Quick start
Going from installing Hido to being connected takes a few minutes. This page walks through the four main steps, and each step has its own detailed page.
Hido is connection software. Hido does not sell VPN plans. You use Hido with a provider’s service, or with your own configuration.
1. Install Hido
Open the Download page and pick the build for your device: Google Play or an APK file for Android, a .dmg file for Macs with Apple Silicon, an .exe installer for 64-bit Windows. The iPhone and iPad version is coming soon to the App Store.
How to install each build, how to check your file and how to update are on the Install and update page.
2. First-time setup
The first time you open it, Hido asks for three things. You can change all three later in the Settings tab.
- Language: Tiếng Việt, English, 中文, Русский, हिन्दी, or the same as your device.
- Appearance: Automatic, Light or Dark.
- Location: the country you are in. In Smart mode, websites in this country go direct, not through the VPN.
3. Add a service
Hido has two ways to use it. You pick one at the start and can change it in Settings → How you use Hido.
| Way to use it | Who it is for | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Provider code | You bought a plan from a provider that supports Hido | The provider code (for example abcvpn) and your account with that provider |
| Use without a code | You already have a subscription link, a QR code or a configuration file | A link, a QR code or a .yaml file |
- You have a code: type it in the Provider code field, tap Continue and sign in. See Provider code and account.
- You have no code: tap Use without a code and add a configuration. See Add your own configuration.
- Your provider sent you a quick-connect QR code: tap Quick connect and scan it. Hido sets up, picks the fastest server and turns on the VPN.
4. Connect
- Open the Home tab and tap the connect button.
- The first time, your system asks to let Hido add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow.
- When the status changes to Connected, you are done. Tap again to disconnect.
Hido starts with the server set to Automatic, which picks the fastest server for you. To pick one by hand, open the Servers tab.
Read next
- Connecting and modes: how Smart mode differs from All traffic.
- Servers and your own nodes: test latency, pick a server, add your own nodes.
- Network check: test your speed and see which services are reachable.
- Troubleshooting: when you can’t connect.