Have you ever tried to watch a video but got blocked because of where you live?
That is really frustrating.
It is also scary to think that companies track everything you do online. Your private information might not be safe.
TunnelBear is a simple app that hides your location and protects your data.
It blocks trackers and lets you access your favorite websites.
This guide shows you exactly how to use TunnelBear to stay safe and free online.
TunnelBear has 4,000+ servers in 49+ countries. Unblock your favorite websites and apps from anywhere in the world.
TunnelBear VPN Tutorial
Using TunnelBear is easy.
First, download the app and sign in. Next, pick a country on the map. Click the switch to connect.
Your data is now safe. That is all you need to do to stay secure.
How to Use TunnelBear
Getting started is simple. You do not need to be an expert to use this software.
It works on almost any device.
Follow these steps to get the app running on your computer or phone.
Step 1: Download and Install the App
- Go to the official TunnelBear website.
- You can find the app for Windows, Mac, and Android.
- It also works on iOS for Apple users.
- Start downloading the file to your desktop or mobile.
- If you use Firefox, you can also get a browser extension.
- Click the file to install it on your PC.
Step 2: Create Your Account
- Open the app after installing it.
- Start creating your account with your email address.
- Choose a strong password to keep it safe.
- Make sure you remember your passwords.
- Check your email to log in and verify your account.
- This helps prevent anyone else from accessing your account.
Step 3: Connect for the First Time
- Open the app and look at the map.
- You might see a tunnel to Canada or another place.
- Click the switch to secure your internet traffic.
- It only takes a few seconds to get connected.
- The app uses encryption to encrypt your data.
- This hides your activity from your ISP and keeps you safe on sites.
- Always update your app to keep it working well.
How to Use Multiple Country Servers
TunnelBear is not just for changing your location.
It also has great tools to keep your data safe from hackers and snoops.
These tools are perfect for when you use the web at a coffee shop or school.
Here is how to use them.
Step 1: Open the Server List
- Open the app or your browser extension.
- It works well on Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- Make sure you sign in to your account.
- Look for the list of servers on the screen.
- This service makes it easy to find a server.
- Go to the main site if you need help.
Step 2: Choose a Specific Country
- Scroll down to find South Korea or other countries.
- This is simpler than other vpns.
- You can change locations on the free version too.
- Check subscription options if you want more choices.
- Click a country to join the network.
- Now your internet thinks you are in different countries.
Step 3: Verify Your New Location
- Wait for the connection to turn green.
- Start verifying that the map changed.
- Do this before proceeding to your favorite websites.
- Some sites might ask if you are a human.
- Check the date and time on your device.
- You might notice slower speeds sometimes.
- See how fast web pages respond.
- This keeps you safe on public wi fi.
- You can review settings like split tunneling here too.
How to Use Privacy and Security
TunnelBear is not just for changing your location.
It also has great tools to keep your data safe from hackers and snoops.
These tools are perfect for when you use the web at a coffee shop or school.
Here is how to use them.
Step 1: Enable VigilantBear (Kill Switch)
- Open your apps and click on the gear icon for settings.
- Find the network tab and look for VigilantBear.
- Switch it to “on” to protect your connection.
- This tool stops all internet data if your VPN drops for a second.
- It prevents your private info from leaking to the ISP by mistake.
Step 2: Turn on GhostBear (Obfuscation)
- Go back to your settings and find GhostBear.
- Click the toggle to turn this service on.
- This makes your VPN data look like a normal human is just browsing.
- It is very helpful if a site or country tries to block VPNs.
- Keep in mind that this might cause slower speeds on your phone.
Step 3: Configure SplitBear (Split Tunneling)
- Look for SplitBear in the menu (mostly for Android and Windows).
- Turn it on to see a list of all your installed apps.
- Choose which apps should stay on your regular internet line.
- For example, you can let your bank app use your real wi fi.
- This is called split tunneling, and it gives you total control.
TunnelBear Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to TunnelBear you might consider:
- NordVPN: Offers a vast server network and a wide array of security and privacy features.
