Opera's new automatic VPN toggle makes keeping your data safe a lot easier

Credit: Opera Published Sep 24, 2026, 4:00 AM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary Opera's built-in VPN auto-activates on insecure/public Wi-Fi to encrypt your traffic. Rolling out now in the US and France; you can disable it if you prefer manual VPN control. Opera's VPN keeps zero logs and runs automatically to make online privacy effortless on the go. VPNs are a lot more useful than skirting around pesky geoblocking checks on websites. In fact, if you're only using it to watch TV shows and movies in another country, you're actually sitting on a valuable privacy tool without realising it. Fortunately, Opera's new feature is here to help people stay safe without having to lift a finger. Opera's built-in VPN can now automatically turn on when connecting to insecure networks It's only available in the US and France right now Credit: Opera In an emailed press release, Opera gave us a sneak peek into its brand new feature releasing today. It capitalizes on Opera's built-in VPN (which Opera points out is a feature some big browsers still don't have by default) to keep you safe when you connect to a potentially dangerous network. It's very easy to use; in fact, if it works as advertised, you shouldn't have to do any work whatsoever. When Opera detects that you've connected to a public Wi-Fi hotspot or an insecure router, it will immediately flip the switch to turn on the VPN. This ensures all the data going to and from your laptop is properly encrypted and sent through a tunnel, preventing people or software from spying on what you're doing. And given how Opera claims its VPN saves zero logs, you won't need to worry about it spying on you, either. Arjan van Leeuwen, Head of Opera One Engineering at Opera, had the following to say: “From the very start, all the way back in 2016, we believed that online privacy should be effortless and straightforward - especially when connecting to public networks while out and about. Ten years later, our thesis still holds: VPNs are a vital part of users’ digital hygiene. That’s why we continue supporting and improving our free browser VPN, making sure that Opera users always have the tools they need, when they need them.” The feature is rolling out right now to users in the US and France, and if you're not a fan of it, you can always disable it and handle the VPN changes yourself.