The whole thing happens so quickly you won't even notice. When you click on a link, the browser sends the address you're going to through that local VPN to Defender. Defender checks the address and then (assuming it's good), lets the browser open that site. It's called a local VPN because it never leaves your device-it's just a connection between your browser and Microsoft Defender running on your device. To make sure the site you're going to isn't known to be dangerous, Defender needs to be able to see the address. A local VPN?ĭue to the built-in security settings in iOS, other apps aren't able to see the address (URL) an app is trying to open, including those being opened in the web browser. During this process, we'll ask you to give Defender permission to do two things: set up a local virtual private network (VPN) and allow notifications. When you first sign into Microsoft Defender on iOS, we'll walk you through a few easy steps that to set up web protection.

Open (or scan the QR code below) on your iOS device to go to Microsoft Defender in the Apple App Store and follow the installation steps.

To do that on Android, we use the Accessibility Service to read, almost literally, the address from your browser. In order to make sure the site you're going to isn't known to be dangerous, Defender needs to be able to see the address. In order to do that, Defender needs permission to run in the background. You want Microsoft Defender to always watch your back, protecting you from the malicious sites you weren't expecting. Run in the backgroundĪ security tool that only works sometimes isn't nearly as effective. During this process, we'll ask you to give Defender permission to do two things: run in the background and use the Accessibility Service. When you first sign into Microsoft Defender on Android, we'll walk you through a few easy steps that start with setting up web protection. Note: If your device has both a Personal Profile and a Work Profile, then you need to install the app in the Personal Profile.įollow the installation steps on the Play Store page.Īfter installing, sign in with the personal Microsoft account (such as or that is associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription.

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