The internet is a great place for people to connect and learn about anything. As much as there are safeguards built-in to the web and the devices you use to access it, it’s probably a good idea to use a VPN to keep yourself extra safe. There area number of great VPNsthat work on all devices, includingthe best Chromebooks available. If you want an open source option that works differently from the main-stream VPNs, Google’s Jigsaw group created Outline VPN just for you. Here we look at what Outline is and how to set up a Server and the Client on your devices.

How VPNs work, and why you need one on your phone

Everything we do now revolves around being online at all times

What is Outline?

Outline is an open source VPN and VPN server from Google’s Jigsaw group. This service allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to access the free and open internet. Outline uses a protocol that makes it harder to detect and more difficult to block. To use the VPN, you must set up or use someone else’s Outline server using the Outline Manager application. Once you have access to a server, you can use the Outline Client application to access the Outline server on any of your devices. To learn more about the service, readour Google Outline VPN explainer.

How to set up an Outline server

To start with Outline, you must use the Outline Manager application to set up a server.

Once you’ve finished setting up your server, you can manage everything from Outline Manager. Whether you want to give someone access or change where your server is routed, it’s all done through Outline Manager.

hand holding mobile phone with blue screen

To give a device access to your server, you’ll need to generate an access key for it. An access key is a unique code that allows a device to connect to your VPN server and protects its connection. Each key is generated through the Outline Manager application by sending an invitation to a device. you may modify or delete the key in the application and limit how much data a device can use.

How to set up an Outline Client

Now that you’ve set up a server, it’s time to start using it on your devices. To access your server on your devices, install the Outline Client application.

Once you make your initial connection to the server, tapConnectorDisconnectto use your VPN.

A graphic representation of the simplicity of traditional VPNs compared to Outline’s VPN showing a singular planet with a few orbits for the traditional VPN while Outline’s VPN is represented by multiple planets with multiple orbits

Connect to your own VPN

Outline is a novel VPN service that allows you to set up and manage your own VPN server. Using the Outline Manager and Outline Client applications, you’re able to send invitations, manage connections, and access your server. To learn more about VPNs and the best way to make the most of them, readour VPN beginner’s guide.

A sketch laptop with the Outline VPN manager application open

A sketch of a laptop with the Outline VPN manager application distributing unique access keys

A sketch of a phone receiving a unique access code with the Outline VPN client open.