. Menu names can differ between platforms; don’t try to find a switch by following a screenshot from another operating system. If your device is managed by your employer, follow your organization’s network policies.

Why can’t I open a website even though the client says I’m connected?

“Connected” usually means the client completed one stage of the connection; it doesn’t guarantee that every website is reachable. Try other websites first. If only one site fails, check the site’s status, account region requirements, or access rules. If several sites fail, check your local network and client.

• ✅ Make sure your device has an internet connection. If needed, disconnect and compare results on a trusted network.
• ✅ Check your account and data status, refresh the subscription, and select an available route again.
• ✅ Check for other proxy, VPN, or network filtering apps that may be conflicting with the client.
• ✅ Check whether the app follows the system proxy or is set to connect directly by a split-tunneling rule.
• ✅ Check DNS resolution and the client logs. Note the exact error, then contact support.

If a page loads but you can’t sign in, the route may not be the problem. The website may also make decisions based on your account region, browser state, or its own risk controls. Connecting through a particular region doesn’t guarantee eligibility or access to streaming content.

What are the limits of an “anonymous, no logs” policy?

VPN15 describes its privacy policy as “anonymous, no logs.” This is a statement about the service’s policy, not a promise that all online activity disappears. Websites can still identify you when you sign in, and browser cookies, extensions, and device software may store or transmit information.

A DNS leak occurs when domain lookup requests don’t follow the expected route, potentially exposing them to your local network or another DNS resolver. Check the client’s DNS settings, encrypted DNS in your browser, and split-tunneling rules together. A changed exit address alone doesn’t prove that all requests are routed correctly.

On public Wi-Fi, check website domains and HTTPS, keep your system up to date, and be cautious about browser extension permissions. You can create an account with just a username and password, without providing an email address, but that doesn’t mean later browsing, payments, or your device environment can’t generate information that may be linked to you.

What should I check before and after paying?

First check platform compatibility, billing options, and data reset terms, then test the service with websites and apps you commonly use. VPN15 covers 90+ countries and 240+ routes, but the coverage count doesn’t guarantee that a particular website will always be available. See the servers page for regions and routes, and confirm what’s available in your client.

VPN15 accepts Alipay, WeChat Pay, and USDT. Before paying, confirm whether you’ve selected a monthly plan or a data package. After payment, check your dashboard status to avoid repeating the payment before it updates. Keep your order details in case you need to check anything.

Refund policy: You can request a full refund for any reason within 7 days of your first payment. This refund window doesn’t restart with each renewal. If the service isn’t a good fit for your network, ask for help through the contact page within the refund period rather than waiting until it expires.