I'm new to Norton and I'm confused about VPN. I use Norton on an Android phone, an iPad and I also use the Mobile product on my Chromebook (though supposedly it doesn't work on a Chromebook). I've seen where VPN is turned off when I'm using a secure network, though at other times, VPN is on even though I'm using the same secure network. I don't understand the apparent discrepancy. Also, when VPN is on, and it seems to indicate I'm logging in from somewhere other than my actual physical location, I'm sometimes alerted that someone logged onto one of my apps (Amazon e.g.) and it shows the logon on coming from somethere else in the U.S. I'm pretty sure it's me though I'm not 100% certain. Is that how VPN works and does my observation make sense?
Thanks for the quick response. I suspected that’s how VPN should work, I.e. masking my location. I don’t get an alert every time.
As to your question, I haven’t tracked the device I’m using when I see the message about not needing VPN. I’ll try and pay closer attention. I bounce between 3 different devices quite frequently, occasionally using a PC as well.
I've seen where VPN is turned off when I'm using a secure network, though at other times, VPN is on even though I'm using the same secure network. I don't understand the apparent discrepancy.
Does this happen on a specific device, or on all your devices?
Also, when VPN is on, and it seems to indicate I'm logging in from somewhere other than my actual physical location, I'm sometimes alerted that someone logged onto one of my apps (Amazon e.g.) and it shows the logon on coming from somethere else in the U.S. I'm pretty sure it's me though I'm not 100% certain. Is that how VPN works and does my observation make sense?
Yes. That is how a VPN works. Your Amazon account example is quite common for many web sites. They know from your IP address where you normally log in from. When you use the VPN it appears you are somewhere else, and the web site has no way of knowing if you are using a VPN or if someone else is trying to log into your account. As a protection, some sites will block access until you can verify it is actually you logging in.