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 and access your favorite content while traveling.
Note: A SecureLine VPN license is included in Avast Ultimate. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate SecureLine VPN license to use the component in all other versions of Avast Antivirus.
Purchase your license
You can purchase a SecureLine VPN license from the Avast website or in Avast Antivirus:
- On the SecureLine VPN screen, click the OFF slider.
- Click Buy now on the opened screen.
- Select your preferred subscription plan.
- Follow the on-screen payment steps.
Activate your license
If you purchased SecureLine VPN via Avast Antivirus, your license is activated automatically. Otherwise, if you install Avast Antivirus after purchase, you need to select ☰ Menu ▸ My licenses and manually activate the license via your Avast Account registered for the email address you used to make the purchase, or using your valid activation code from the order confirmation email.
Avast Antivirus automatically recognizes that the inserted license is for SecureLine VPN. Read more...
Connect to SecureLine VPN
To connect to SecureLine VPN click the OFF slider on the SecureLine VPN screen so that it changes to ON. To end your SecureLine VPN session, click the ON slider so that it changes to OFF.
Alternatively, you can right-click on the SecureLine VPN icon in the system tray and select Connect or Disconnect.
By default, SecureLine VPN does not connect automatically when you start Avast Antivirus. Click the gear icon on the SecureLine VPN screen to configure automatic settings, such as turning on SecureLine VPN when connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Read more...
Note: If you do not have the SecureLine VPN icon in the system tray, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General and ensure the box next Show SecureLine VPN tray icon is ticked.
Change your location
By default, SecureLine VPN connects you to your Optimal location, which provides the best connection based on your geographical IP address and server capacity. Changing your VPN location can be useful to bypass geolocation restrictions or to access your favorite content while traveling.
To select a VPN location:
- Click Change Location.
- 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.
- Click Change Location to confirm the action.
Note: Locations listed with the text P2P allow peer-to-peer connections for file transfer.
Manage SecureLine VPN settings
Click the gear icon on the SecureLine VPN screen to manage the following options:
- Turn on SecureLine when connected to unsecured Wi-Fi networks: select Turn on automatically if you want SecureLine enabled immediately when you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Select Ask before turning on if you want SecureLine VPN to notify you before connecting.
- Show SecureLine in the Windows notification area: displays a popup notification when you connect to or disconnect from SecureLine VPN.
All SecureLine VPN settings are enabled by default. To disable a setting, click the relevant green slider so it changes to red.
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 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 unlikely that SecureLine VPN will work properly.
- Confirm that your SecureLine VPN license is active. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ My licenses, then ensure that SecureLine VPN is listed under Licenses on this PC and did not exeed the expiration date.
- Reactivate 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:
- Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Components ▸ SecureLine VPN.
- Click the downward facing arrow to expand the SecureLine VPN section, then click Uninstall Component.
- Click OK.
- After uninstallation is complete, restart your PC and return to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Components ▸ SecureLine VPN.
- Click Install Component.