# Above VPN **<— Return to:** @[https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/phone-tablet-guides-mg8bQ5W0qm](https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/phone-tablet-guides-mg8bQ5W0qm) --- **—> Next lesson:** @[https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/above-mail-PjxOc0a1tq](https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/above-mail-PjxOc0a1tq) ## Introduction to Above VPN In this guide, we’ll show you how to quickly connect to the Above VPN and secure your internet connection by encrypting your data and masking your IP address from websites and online services. This protects your information as it travels across the internet and helps keep your device details hidden from prying eyes while you go about your activities. If you're experiencing VPN issues not addressed in this guide, please contact us via chat support or email us at **support@above.im** [https://iframe.mediadelivery.net/embed/158816/3fdc2047-e9df-41da-a7ea-e79d4172d1a0?autoplay=false&loop=false&muted=false&preload=true&responsive=true](https://iframe.mediadelivery.net/embed/158816/3fdc2047-e9df-41da-a7ea-e79d4172d1a0?autoplay=false&loop=false&muted=false&preload=true&responsive=true) ## **Setting up Above VPN** Thanks to recent advancements in open-source technology, the Above VPN service now offers faster setup and simplified, semi-automatic configuration for Above Phone and Tablet users. The new VPN app comes pre-installed on all devices purchased after 2025, making setup smoother than ever. Follow this guide for a step-by-step walkthrough. If you purchased your device **before 2025**, or if you're an Above Suite user on a different operating system or DIY device, please refer to the **“How to Install Above VPN”** section later in this guide. 1. Once the Above VPN app is installed, tap ***OPEN*** in F-Droid or launch the app from your home screen or app drawer. 2. On the welcome screen, tap “***Get Started”*** 3. Tap the blue **"*Log In*"** button. This will open a browser window with the Above Suite login page. 4. Wait for the page to load, then log in with your Above Suite credentials. > * For the username, enter it without any domain (e.g., yourname, not yourname@above.im). > * Leave the ***2FA ***field empty (unless you enabled 2FA in your Above Suite account). > * If you’ve logged in before, the login may happen automatically. 5. After a successful login, scroll down and tap the blue “***Continue”*** button. Wait a moment; you’ll be redirected back to the VPN app. When prompted, tap “***Allow”*** for notifications. ![selecting an exit node](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My80MGU4NzcxYy1kMDM1LTQzYTgtYWRlYy00M2Y1NWZhN2IwZDMvU2VsZWN0aW5nIGFuIEV4aXQgTm9kZS5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk0NzYwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDM0MDAwfQ.QWgqd-t4BygJ4nT_hjoCIylt7A3bj_-RmAp3KpBbKfo " =427x645") 6. At the top of the app, locate the **"*Exit Node*"** section (it may say **"*None*"** by default). 7. **Tap** on it and choose your preferred server from the drop-down. The section will turn **blue** once a server is selected. 8. You are now **connected to the VPN!** > To quickly check VPN status: > > * Swipe down from the top of your screen. > * Look for a notification saying: > ***Above VPN – Connected***. > * You may also see a **key icon** in the **status bar (upper right)**, which indicates that the VPN is running properly. If the key icon appears in the **upper left**, it may indicate that the VPN is **not running correctly**. 9. Confirm that the VPN is working by loading a website with Vanadium. 10. In case you need to re-log in at a later point, **start from Step 1 ,** and make sure the ***==Block connections without VPN toggle==*** is turned off. — the app may skip ahead if some steps are already complete. :::tip **Note:** The **"*Connection request*"** prompt sets Above VPN as the default for all internet traffic. Tapping **OK** also enables the **"*Block connections without VPN*"** setting, which prevents any traffic from bypassing the VPN—an important feature for leak protection. However, this setting must be **temporarily turned off** to allow the initial VPN login. Once setup is complete, you can turn it back on to ensure full VPN leak protection. ::: --- ## How to install Above VPN If you purchased your Above Phone **before 2024**, you’ll need to manually add the ***Above F-Droid Repository*** in order to install the Above VPN app. This section provides **three methods**, listed in order of simplicity. We recommend starting with **Method A**. If that doesn’t work for you, simply proceed to the next method. * Uninstalling ***Tailscale*** / WireGuard * Method A: Direct Link * Method B: QR Code * Method C: Manual **Uninstalling Tailscale / Wireguard** :::warning This step is only necessary if you have the original ***Tailscale*** or ***Wireguard*** app installed. If you purchased your Above Phone **after November 2024**, you can skip this section. These steps were already completed for you. ::: 1. Swipe up from the middle of the home screen to open the app tray. 2. Locate the app you want to uninstall. 