- ExpressVPN: Known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly applications across devices.
- PureVPN: Provides a large number of servers and additional features like port forwarding.
- SurfsharkVPN: Allows unlimited device connections and offers a good balance of features and price.
- ProtonVPN: Emphasizes strong security and user privacy with a base in Switzerland.
- PrivadoVPN: Offers a free tier with limited data and a strong focus on user privacy.
- AdGuard VPN: Integrates seamlessly with AdGuard’s ad and tracker blocking capabilities.
- Virtual Shield: Designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it good for beginners.
- StrongVPN: Known for its robust encryption and reliable server connections.
- FastestVPN: Provides affordable subscription options with decent connection speeds.
- AuraVPN: Includes identity theft protection alongside its VPN service.
- CyberGhost: Features user-friendly apps and specialized servers optimized for different online activities.
- McAfee VPN: A basic VPN option often bundled with McAfee’s security software suite.
- Private Internet Access: A long-standing VPN provider with a strong focus on user privacy and customization options.
- Mysterium: Operates as a decentralized VPN utilizing a peer-to-peer network infrastructure.
TunnelBear Compared
We’ve explored alternatives to TunnelBear, so how does TunnelBear stack up directly against them?
- TunnelBear vs NordVPN: It offers more features and better speed, while TunnelBear focuses on simplicity and a free tier.
- TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: It is consistently faster, has a wider server selection, and is better for streaming. TunnelBear is more affordable and has a free version.
- TunnelBear vs PureVPN: It has a larger server network. TunnelBear is known for its ease of use, especially for beginners.
- TunnelBear vs SurfsharkVPN: It typically offers faster speeds, allows unlimited connections, and has more features. TunnelBear is user-friendly and has a free plan.
- TunnelBear vs ProtonVPN: It focuses on strong security and privacy, and often provides faster speeds on paid plans. TunnelBear is known for its simple interface and free option.
- TunnelBear vs PrivadoVPN: It often provides more consistent speeds and a stronger focus on privacy. TunnelBear has a smaller server network but a user-friendly free plan.
- TunnelBear vs AdGuard VPN: It excels in ad and tracker blocking. TunnelBear is a general-purpose VPN with a focus on ease of use.
- TunnelBear vs Virtual Shield: It offers a more established brand and a slightly larger server network than the very basic Virtual Shield.
- TunnelBear vs StrongVPN: It is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. TunnelBear is simpler to use but has a smaller server network.
- TunnelBear vs FastestVPN: It is a budget-friendly option. TunnelBear offers a free plan and a user-friendly interface.
- TunnelBear vs AuraVPN: It includes identity theft protection. TunnelBear focuses on providing a simple and user-friendly VPN.
- TunnelBear vs CyberGhost: It offers user-friendly apps and specialized servers. TunnelBear is simpler but has a smaller server network.
- TunnelBear vs McAfee VPN: It generally offers a more feature-rich VPN experience than the basic VPN from McAfee.
- TunnelBear vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections. TunnelBear is known for its ease of use.
- TunnelBear vs Mysterium: It is a decentralized VPN. TunnelBear uses a traditional server network known for its user-friendly interface.
Conclusion
Now you know how to use TunnelBear!
It is a great way to stay safe online. Always check your internet connection before you start.
You should update your browser to ensure everything works quickly.
This helps improve performance and security by preventing DNS leaks.
If you see a ray id on a screen, do not worry.
Just check your vpn connection. Sometimes you need a new browser to view specific pages.
You can use browser extensions to make it easier.
Even if your internet speed changes, you can still view this site properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TunnelBear actually free?
Yes, TunnelBear offers a genuinely free plan, not just a limited-time trial. You receive 2GB of secure browsing data every single month at no cost. It is an excellent option for casual users who want to test the service or need occasional protection on public Wi-Fi.
Does TunnelBear hide your IP address?
