TorGuard's VMess network provides extremely fast download speeds and can bypass VPN blocks or tough Internet filters. This guide will show how to use TorGuard's VMess proxy service on an Android device using the third-party VPN client app SagerNet.
What is VMess Protocol?
VMess is V2Ray's native protocol, offering advanced obfuscation and encryption to bypass sophisticated censorship systems. When combined with SagerNet's powerful features, it provides an excellent solution for Android users.
Advanced Obfuscation
Dynamic encryption defeats DPI
High Performance
Optimized for mobile networks
Battery Efficient
Lower consumption than VPN
Easy Import
QR code and link support
🚀 Why Use VMess with SagerNet?
- Bypass the strictest firewalls and censorship
- Faster than traditional VPN in restricted networks
- Multiple import methods (QR code, link)
- Advanced routing rules support
- Kill switch protection
- Works on mobile data and WiFi
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- Android device (version 5.0 or later)
- Active TorGuard Premium Proxy subscription
- Access to TorGuard VMess server list
- Internet connection
- Google Play Store access (or ability to sideload APK)
⚠️ Important: VMess is available only with TorGuard Premium Proxy service, not standard VPN subscriptions.
SagerNet vs Other Android Proxy Apps
| Feature | SagerNet | V2RayNG | Shadowsocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMess Support | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ❌ No |
| Protocol Support | ✅ 15+ protocols | ✅ V2Ray protocols | Limited |
| Routing Rules | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Good | Basic |
| User Interface | ✅ Modern | Traditional | Simple |
| Plugin System | ✅ Yes | Limited | ✅ Yes |
Installation and Configuration
Step 1: Install SagerNet
First, visit the Google Play Store and download the SagerNet app.
💡 Alternative Installation: If Google Play is unavailable, you can download the APK from the SagerNet GitHub releases.
Step 2: Import VMess Server
Tap the + icon in the top right corner and choose whether to:
- "Scan QR code" - to scan the QR code from TorGuard's VMess page
- "Import from clipboard" - if you copied the vmess:// link from Premium Network page
📋 Import Methods Explained:
- QR Code: Easiest method - display QR on computer, scan with phone
- Clipboard: Copy vmess:// link, then import
- Manual: Enter server details manually if needed
Step 3: Review Configuration
You can review the imported configuration to ensure it matches the expected settings. The server details should be automatically populated from the VMess link or QR code.
🔧 Configuration Details:
- Name: Server location identifier
- Address: VMess server hostname
- Port: Connection port
- UUID: Your unique user ID
- Security: Encryption method (auto/aes-128-gcm)
Step 4: Configure DNS Settings
Tap the three lines (hamburger menu) in the top left corner. Scroll down to DNS Settings and make sure the "Use Local DNS as Direct DNS" switch is toggled OFF.
⚠️ DNS Note: This option is not required on most networks. Only toggle it ON if you experience no internet connection, which might indicate DNS issues on your network.
Step 5: Connect to VMess Proxy
To connect to TorGuard's VMess, tap the paper airplane icon in the bottom right corner. You should now see inbound and outbound data flowing to show the app is connected.
✅ Connected! The data flow indicators show your VMess proxy is active and working.
Step 6: Enable Kill Switch (Part 1)
To ensure your connection doesn't leak, access the Settings menu in Android and search for "VPN". Under Network & Internet, tap the VPN option.
Step 7: Access VPN Settings
In the Network & Internet menu, tap the VPN option at the bottom.
Step 8: Configure Always-On VPN
In your list of installed VPN apps, tap the settings icon (gear) next to SagerNet.
Step 9: Enable Kill Switch Protection
Make sure the Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN switches are toggled ON.
Your entire Android device is now connected through TorGuard's VMess proxy. You can add more TorGuard VMess locations in the SagerNet app.
🛡️ Kill Switch Active! With these settings enabled, your device will block all internet connections if the VMess proxy disconnects, preventing IP leaks.
Step 10: Verify Connection
Check your IP in a browser by visiting https://torguard.net/whats-my-ip.php
✅ Success! If you see a different IP address matching your selected server location, your VMess proxy is working correctly.
Advanced SagerNet Features for VMess
🎯 Per-App Proxy
Configure which apps use the VMess proxy:
- Go to Settings → Route
- Select "Include" or "Exclude" mode
- Choose apps to route through VMess
- Useful for banking apps or local services
🔀 Multiple VMess Profiles
Add multiple TorGuard VMess servers:
- Import servers from different regions
- Switch between servers with one tap
- Test latency to find fastest server
- Group servers by purpose or location
⚡ VMess Performance Options
- Mux: Enable multiplexing for better concurrency
- TCP Fast Open: Reduces connection latency
- Buffer Size: Optimize for your connection
- Congestion: Adjust for network conditions
🌐 Advanced Routing
- Domain-based routing rules
- GeoIP routing for specific countries
- Custom rule sets for VMess
- Bypass local networks automatically
Troubleshooting Common Issues
VMess Import Failed
Solution:
- Ensure you copied the complete vmess:// link
- Try QR code method instead
- Check if Premium Proxy subscription is active
- Update SagerNet to latest version
- Try manual configuration
Connection Failed
Solution:
- Verify server is not blocked in your region
- Try different VMess server location
- Check if port is blocked by ISP
- Toggle "Use Local DNS" if no internet
- Restart SagerNet app
Slow Speed
Solution:
- Connect to server closer to your location
- Enable Mux in server settings
- Try different transport protocols
- Close background apps
- Switch between WiFi and mobile data
Battery Drain
Solution:
- Disable battery optimization for SagerNet
- Use exclude mode for non-essential apps
- Reduce ping frequency in settings
- Disconnect when not needed
- Use WiFi instead of mobile data when possible
VMess Protocol Tips
🚀 Transport Options
VMess supports multiple transport methods:
- TCP: Standard, reliable
- WebSocket: Bypasses WebSocket-aware firewalls
- HTTP/2: Mimics HTTPS traffic
- QUIC: UDP-based, faster
🔒 Security Settings
- Use "auto" or "aes-128-gcm" for security
- Enable time sync to prevent replay attacks
- Keep AlterID at 0 (recommended)
- Use HTTPS websites for extra security
Security Best Practices
🔐 Connection Security
- Always verify proxy is active
- Check for IP/DNS leaks
- Use HTTPS websites
- Enable kill switch
📱 Device Security
- Keep Android updated
- Use screen lock
- Review app permissions
- Enable Find My Device
🔑 VMess Security
- Protect VMess links
- Don't share configs
- Rotate servers regularly
- Monitor usage
🌐 Privacy Tips
- Clear app cache regularly
- Use private browsing
- Disable location tracking
- Review privacy settings
Summary
You've successfully configured SagerNet to connect to TorGuard's VMess proxy network on Android! This setup provides:
- ✅ Advanced firewall and censorship bypass
- ✅ Fast VMess encrypted connections
- ✅ Kill switch protection against leaks
- ✅ Per-app proxy capabilities
- ✅ Multiple server support
- ✅ Battery-efficient operation