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Anna BaluchContributor
Anna Baluch is a freelance writer from Cleveland, Ohio. She enjoys writing about a variety of health and personal finance topics. When she's away from her laptop, she can be found working out, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family. Connect to her on LinkedIn.
Kelly MainStaff Reviewer
Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist covering small business marketing content. She is a former Google Tech Entrepreneur and she holds an MSc in International Marketing from Edinburgh Napier University. Additionally, she is a Columnist at Inc. Magazine.
Anna Baluch,
Anna BaluchContributor
Anna Baluch is a freelance writer from Cleveland, Ohio. She enjoys writing about a variety of health and personal finance topics. When she's away from her laptop, she can be found working out, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family. Connect to her on LinkedIn.
Kelly Main
Kelly MainStaff Reviewer
Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist covering small business marketing content. She is a former Google Tech Entrepreneur and she holds an MSc in International Marketing from Edinburgh Napier University. Additionally, she is a Columnist at Inc. Magazine.
Contributor, Staff Reviewer
Rob WattsManaging Editor, SMB
With over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Reviewed
Rob Watts
Rob WattsManaging Editor, SMB
With over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Managing Editor, SMB
Reviewed
Updated: May 7, 2024, 7:07pm
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Table of Contents
- Set Up a VPN on a PC
- Set Up a VPN on a Mac
- Set Up a VPN on an Android Device
- Set Up a VPN on an iPhone or iPad
- How to Set up a VPN on Your Router
- Check Your VPN
- What To Do If Your VPN Doesn't Work
- Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions
Show more
A virtual private network (VPN) can allow you to improve your privacy online. It hides your identity so that you can browse the internet safely and anonymously. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a tech expert to set one up. The process is easy. Here’s a closer look at how to set up a VPN on various devices.
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Set Up a VPN on a PC
- Use the Windows Store or internet to download a VPN app.
- Move into “Settings” and click on “Network” and then “VPN.”
- Click “Add a VPN” and fill out the fields for “Server Name,” “VPN Type” and your account information, which should be shared by the VPN provider you chose.
- Save your VPN.
- Go back into “VPN,” click on your newly added account and press “Connect.”
Set Up a VPN on a Mac
- Use the App Store or internet to download a VPN app.
- Go to “System Preferences” and then “Network.”
- Click on the plus sign in the bottom left corner and use the drop-down menu to choose your VPN.
- Fill in the details for your chosen VPN in the fields “VPN Type” and “Service Name.”
- Create a new VPN network and fill in your “Server Address,” “Remote ID” and “Local ID.”
- Enter “Authentication Settings” and add your username and password.
- Click “OK” and Connect your VPN.
Set Up a VPN on an Android Device
- Use the application store to download a VPN app.
- Go to “Settings” and from there click “Network & Internet” then “Advanced” and, finally, “VPN.”
- Click “Add VPN.”
- Fill out your VPN’s “Name” and “Server” and hit save.
- Click on your newly added VPN profile and fill out the “Account” and “Password” fields then click “Connect.”
Set Up a VPN on an iPhone or iPad
- Use the App Store or internet to download a VPN app.
- Go to “Settings” and scroll down to “General.”
- Find the VPN submenu and press “Add VPN Configuration.”
- Select the correct “Type” of VPN that you have installed and return to type in its details.
- Fill in your VPN’s “Description” and “Server” as well as your “Account” and “Password.”
- Click done and toggle your new profile to “on” so that the VPN can begin to work its magic.
How to Set up a VPN on Your Router
If you set up a VPN on your router, you’ll be able to connect all of your devices. It’s a great way to protect your entire network, instead of only one device. While every router is unique, here are the general directions you’ll have to follow:
- Type your router’s internet protocol (IP) address and password to log into your admin panel.
- Find the VPN option in the settings.
- Select the option for VPN client, not VPN server.
- Enter the correct settings. Your VPN provider should provide you with this information. If you have an OpenVPN config file, you’ll be able to upload the details and won’t have to type them in manually.
- Complete any additional steps your router may request.
Check Your VPN
Once you go through all the steps to set up a VPN, you may wonder whether it’s working. To do so, go to Google and type in “what is my IP” to find out your IP address and jot it down. Then, connect to your VPN server and make sure the IP address is different from the one you found. If so, congratulations, you’ve set up your VPN correctly.
Featured Partners
Advertisem*nt
1
NordVPN
Monthly Pricing (2 Year Plan)
$3.49 per month
# of Devices
6
Encryption
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2
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Monthly Pricing (2 Year Plan)
$2.29
# of Devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
3
Private Internet Access
Monthly Pricing (2 Year Plan)
$2.03
# of Devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
What To Do If Your VPN Doesn't Work
There are several issues that may prevent your VPN from working properly. Here are a few of the most common as well as their solutions.
| Issue | Solutions |
|---|---|
Can’t Connect To the Internet | Ensure your firewall allows for VPNs and that you’ve updated your VPN software |
Slow Speed | Connect to a faster server that’s closer to your physical location or uses a faster network or VPN service |
Unable To Send Emails | Switch to a different VPN server or use a different email platform |
Netflix VPN/Proxy Ban | Choose a different server or a server dedicated to streaming, clear your cache and cookies or go incognito |
Bottom Line
You can set up a VPN based on your needs, no matter how tech-savvy you are or aren’t. If you’re struggling or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your VPN provider for support. Depending on the VPN you chose, there might be a frequently asked questions (FAQs) page on their website or a phone number you can call to connect to a customer service representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to set up my VPN manually?
Often, you don’t have to set up a VPN manually. Most VPN apps offer automatic installation that makes the process easier.
What is the best VPN?
The ideal VPN depends on your unique needs. Our guide on how to choose a VPN is sure to help you make an informed decision.
Will I have to pay for a VPN?
While free VPNs do exist, they often sell their user data and, therefore, defeat their main purpose. If you’re concerned about cost, you can rest assured that most VPN services are affordable and may be anywhere from $10 to $13 per month or less if you commit to a longer subscription.
Why is my internet slower after I've set up my VPN?
Once your VPN is set up, don’t be alarmed if your internet connection is slower than it used to be. When you think about the high level of privacy and security a VPN has added, this is a minor drawback.
Should I get a dedicated IP address add-on?
Depending on how you intend to use a VPN, a dedicated IP address is a must-have item. This feature, often available as a premium add-on, dedicates an unchanging IP address to you and you alone.
Usually, when you access a VPN, you share a random IP address with an unknown amount of other VPN users. If one of those users acts nefariously on a certain website, it can lead to that IP address being blacklisted, affecting the entire pool of people using it. Having your own dedicated IP eliminates this possibility, making it a great investment if you plan to use the VPN for work and business purposes.
What can I access with a VPN?
VPNs can allow you to access georestricted content in other countries. Many customers use them to access international content on streaming services that are not available in their home country. They can also be used to bypass any government restrictions you may have in your region.
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