Absolutely. Masking your digital footprint is its primary function. Once you connect to a server, TunnelBear replaces your actual IP address with one from its own network. This keeps your physical location private and prevents websites or trackers from identifying you.
Can TunnelBear be traced?
Tracing your activity back to you is extremely difficult. TunnelBear uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and adheres to a strictly audited no-logs policy. They do not store records of your browsing history, meaning there is no paper trail to hand over to third parties.
Is TunnelBear blocked by Netflix?
It can be hit or miss. Streaming services aggressively block VPN IP addresses, and TunnelBear is not primarily optimized for streaming unblocking. While it may occasionally work, users looking specifically to bypass Netflix geo-blocks often find more consistency with premium competitors like NordVPN.
What happened with TunnelBear?
In 2018, TunnelBear was acquired by the cybersecurity giant McAfee. While some users were initially concerned about corporate ownership, TunnelBear has continued to operate independently. They maintain rigorous third-party security audits to prove their commitment to user privacy hasn’t wavered.
How does TunnelBear work?
The software creates an encrypted “tunnel” between your device and the internet. When you switch it on, your data travels through this secure pathway to a server in another country. To the outside world, it looks like you are browsing from that server’s location rather than your home.
Does TunnelBear change your location?
Yes, it digitally relocates you. By connecting to one of TunnelBear’s servers in over 47 countries, you are assigned an IP address matching that region. This allows you to bypass local censorship and access content that might be restricted in your actual physical location.
More Facts about TunnelBear
- Free Data: You can use TunnelBear for free, but it only gives you 2 GB of data each month.
- Monthly Cost: If you want more data, it costs between $3.33 and $9.99 a month depending on the plan you pick.
- Team Plan: For businesses, TunnelBear costs $5.75 every month for each person on the team.
- Many Devices: You can connect as many devices as you want at the same time on one account.
- Payment Choices: You can pay every month or once a year. Paying for a whole year at once is cheaper.
- History: TunnelBear started in 2011 in Toronto, Canada.
- Server Locations: They have computers (servers) you can connect to in 47 different countries.
- Getting Help: If you have a problem, you can email their support team at any time, day or night.
- App Rating: On the Google Play Store, the app has a high rating of 4.3 stars from more than 300,000 reviews.
- Customer Reviews: Some people love the help they get from TunnelBear, but others wish it was faster or better.
- Speed Differences: Depending on your computer, the VPN might feel faster on a Mac than on a Windows PC.
- Watching Shows: Sometimes TunnelBear has trouble letting you watch Netflix shows from other countries.
- Privacy Laws: TunnelBear is based in Canada, which is part of a group of countries that share information about what people do online.
- Server Count: TunnelBear tells you which countries they are in, but they don’t say exactly how many total servers they own.
- Downloading Files: You can use TunnelBear to download files (torrenting), but it isn’t specially made just for that.
- Safety Switch: They have a tool called “VigilantBear.” If your VPN stops working, it instantly cuts your internet so your private info doesn’t leak out.
- Super Security: TunnelBear uses “AES-256 encryption.” This is a very strong code that keeps your data safe from hackers.
- Standard Rules: It uses secure systems called OpenVPN and IKEv2 to move your data safely.
- Web Browsers: You can add TunnelBear directly to Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.
- Hidden Location: It hides your real location (IP address) and makes it look like you are in a different country.
- No History Kept: TunnelBear has a “no-logging” rule. This means they don’t keep a list of which websites you visit.
- Stopping Ads: Because it hides your info, it is harder for advertisers to track you across the web.
- How to Start: To use it, download the app, make an account with your email, pick a country, and flip the switch to “On.”
- Runs in the Background: Once you turn it on, TunnelBear stays working quietly while you use your other apps.
- SplitBear: This feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which apps use your normal internet.
- Extra Security: You can turn on “Two-Factor Authentication.” This makes you use a second code to log in so your account stays extra safe.
- GhostBear: This is a special mode that hides the fact that you are even using a VPN, which helps in countries that try to block them.
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