SecureLine VPN

Access this feature from: Privacy ▸ SecureLine VPN

SecureLine VPN is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN functions as a private tunnel through the internet which encrypts your data and secures your connection when using public Wi-Fi connections such as those in cafes or airports.

SecureLine VPN has servers in several locations which means you can bypass geolocation restrictions as well as access your favorite content while traveling.

Note: SecureLine VPN is a paid feature and requires an activation code to use. An Avast Antivirus license does not cover SecureLine VPN.

Purchase a subscription

You can purchase a SecureLine VPN subscription from the Avast website or from Settings ▸ Subscription ▸ SecureLine VPN ▸ Buy now.

To purchase a subscription from the SecureLine VPN screen, follow these steps:

  1. Click Buy.
  2. Select your preferred subscription plan.
  3. Follow the on-screen payment steps to complete your purchase.

Note: You can also use a free trial version by clicking Try for free on the SecureLine VPN screen.

Activate your license

If you purchased SecureLine VPN via Avast Antivirus, your license is applied automatically. If necessary, you can activate your subscription manually using the relevant steps below:

If you received a license file:

  1. Go to Settings ▸ Subscription.
  2. Under the heading Subscription, click Insert license file.
  3. Locate the license file that you received in the confirmation email when you purchased SecureLine VPN, and click Open to confirm activation.

If you received an activation code:

  1. Go to Settings ▸ Subscription.
  2. Under the heading Subscription, click Insert activation code.
  3. Type the activation code sent to you by email into the text box and click Activate.

When the activation code or license file is accepted, the message Your products have been activated appears. Scroll to the SecureLine VPN section of the Subscription screen to view your license details.

Connect to SecureLine VPN

SecureLine VPN does not connect automatically when you start Avast Antivirus.

To connect to SecureLine VPN, click the OFF slider on the SecureLine VPN screen so that it changes to ON. By default, SecureLine VPN connects you to the Optimal location which provides the best connection based on your geographical IP address and server capacity. To end your SecureLine VPN session, click the ON slider so that it changes to OFF.

Change your location

Changing your VPN location can be useful to bypass geolocation restrictions or to access your favorite content while traveling.

To select a VPN location, follow these steps:

  1. Click Change Location.
  2. Select your preferred location by clicking the country you want to connect to. If a country has a number next to it, you can expand the section to select from multiple cities.
  3. Click Change Location to confirm the action.

Note: Locations listed with the text P2P allow peer-to-peer connections.

Troubleshoot issues

You may experience the following issues when using SecureLine VPN:

  • Slow internet connection: a VPN encrypts traffic and data before sending it to a server. Depending on the distance and capacity of the server, this process may cause a slightly slower, but safer, internet connection.
  • Unestablished connection: in some cases, SecureLine VPN may be unable to establish a connection.

If any of these issues occur, we recommend you try these troubleshooting solutions:

  • Change your SecureLine VPN location.
  • Check the configuration of your firewall. Firewall configurations vary according to the vendor/manufacturer; consult the documentation related to your Firewall service for information about running a VPN. Firewall in Avast Premier and Avast Internet Security is already configured to allow SecureLine VPN to connect.
  • Disconnect any other VPN services. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that SecureLine VPN won't work properly.
  • Confirm that your SecureLine VPN subscription is active. Go to Settings ▸ Subscription, and ensure there is a green tick symbol next to SecureLine VPN.
  • Reinsert your SecureLine VPN license.
  • Restart your PC and try to connect to SecureLine VPN again.
  • Reinstall your SecureLine VPN component.

Note: If a specific server is down or temporarily overloaded, you may be redirected to another SecureLine VPN location.

Reinstall SecureLine VPN

To resolve certain troubleshooting issues, you may need to reinstall the SecureLine VPN component.

To reinstall SecureLine VPN, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings ▸ Components ▸ SecureLine VPN.
  2. Click the downward facing arrow to expand the SecureLine VPN section, then click Uninstall Component.
  3. Click OK to confirm the action.
  4. After uninstallation is complete, restart your PC, and go back to Settings ▸ Components ▸ SecureLine VPN.
  5. Click Install Component.