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Glossary

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol browsers use to load websites. It encrypts the data exchanged between your browser and a site, so the content you send and receive can't be read or tampered with in transit. The padlock icon in your address bar means the connection is using HTTPS.

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  • Plain-English definition
  • Privacy explained
  • Free VPN for Chrome

Why it matters

HTTPS and your privacy

HTTPS protects what you exchange with a site, but observers can still see which sites you connect to and your IP. A VPN like Zippa complements HTTPS by hiding your IP and rerouting your traffic through its server.

Learn more: What Is a VPN?

The honest bit

Free because Premium pays the bills — never because we sell your data

The usual catch with a free VPN is that it logs and sells your browsing to make money. Zippa doesn’t. Our free tier is funded by people who upgrade to Premium, and we keep a strict no-logs policy — we don’t record the sites you visit, your real IP, or your DNS queries. There’s simply nothing to sell.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The questions people actually ask before they install — answered plainly.

  • No — they protect different things. HTTPS encrypts the content between you and a specific site, while a VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic across all sites so your provider can't see where you go. They work best together.

  • HTTPS keeps the contents of your connection private, but it doesn't hide your IP address or which sites you visit. For location privacy and to stop your ISP seeing your destinations, you also need a VPN.

  • It depends who runs it. Plenty of free VPNs pay their bills by logging and selling browsing data — that's the real catch. Zippa is funded by people who upgrade to Premium, not by your data, and we keep a strict no-logs policy, so there's nothing to record or sell in the first place.

Try a free VPN for Chrome

Now you know what https means — see it in action. Add Zippa free, or browse the full glossary.

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Explore more ways to browse free

Same one-click extension, different job to be done. Pick the guide that matches what you need.

Free VPN for ChromeThe one-click free VPN proxy that lives in your Chrome toolbar.VPN Proxy ExtensionA lightweight proxy extension that reroutes your browser traffic.Unblock WebsitesReach sites blocked at school, work, or by your region.Hide Your IP AddressSwap your real IP for one in another country in a click.What Is My IP?See your public IP, location, and ISP live — then hide it free.IP Address LookupSee exactly what your IP address reveals about you.How to Change Your IPGet a fresh IP address in seconds — no settings to touch.What Is a VPN?A plain-English guide to what a VPN does and when to use one.VPN Leak TestCheck whether your VPN is actually hiding your real IP.Am I Being Tracked?See how sites follow you online and how to make it harder.

More from Zippa

Free tools, side-by-side comparisons, use-case guides, and a plain-English glossary.

Free privacy toolsWebRTC & DNS leak tests, browser fingerprint, user agent, and a password generator.Compare VPNs & proxiesBest free VPN for Chrome, proxy vs VPN, Tor vs VPN, and honest alternatives.VPN for every situationGuides for Chromebook, school, work, public Wi-Fi, and travel.VPN glossaryPlain-English definitions of VPN, proxy, DNS, WebRTC, and more.

VPN by location

Free: US, UK, Netherlands, Singapore. Premium adds Germany, France, Japan, India, Australia, Canada.

Or head back to the Zippa VPN home page.