v2rayNG on Android: the complete guide

From installing the APK to per-app routing, plus the battery settings that stop Android killing it in the background.

AndroidMar 13, 20262 min read

v2rayNG is the most widely used Xray client on Android. Its interface mirrors the desktop v2rayN closely and subscription formats are fully interchangeable. This covers everything from install to daily use.

Installing

  1. Download the APKThe arm64-v8a build covers virtually every phone made since 2016.
  2. Allow installing unknown appsAndroid prompts you and jumps to the setting. Note the permission is granted to the app that opened the APK — your browser or file manager, not the APK itself.
  3. InstallGo back and tap the APK again.

Importing servers

MethodStepsBest for
Subscription⋮ → subscription group setting → add, paste the URL, refreshServers stay in sync — the default choice
ClipboardCopy a share link, then + → import from clipboardAdding one server quickly
QR code+ → scan QR codeMoving a server from a computer screen

Connecting and testing

  1. Select a serverTap a row; a marker appears on the right.
  2. Test everything⋮ → test all configurations (real delay). Each row gets a millisecond figure.
  3. Sort by result⋮ → sort → by test result. Working servers gather at the top.
  4. Tap the connect buttonThe first connection triggers Android's VPN permission prompt. A key icon appears in the status bar.

Per-app routing

One of the genuinely useful features: choose which apps use the tunnel. It saves quota and keeps banking apps from tripping fraud checks on a foreign IP.

  1. Open settings⋮ → settings.
  2. Find per-app proxyTurn the switch on.
  3. Choose the modeBypass mode: listed apps go direct. Proxy mode: only listed apps use the tunnel.
  4. Tick the appsAt minimum, bypass banking, payment and carrier apps.
Bypass (blocklist)Everything tunnelled by defaultListed apps go directFeels close to globalBest when most apps need itMust bypass: banking, paymentsProxy (allowlist)Everything direct by defaultOnly listed apps tunnelledMinimal quota useNew apps stay directBest when only a few need itVS
Choosing a mode

Keeping it alive in the background

  • Disable battery optimisation: Settings → Apps → v2rayNG → Battery → Unrestricted.
  • Lock it in recents: long-press the card in the recent apps list and tap the lock icon.
  • Allow autostart: many Android skins have a separate autostart manager — add it there.
  • Turn off battery saver: it aggressively throttles background networking.

Common problems

SymptomFix
Connected but no trafficTry another server; check the subscription; verify the system clock
Disconnects after a whileApply the background settings above
One app cannot connectCheck the per-app list for a mis-tick
Hotspot clients get no proxyNeeds a specific setting, and some devices do not support it