Emulators are big right now. Given the popularity of Android as a platform, users also want to experience it on their desktops. This is the reason for the boom in the number of their downloads. But are they safe to use? Emulators also run the internet, and we all know the potential threats it can pose. Thus, the question is valid. Although there are ways to ensure the safety of an emulator, nothing comes close to VPNs. But then again, are VPNs functional on an emulator? If so, then how to make the emulator use a VPN connection?
This is our topic today. We will explore the possibilities of an emulator VPN. We will discuss the ways to make it possible. Furthermore, we must also look into the need for them in the first place. Lastly, we will explain what emulators are. Hence, stay tuned and keep scrolling.
What is an emulator?
An emulator can be both a hardware device and a software component. Its primary objective is to enable one computing system, known as the host, to imitate the functions of another computing system, known as the guest. Thus, an emulator allows the host system to run and execute software, tools, peripheral devices, and other components designed for the guest system architecture. But emulators can differ based on their functionality and execution process. Some replicate things like hardware, while others embed software.
Emulators also differentiate based on how they run or who they imitate, like CPU or operating system. In most cases, an emulator uses a hardware architecture to provide an environment similar to a guest system. An emulator regenerates the original environment on another alien device with the help of software and hardware input. However, creating an authentic environment this way is complex and time-consuming. Although once operational, it matches the authenticity of the original device. Emulation techniques, when well applied, can recreate the hardware and software environment of a computer system on a fundamentally different machine.
Once complete, users can enjoy two different operating systems on the same device. They can access applications and other components privy to the original OS within the emulator. In the meanwhile, the emulator will keep working on the host. Thus, it can create a closed space within another system and make it accessible only via emulation. As such, three primary components make up an emulator:
- CPU emulator
- Memory sub-system emulator
- Different input/output emulators
Can a VPN work with an emulator?
A VPN ought to work with an emulator, although not all offer robust protection. But those who do would be a decent fit. However, do emulators need a VPN? Yes, as an emulator is a separate space within an OS. Thus, they have an independent infrastructure that doesn’t channel the host networking process. However, many emulators still require the internet to function. Now, a user can connect the host internet to the guest system. But doing so won’t make it use the VPN. Hence, to make a VPN work with an emulator, users still need to follow certain protocols. First, ensure that the host and guest share the same network. To do so:
- Open the Command Prompt.
- After that, locate the emulator folder.
- Users can also find the sdk*emulator file and run it in the Command Prompt.
- Now enter the command: list -advs to show the list of emulator setting options.
- Lastly, users can ensure that both the emulator and the host share the same DNS server. To do so:
- Enter the command: -avd {name of your device} -netdelay none -netspeed full -dns-server 0.0.0.0/8
- After that, enter: emulator -avd {name of your device} -net delay none -netspeed full -dns-server 0.0.0.0/8
- Now, both the host and the guest can share the same networking settings. Hence, if you connect the internet to the host, the guest can also use it.
Troubleshooting instructions to make the emulator use VPN connection
It is easy to use a VPN with an emulator, but there are some prerequisites. First, both the host and the guest should have the same internet connection. Second, both must have identical DNS settings. After a user fulfills these conditions, the rest of the procedure is simple. Before you dive into that, we should point out two possible scenarios:
- Host and guest sharing the host VPN
- Guest using an independent VPN
Under each strategy, the emulator can work with a VPN. That’s why we won’t delve further into it. However, we would still guide readers on how to troubleshoot some general issues to make the VPN experience smooth.
Connect to VPN then start emulator
Sometimes, even when the host and guest share a network, the VPN fails to work. However, it is easy to resolve this issue. All the user has to do is:
- Ensure that the internet and VPN are working. After that, close the emulator and boot the system.
- Then, on system startup, run the VPN.
- Now ensure that the VPN is functioning.
- Next, run the emulator.
- Then connect the internet to the emulator.
- It will use the same networking settings, and the emulator traffic will use the VPN tunnel.
Set VPN to Autoconnect on startup
Another method to ensure that your emulator works with a VPN is to make the VPN run on the network level. Avoid browser VPNs or the split tunneling feature and use the Autoconnect function of the VPN. To do so:
- Run the VPN.
- Go to the settings.
- Now under advanced settings, locate the Autoconnect on startup option.
- Toggle it on and close the VPN settings.
- Reboot the system.
- Now ensure that the VPN runs on startup. If it does, your emulator would also use the VPN for its networking requirements.
Cold boot your emulator
Attempt to cold boot your emulator if the previously mentioned remedies don’t work. This action would clear the emulator cache, and maybe that is the extent of what you must do.
- Launch the emulator.
- Then, head to its settings.
- Select the Cold boot option.
- After clicking on OK, wait for the emulator to reset.
- Lastly, check the VPN connection.
Use the VPN within the emulator
A word of warning: the following method won’t work on older emulators. However, users with a newer one may employ one to install a VPN. However, this VPN would only secure traffic from the guest. To clarify, although both the host and guest must use the same network, using a VPN within the emulator won’t protect the host.