3. Press and hold the app icon, then drag it to the **top-right corner** of the screen into ***Uninstall*** 4. When the **"Uninstall"** bubble appears, drag the app into it to remove it from your device. **Method A: Direct Link** 1. Use the following link on your Above Phone: 🔗 [**apps.abovephone.com/repo**](https://fdroid.link/#https://apps.abovephone.com/repo?fingerprint=F83047291DC1246C56CCE377A44696D464D4C10D3D81E029CED2F3E7FB2D3009) > This link includes the security fingerprint and should **automatically open in F-Droid**, prompting you to add the repository. 2. Tap the blue **“*Add Repository*”** button. 3. You’ll be redirected to a list of apps available in the Above Repo. :::success **Complete Setup:** Now that you've uninstalled any old VPN apps, added the Above F-Droid repository, and successfully installed the Above VPN app, you're ready for the final step. Simply scroll back up to the top of this guide or [click here](https://learn.above.im/doc/above-vpn-S6fCkp6Oxf#h-how-to-set-up-above-vpn) to find the full instructions on how to set up and start using Above VPN. ::: ![Adding the Above Repository](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzRkYmE5Yjc3LTJlZGYtNDRkZi05OGU3LWUzNmM5NDdiNWYyYy83NWI4M2U4MC1iNmQ5LTQxZjAtYmI3OC04ZmI1Mzk3NTYwZWMvaW1hZ2UucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NDc2MDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzAzNDAwMH0.PZJR1vp6hmyPyetrYEmmcMhjF0onG8jFXR_fuehC2Jg "right-50 =428x317")**Method B: QR Code** 1. Open the ***F-Droid*** app and start from the **home screen**. 2. Tap the **⚙️ *Settings*** icon in the **bottom-right corner**. 3. Select ***Repositories*** (third option from the top). 4. Tap the **green ➕ (plus) button** in the **bottom-right corner**. 5. Tap the **blue "*SCAN QR CODE*"** button to add a new repository. 6. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzRkYmE5Yjc3LTJlZGYtNDRkZi05OGU3LWUzNmM5NDdiNWYyYy82ZmVlNzg2Yy03NzJhLTQ0NDgtOTI2MS0zNWU1NWUxM2M1YjkvUVIgQ29kZSBWUE4gU2V0dXAucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NDc2MDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzAzNDAwMH0.J9VLFihcTT3YOBDiDhSPZ-gNCvy2cLkKBSTlKIs_Tac "right-50 =214x214")Use your phone to scan the **QR code on the right side of the screen**. > **Tip:** If you're viewing the QR code on a computer and need to enlarge it, press **Ctrl** and **+** on your keyboard to zoom in. 7. Tap the blue ***ADD REPOSITORY*** button. You’ll then be redirected to a list of apps available in the Above repository. ![Downloading AboveVPN](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzRkYmE5Yjc3LTJlZGYtNDRkZi05OGU3LWUzNmM5NDdiNWYyYy9lYmM4ZWRhMi01NGRlLTQyZTMtOTI3YS0xODIxNTdmZjMxYzkvaW1hZ2UucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NDc2MDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzAzNDAwMH0.oDlNl4_-ZAcM8JhVLslJPGwrO5hVCq00HlyAVP-15xo "right-50 =300x333") 8. Select ***Above VPN*** from the list 9. Tap the blue ***INSTALL*** button 10. Follow the prompts as you would with any other F-Droid app 11. Tap the blue ***OPEN*** button, then proceed to the **"__Using Above VPN__"** section of this guide (further up) :::success **Complete Setup:** Now that you've uninstalled any old VPN apps, added the Above F-Droid repository, and successfully installed the Above VPN app, you're ready for the final step. Simply scroll back up to the top of this guide or [click here](https://learn.above.im/doc/above-vpn-S6fCkp6Oxf#h-how-to-set-up-above-vpn) to find the full instructions on how to set up and start using Above VPN. ::: **Method C: Manual** To add the Above repository and install Above VPN without using a QR code, follow these steps: 1. Open the F-Droid app and start from the home screen. 2. Tap the **⚙️ Settings icon** in the bottom-right corner. 3. Tap Repositories (third option from the top). 4. Tap the **green ➕ (plus) button** in the bottom-right corner. 5. Below the blue button, expand the "***Enter repository URL manually***" section. 6. In the input field, type: https://[apps.abovephone.com/repo](http://apps.abovephone.com/repo) :::warning Take note here if the **auto-correct of your keyboard** changes the text as you’re writing! Once you see it happen, tap the ‘backspace’ button on your keyboard to undo it. ::: 1. Tap the ***ADD*** button. 