FAQ
New to VPNs? Start here.
Straight answers, no jargon — including what makes ShadowVPN different.
ShadowVPN vs. a typical VPN
| ShadowVPN | Typical VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Encrypts your connection | ✓ WireGuard® | ✓ |
| Checks Wi-Fi for fake hotspots | ✓ ShadowSense™ | Connects blindly |
| Proves no leaks after connecting | ✓ Shadow Seal™ | Use an outside test site |
| New identity every session | ✓ Vanish Mode™ | Same key for months |
| Shows which apps skip the VPN | ✓ On the home screen | Hidden in settings |
| Short passes (1–30 days) | ✓ From $1.99 | Usually 1–2 year plans |
VPN basics
What is a VPN, in plain English?
A VPN (virtual private network) creates a private, encrypted tunnel between your phone and a secure server. Your internet traffic travels through that tunnel, so the Wi-Fi owner, your mobile carrier and anyone snooping on the network can’t see what you’re doing — and websites see the server’s location instead of yours. Think of it as tinted windows for your internet.
Do I really need one?
If you ever use public Wi-Fi — coffee shops, airports, hotels, hospitals, campuses — yes. Those networks are easy to spy on and easy to fake. A VPN also stops your internet or mobile provider from building a profile of every site you visit.
Is using a VPN legal?
In the United States and most countries, yes — VPNs are everyday privacy tools used by businesses and individuals alike. Some countries restrict them, so check local rules when you travel. What you do online still has to be legal.
Does a VPN make me completely anonymous?
No — and be wary of anyone who says so. A VPN hides your traffic from the network and your IP address from websites. But if you sign in to Google or Facebook, they still know it’s you. ShadowVPN makes you much harder to track; it isn’t magic.
Will it slow down my internet?
A little, because your traffic takes a detour through our server. ShadowVPN uses WireGuard®, the fastest modern VPN technology, so most people don’t notice. Smart Connect picks the fastest location for you automatically.
Why ShadowVPN is different
There are lots of VPNs. Why ShadowVPN?
Most VPNs connect and hope for the best. ShadowVPN checks the Wi-Fi itself for fake-hotspot tricks before you trust it (ShadowSense™), proves every connection is sealed with no leaks (Shadow Seal™), gives you a brand-new identity after every session (Vanish Mode™), and is honest by design: if any app is set to skip the VPN, the app says so right on the home screen.
Do you keep logs of what I do?
No. We never record the sites you visit, your DNS lookups, when you connect or how long you stay. We keep only what’s needed to run your account — your email, your plan and your devices.
What is ShadowSense™?
Hackers set up fake hotspots with names like “Airport Free WiFi”. ShadowSense checks the network your phone joins for signs of tampering — redirected website lookups, made-up answers, forged security certificates — and warns you. It runs entirely on your phone; nothing is sent to us.
What is Shadow Seal™?
A VPN can say “connected” while some traffic still leaks out. Right after you connect, Shadow Seal tests your connection for IP, DNS and IPv6 leaks and shows you the result — so you don’t have to take our word for it.
What is Vanish Mode™?
Every time you leave the shadows, your phone gets a brand-new VPN key and address, and the old ones are deleted. Even our own servers can’t link one session to the next. Browse. Vanish. Repeat.
Some apps say “turn off your VPN”. What do I do?
Some banking, streaming and work apps block VPNs. Turn on Shadow Bypass for just those apps — they’ll use your normal connection while everything else stays protected. Want that app protected too? A Dedicated IP usually gets you past the block, because no one else shares your address.
Plans & account
What’s the difference between a plan and a pass?
Plans (monthly or annual) renew automatically. Passes are one-time purchases for 1 to 30 days that simply end — no subscription, nothing to cancel. Perfect for a trip.
What is a Dedicated IP and do I need one?
Normally many users share each server’s IP address, and some websites block shared VPN addresses. A Dedicated IP is an address only you use. Most people don’t need one — it’s for when a bank, work system or streaming service keeps blocking you. It’s an add-on to a monthly or annual plan.
Do you offer discounts for military, first responders, nurses or teachers?
Yes — thank you for what you do. Military and veterans, first responders, healthcare workers and teachers get a discount on any plan or pass.
How many devices can I use?
Every plan and pass covers up to 5 devices at once. You can see and remove them from your account.
What does the kill switch do?
If the VPN connection ever drops, a kill switch blocks the internet until it’s back, so nothing slips out unprotected. On Android, ShadowVPN uses your phone’s built-in “Always-on VPN” setting — the app walks you through it.
Which devices are supported?
Android first, then iPhone, a Chrome extension, and Mac and Windows. One account works on all of them.
How do I cancel or delete my account?
Passes simply end. You can delete your account and all its data any time from your account page or in the app — it happens immediately.
Is ShadowVPN available in my language?
Yes. The website and app are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Arabic, Hindi and Indonesian. Use the language picker at the top of the page, or Settings → Language in the app.
I still have a question.
Email support@shadowvpnnow.com — a real person will answer.