The VPN service operator has remote servers that connects to your device through a secure connection when you activate your VPN. This connection encrypts all your internet traffic, ensuring that no one can eavesdrop on your online activities. The encrypted data is then routed through the VPN server, which acts as a middleman between your device and the websites or services you access. This process effectively hides your IP address and replaces it with the IP address of the VPN server, making it difficult for anyone to trace your online activities back to you.