2. On the next screen, tap the blue ***ADD REPOSITORY*** button. You’ll then see a list of apps from the Above repository. 3. Select ***Above VPN*** from the list. 4. Tap the blue ***INSTALL*** button. 5. Follow the installation prompts as you would for any F-Droid app. 6. When installation is complete, tap ***OPEN***, then proceed to the “**__Using Above VPN__**” section of this guide (towards the top) :::success **Complete Setup:** Now that you've uninstalled any old VPN apps, added the Above F-Droid repository, and successfully installed the Above VPN app, you're ready for the final step. Simply scroll back up to the top of this guide or [click here](https://learn.above.im/doc/above-vpn-S6fCkp6Oxf#h-how-to-set-up-above-vpn) to find the full instructions on how to set up and start using Above VPN. ::: ![Downloading AboveVPN from F-Droid](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzLzRkYmE5Yjc3LTJlZGYtNDRkZi05OGU3LWUzNmM5NDdiNWYyYy8xNTBjZDg1Yi0xNjlmLTRiMzEtOGVhNC0wMjAyMTI4MDJhNjIvaW1hZ2UucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NDc2MDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzAzNDAwMH0.UQQA-5-XmQTsCiZoANsXa7FypnnFoEWAW1Ov596IyhE " =728x404") --- ## Troubleshooting Common Issues Here’s a reference of what you should see when you open the Above VPN app to confirm it’s set up correctly: :::warning **Problem: *"*Phone Has No Internet Connection.”** If your phone shows no internet, the issue may be related to your VPN settings. Here are the most common causes and how to fix them: ::: :::info **VPN Block Setting Preventing Connection** **Symptoms:** A key icon appears in the top left of the screen, and you may see a notification saying “VPN is off.” ::: :::success **Solution** 1. Go to ***Settings > Network & Internet > VPN*** 2. Tap the gear icon next to Above VPN 3. Toggle "*Block connections without VPN*" to **OFF** (the switch should be to the left) 4. You should now regain internet access. Proceed with VPN setup. ::: :::info **VPN Is Off** **Symptoms:** VPN is not active; no key icon towards top right, no secure connection established. ::: :::success **Solution:** 1. Open the ***Above VPN*** app 2. Ensure the toggle in the top left is switched ON (to the right) ::: :::info **No Exit Node Selected** **Symptoms:** VPN is on, but no traffic is routed—no internet access. ::: :::success **Solution:** 1. Open the Above VPN app 2. Check the “Exit Node” section 3. If it says “***None***”, tap on it and select a server (e.g., *us-east-2*, *us-west-1,* *us-central-2*, or *eu-1*) ::: :::warning **Problem: *"Above VPN app is stuck / crashes / login page doesn't show up"*** ::: :::success **Solution:** If you're experiencing persistant issues, try resetting the app using these steps: 1. Press & hold the ***Above VPN*** app icon (purple shield) 2. Tap ***App info*** 3. Go to ***Storage & cache*** 4. Tap ***Clear storage*** 5. Tap *Delete* Note: This will reset the app completely. You’ll need to set it up again from the beginning. ::: ### Website / service blocked? Above VPN/DNS has a built-in adblocker that may block some websites. Sometimes one of our exit nodes may be flagged by some service and there can be several reasons for that. A quick workaround might be to just switch to a different of our exit nodes inside the Above VPN app. Just tap on the blue rectangle to change your exit node! If you experience any connection issues with a website or application you can make an inquiry to see if the server is blocked. If you believe a website or app is being blocked by the VPN/DNS by mistake, you may request a review by reaching out to our support. You can use the blue button towards the bottom right to start a chat with us. We will review the the DNS blocker to see what domains are being blocked. If we feel that the functionality is important and was blocked by mistake, we can disable the blocking. Please make sure to use your customer email (the email you purchased the phone with). Also provide information on what broke (what website / app), and what time it happened. --- **Documents** - [Register your account](https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/register-your-account-HWw4A5wHar) - [Phone / Tablet Guides](https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/phone-tablet-guides-mg8bQ5W0qm) - [Laptop Guides](https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/laptop-guides-7FZf9Td8JN) - [Browser Guides](https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/browser-guides-azpUbURSxW) - [Other Devices](https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/other-devices-CMJxwbQHsn) - [Notices](https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/notices-y1Q6cVeduh)