# Quickstart

This guide gets you protected in roughly three steps. The whole process takes a couple of minutes, and most settings work out of the box. For platform-specific details, see [Installing SecurQbit](/installation).

## Step 1 — Install the app

Install the native app for your device:

- **iOS (20+):** Download SecurQbit from the App Store.
- **Android (10+):** Download from the Google Play Store, or sideload the signed APK from [securqbit.com](https://securqbit.com).

Full instructions and system requirements are in [Installing SecurQbit](/installation).

## Step 2 — Sign in or create an account

Open the app and either sign in or create a new account.

1. Tap **Create account** and enter an email address and password, or sign in if you already have credentials.
2. Choose a plan. You can start [Monthly, Quarterly, or Yearly](/account-billing), with crypto payment accepted at checkout.
3. Confirm your subscription and return to the app's home screen.

> **Tip:** SecurQbit practices account-data minimization. You only need an email and a payment method — and crypto keeps even that minimal. See [No-Logs & Privacy](/no-logs-privacy).

## Step 3 — Tap Connect

From the home screen, press the large **Connect** button.

- The app selects the **fastest server** automatically, or you can pick a location first. See [Connecting to a Server](/connecting).
- On the first connection, your device will ask you to **allow a VPN profile**. Approve it — this is required for any VPN to route traffic.
- SecurQbit negotiates a forward-secret session and brings up the obfuscated tunnel.

## What a successful connection looks like

When you're protected, you'll see:

- The status changes to **Connected** with a session timer.
- A **VPN** indicator appears in your device status bar.
- Your public IP now reflects the SecurQbit server, not your ISP.

```text
Status:    Connected
Location:  Auto (fastest)
Protocol:  Obfuscated HTTPS
Uptime:    00:00:12
```

## Next steps

- Route only specific apps with [Split Tunneling](/split-tunneling).
- On a strict network? Read [Firewall Bypass & Obfuscation](/firewall-bypass).
- Hitting a snag? See [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting).