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How to Set Up and Install a VPN

VPNs have exploded in popularity over the last few years, thanks to greater visibility and the development of user-friendly and affordable services. A basic understanding of how VPNs work can be useful, as we’ll explain later. We’ll also teach you how to set up your own VPN server at home, if you’re so inclined. For now, let’s start with the basics of how to set up a VPN.

The First Step: Choosing A VPN

In order to set up a VPN, you need to purchase a VPN service first. If you haven’t chosen one yet, now is the time to do so. We’ve spent thousands of hours testing over 50 VPNs, and not all services are created equal. Check out these options for the best VPNs that are ultra-easy to set up:

Editor’s Rating:

9.7

/10

View Plans

Surfshark LogoSurfshark Logo

Editor’s Rating:

9.5

/10

View Plans

Editor’s Rating:

9.4

/10

View Plans

How to Set Up a VPN

After choosing a VPN, the next step is to set it up on your device or devices. There are two approaches: Using the VPN app and using your device’s manual VPN set up. Let’s zoom in!

App/Software Approach

The app/software approach is the easiest way to set up a new VPN, and we recommend it for first-time VPN users.1

  1. Sign up for a VPN service.
  2. Create an account.
  3. Download the app or specific software for your chosen VPN service on all of your devices.
  4. Log in to the account you made when signing up for the VPN service.
  5. Depending on what service you selected, you might be asked for a security key or two-step authentication code.
  6. Once in the app, connect to a VPN server.
  7. Once connected, run a speed test. Speed tests should be easy to find in most apps.
  8. Look for a tutorial to guide you through the app, and go through the different features available to familiarize yourself with your new VPN service.

And that’s it, a process no more complicated than creating an account for any other program!

AVG VPN on Mac On App

Manual/Operating System Approach

The manual/operating system approach is slightly more complicated than the app method and varies depending on the operating system. It’s preferable for users who want more configuration options. You will need to find the VPN protocol and the VPN address for this new VPN service to use during the manual process.

Windows 10:

  1. Look up the VPN protocol and the VPN address for the service used.
  2. Click the Start icon.
  3. Click the Settings icon.
  4. Click Network and Internet.
  5. Click VPN.
  6. Click Add a VPN connection.
  7. Under VPN provider, select Windows (built-in).
  8. In the box for Connection name, enter a name you’ll remember later.
  9. In the box for Server name or address, enter the address for the VPN server you are trying to connect to.
  10. Under VPN type, select the VPN protocol your VPN service uses.
  11. Select the type of sign-in info you need for this VPN service (username and password, smartcard, one-time password, or certificate).
  12. Click Save.
  13. Select the new VPN and click Advanced Options if you need to edit info or change proxy settings.
  14. On the right side of the taskbar, click the Network icon.
  15. Select the VPN profile you set up in Step 8.
  16. Click Connect.
  17. If prompted, enter the sign-in info you set up in Step 11.
  18. Click the Network icon again. The VPN profile should now say “Connected” underneath its name.
  19. Check the VPN status while performing different tasks online to check that the VPN is

    working.

    2

MacOS Big Sur 11.0:

If you’re importing a VPN settings file, simply double-click on the file to import the settings automatically, then:

  1. Click the Apple menu icon.
  2. Click System Preferences.
  3. Click Network.
  4. Click Action.
  5. Click Import Configurations.
  6. Select the correct file in the menu and click Import.

If you do not have a VPN settings file, enter the information manually by following the steps below.

  1. Click the Apple menu icon.
  2. Click System Preferences.
  3. Click Network.
  4. Click Add.
  5. Click Interface.
  6. Click VPN.
  7. Click VPN Type and select whichever protocol your VPN service uses. This will likely be L2TP, IPSec or IKEv2.
  8. Enter the name of the VPN service, then click Create.
  9. Enter the server address and account name for this VPN connection.
  10. Click Authentication Settings and enter the appropriate authentication information. It should be the same info you used to create your new VPN account.
  11. Click Advanced to enter additional info like session options, TCP/IP settings, DNS servers, and proxies if desired.
  12. Click Apply.
  13. Click

    OK.

    3

Android:

  1. Tap the Settings icon.
  2. Tap Network & internet.
  3. Tap Advanced.
  4. Tap VPN.
  5. Tap Add.
  6. Enter the information including Name, Type, Server Address, Username, and Password.
  7. Tap Save.
  8. Again, tap the Settings icon.
  9. Tap Network & internet.
  10. Tap Advanced.
  11. Tap VPN.
  12. Tap the VPN name you just added.
  13. Enter the username and password.
  14. Tap Connect.
  15. If you downloaded an app for your VPN service, it should open.
  16. When connected, the VPN name should show up in the VPN

    menu.

    4

iOS:

  1. Tap the Settings icon.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Add VPN Configuration.
  4. Select IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP depending on the protocol the VPN service uses.
  5. Enter the details of the VPN service on the same screen.
  6. If you need certificate files for this VPN, you will have to import them. You can download them through the Mail app if they’re attached to an email, or download them in the Safari
  7. browser if they’re available on your VPN service’s website. To see installed certificates in the future, go to Settings, then General, then Profiles.
  8. To turn on the VPN, tap the Settings icon and tap the slider for VPN to the ON

    position.

    5

VyprVPN iPhone Options

Tip: Some devices might not be able to download the apps or software necessary to use a VPN. Try downloading the app on all your devices first before making a VPN purchasing decision.

VPN Basics

What exactly is a VPN you ask? Well, VPN stands for virtual private network. Basically, a VPN is a piece of software that creates an encrypted tunnel between your phone, tablet, or computer and a network, bringing greater security and anonymity. VPNs are great for two big reasons. First, they hide an IP address and encrypt web traffic, routing it through a different server the VPN service owns.6 They keep what we do online safe from prying eyes. Second, by spoofing our locations on servers in other countries, we can get around blockades like internet censorship or regional restrictions on our favorite streaming services. For those wondering, as of January 2021, the country with the largest Netflix streaming library is Ireland, with 6,379 movies and shows!7

Everything we’ve said so far probably makes VPNs sound too good to be true, so we should bring this how to back to Earth by pointing out the pros and cons.8

Pros
  • VPNs hide your browsing history.
  • VPNs protect your privacy.
  • VPNs change your IP address.
  • VPNs circumvent regional lockout.
  • VPNs counter bandwidth throttling.
Cons
  • VPNs reduce internet connection speeds.
  • VPNs don’t protect against malware or viruses; in other words, a VPN does not perform the same function as antivirus software.
  • VPNs don’t hide personal information you share on social media.
  • Premium VPNs charge subscription fees.
  • Free VPNs are OK but come with compromises on things like how many servers you can connect to, maximum speeds, and the number of devices you can connect.

We recommend a little research into the different VPN services available, which leads us to …

How to Choose the Right VPN

Which VPN to choose depends on the needs of the user. When choosing a VPN, there are some simple questions to ask:

  • How many devices will connect to the VPN? Most VPNs have device caps, so be sure the service can include all the devices within your network comfortably.
  • How much will the VPN impact internet speed? All VPNs slow down internet speeds to varying degrees because instead of going directly to the router, data moves through an encrypted tunnel. Look at what our VPN comparison says about slowdowns with different VPN services to get a better idea.
  • Do you need a VPN with torrent capability? If so, make sure the VPN service allows torrenting.
  • Where is the VPN service located? Depending on where the VPN service has their headquarters, they will have to obey certain data retention laws. Before signing up for a service, check what user data they have to provide their host government. Through communications and data sharing alliances, your user data might be shared with your own government’s intelligence agencies, if part of the same alliance. The biggest alliances among western countries are called Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes.
    • Five Eyes: U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Canada
    • Nine Eyes: Five Eyes nations and France, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark
    • Fourteen Eyes: Nine Eyes nations and Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden
  • Is a free VPN enough? If saving money and using a free VPN service sounds enticing, consider what you sacrifice in quality and security. Free VPNs will often come with data caps, limited server options, and slower speeds. For many, this will mean the free VPN comes with a lot of frustration.
  • Can you trust this company? Read their privacy policy closely. In general, the VPN shouldn’t log your IP address or any of your web traffic. Figure out what encryption method they use and if it’s trusted widely. Confirm that this VPN service is well reviewed on Security.org and doesn’t have a history of controversy around customer privacy or data usage.

Note: Free VPN trials are a great way to learn about what to expect from different services.

Surfshark Connected to VPN

Optimizing a VPN Service

To make the most of a VPN, pick a server that best fits your needs. Want to maximize speed? Pick a server nearby. Want to experience Netflix on other continents? Pick a server in the host country for that streaming library. Want to get around government censorship? Pick a server in a country with more online freedom. Many VPN services also offer maximum security options, which send web traffic through multiple servers (multihop) and make us even harder to track. It’s a helpful tool when we want to feel extra secure, but the trade-off is even slower internet.

Understanding VPN Protocols

In general, a VPN protocol is a set of programs or processes that set up the encrypted tunnel between a device and a network. Some protocols focus on data transfer, and others focus on encryption. There are five common VPN protocols:

  • PTPP: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol is the oldest and least-secure protocol, but it provides faster speeds. PTPP is a good option if security isn’t your main reason for using a VPN.
  • SSTP: Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol has the benefit of full integration into every Microsoft OS since Windows Vista SP1. SSTP is a Microsoft-developed proprietary protocol, so other developers don’t have access to the underlying code.
  • L2TP/IPSec: Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol was developed to replace PTPP. However, L2TP has to be paired with IPSec or another security protocol to be effective, since it doesn’t provide encryption by itself.
  • IKEv2: Internet Key Exchange version 2 is similar to L2TP and should be paired with IPSec for encryption and authentication. IKEv2 is good at reconnecting quickly after a signal loss or a change in network type.
  • OpenVPN: PenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol, so developers have access to the underlying code. Combined with the fact it has some powerful encryption, OpenVPN is a very popular choice among VPN

    services.

    9

Vyper VPN App Protocols

Make Your Own VPN Server

Setting up your own VPN server is possible, but we’d only recommend it for users who feel comfortable digging around in the settings of their operating systems because of the complexity of the process.The main benefit is getting secure remote access to a home network, but it comes at the cost of extremely slow connection speeds. Without a gigabit fiber internet connection at home to compensate, we can’t recommend making your own VPN server. If the PC and Mac VPN server methods below read like complete gibberish to you, we advise sticking to the app/software approach or the manual/operating system approach. VPN services are just more practical all around. Still not deterred? Read on.

Setting Up a VPN Server on a Router

  1. Make sure the router you plan to use as a VPN server has an integrated VPN server functionality. VPN server functionality should be listed in the specifications or features web page for the device.

  2. Log in to the router through its web portal or router-specific software.

  3. Consult the user manual for instructions to make the router function as a VPN server.

  4. Follow the instructions and turn the VPN server on.

  5. Check to see if your devices are connected to the router

    VPN.

    10

Setting up a VPN Server on a Windows 10 PC

  1. In Windows 10, open the Control Panel app.
  2. Click Network and Internet.
  3. Click Network and Sharing Center.
  4. Click Change adapter settings.
  5. Press the Alt key.
  6. Click File.
  7. Click New Incoming Connection.
  8. Tick the boxes next to the names of the user accounts you want to have VPN access and click Next.
  9. Tick the box for Through the Internet and click Next.
  10. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  11. Click Properties.
  12. Tick the box for Allow Callers To Access My Remote Network.
  13. Under IP address assignment, click Specify IP Addresses.
  14. Configure the number of clients allowed access as desired and click OK.
  15. Click Allow Access.
  16. Click Close.
  17. Open the Control Panel app.
  18. Click System and Security.
  19. Under Windows Defender Firewall, click Allow An App Through Windows Firewall.
  20. Click Change Settings.
  21. Next to Routing and Remote Access, make sure the boxes for Public and Private are ticked.
  22. Click OK.
  23. Check to see if connected devices receive VPN services from the PC VPN

    server.

    11

Setting Up a VPN Server on a Mac Desktop

  1. Use a Mac desktop you can leave on and connected to the internet at all times so your home VPN server is always operational.
  2. Purchase “macOS Server” from the App Store.
  3. Go to your router’s access web page and set up port forwarding to your Mac VPN server’s IP address.
  4. If your internet service provider does not provide a static IP address, you’ll have to set up Dynamic DNS for the server.
  5. In the MacOS Server, next to VPN Host Name, type the dynamic DNS address or the internet service provider’s static IP, whichever you have.
  6. Create a custom Shared Secret you can remember easily.
  7. Further tweak the Client Addresses, DNS Settings, and Router settings on this page if desired.
  8. Click the ON/OFF switch at the top right.
  9. Click System Preferences.
  10. Click Network.
  11. Click +.
  12. Click VPN.
  13. For VPN Type, select L2TP over IPSec, and for Service Name, write whatever name you want.
  14. Click Create.
  15. Next to Server Address, input the static IP or dynamic DNS again.
  16. Next to Account Name, use the name of the primary account on the macOS server.
  17. Click Authentication Settings and enter your Shared Secret.
  18. Click OK.
  19. Check to see if connected devices receive VPN services from the Mac VPN

    server.

    12

The More You Know: You cannot connect to a macOS Big Sur server locally. It will only work if you’re outside of the home network.

When to Use a VPN

Ideally, you should use a VPN whenever you’re online. However, an “always on” VPN isn’t realistic for everyone due to the slowdowns. Instead, we think it’s more practical to consider a handful of everyday use scenarios for VPNs, such as these:

  • Using public networks
  • Accessing secure networks from remote locations
  • Engaging in activism or circumventing government censorship
  • Making secure calls over the internet
  • Shopping online
  • Torrenting
  • Hiding activity from an internet service provider or the company running a browser
  • Avoiding cache/cookies

Recap

We’ve outlined how anyone can set up a VPN based on their needs, no matter their level of tech know-how. While methods like setting up your own VPN server are useful for greater control and fine-tuning, for most users, the most practical and convenient way is to sign up for a VPN service, make an account, download the app, log in, and turn it on. It really is that easy. We hope after reading our how to, any apprehensions you had about trying a VPN are gone, and you’re ready to navigate the internet with the peace of mind a VPN can bring.

FAQs

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about setting up a VPN.

  • Is creating a VPN illegal?

    Creating and using VPNs is legal in the United States, but check the law if you live in another country.

  • How much does it cost to set up a VPN?

    The cost to set up a VPN varies depending on the length of the contract, the number of servers you can connect to, the number of devices covered, and streaming or torrenting capabilities. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $10 a month.

  • Can you set up a VPN for free?

    You can set up a VPN for free, but most options on the market come with serious drawbacks like slower connection speeds, data caps, and limited server options, so we recommend a paid VPN service.

  • What is the best free VPN?

    The best free VPNs are Hotspot Shield, Surfshark, TunnelBear, Windscribe, or ProtonVPN.

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