Outline VPN 1.21.5 for Android

Outline VPN 1.21.5 is the Android client of Outline, a free and open-source Shadowsocks deployment tool from Jigsaw Operations LLC. Unlike most VPN apps, it does not come with a list of public servers: you connect to an Outline server that you, your organisation or someone you trust has set up, using an access key. The client is released under the Apache License, and you can download Outline VPN for Android from Google Play.

Who Outline VPN is for

Outline was designed for situations where trust matters more than convenience. Instead of routing traffic through a commercial provider's servers, a small group can run its own server and share access among its members. Newsrooms, non-profit organisations, families spread across countries and small teams use it this way: one technically minded person creates a server with Outline Manager on a cloud host, then sends access keys to others. They paste the key into the app and connect. Because the connection uses the Shadowsocks protocol, it looks less like typical VPN traffic, which can help it stay usable on networks that interfere with standard VPN protocols. Outline suits people who already have a key from a server operator they trust, and people willing to run their own server. It does not suit someone who simply wants to tap connect and choose a country, because without an access key the app cannot do anything.

Key facts

Getting started

1. Install the app from the Outline page on Google Play.
2. Get an access key from the person or organisation running the server, or create your own server following the guides on getoutline.org.
3. Paste the key into the app and tap connect.
4. Approve Android's VPN request.

Server operators can learn how to keep their installation current in the guide on updating Outline server software.

Security and trust

The server operator can see which sites you connect to, just as a commercial VPN provider could. The difference is that you choose who that operator is. Only use keys from people you trust, and treat an access key like a password: anyone who has it can use the server. Open-source code means the client can be inspected, but it does not make an untrusted server safe. Follow the law of your country regarding VPN use.

Pros and cons

• Pro: you or someone you trust controls the server.
• Pro: free and open source.
• Pro: Shadowsocks can stay usable on restrictive networks.
• Con: useless without an access key.
• Con: running your own server requires some technical effort and a paid cloud host.

Alternatives

If you want a ready-made service instead, our listings include ProtonVPN, Psiphon, Hotspot Shield VPN and Turbo VPN. 1.1.1.1 encrypts DNS and traffic without choosing a server.