How to Set Up a VPN on Any Device in 2024 (Full Guide)

Tim Mocan
Updated on: December 27, 2024 Senior Writer

You can use a VPN on pretty much any device, as most providers have an app for desktop, mobile, and smart TVs. There are even ways to set up and use a VPN on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like gaming consoles.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to quickly set up and use a VPN app in just three easy steps. In addition, I’ll also provide step-by-step guides for manually configuring a VPN connection on desktop and mobile and provide other relevant information (like how to configure a VPN and when to use a VPN). Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

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How to Set Up a VPN App on Any Device

You can set up and use a top VPN on most applicable devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV. The steps for setting up a VPN on any of the devices mentioned above are more or less the same for each platform. So, the guide below should provide you with useful information no matter what operating system you’re on. For that guide, I also used ExpressVPN, which is the best VPN in 2024.

1. Sign Up for a Good VPN

Navigate to the VPN provider’s sign-up page, and choose a subscription that works for you. I recommend picking the longest plan since it usually provides the best savings. And some VPNs also offer extra months of service for free via their longest subscriptions.

2. Download & Install the VPN App

After you sign up and pay for the VPN, you’ll be able to download its apps. Just download the right app for your device, either from the VPN’s website or your device’s app store. Then, just follow the on-screen instructions to install and set up the VPN app.

3. Launch & Connect to the VPN

Now, open the VPN app, log in, and agree to any connection configuration requests. Then, find and connect to your desired server location — you can now surf the web securely.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company

How to Set Up a VPN on Routers

Here are the main ways to set up a VPN on your router:

• Install a VPN app on your router. A few VPN providers have an app that you just download and install on your router. The provider should have step-by-step guides on its site showing you what to do. For example, ExpressVPN has a very intuitive router app that’s compatible with certain models, including Linksys, Asus, and Netgear Nighthawk.
• Manually set up the VPN on your router. If the VPN lacks a router app, you’ll need to manually configure a connection to one of its servers on your router. You’ll need to follow the appropriate setup tutorial for your router firmware, which should be found on the VPN provider’s site. Generally, you’ll need to download a server file, upload it to your router, and configure the VPN connection on your router. If your router doesn’t support manual VPN setups, you’ll need to flash it — basically, install VPN-compatible firmware on it.

If your budget allows, it’s also possible to buy a VPN router. This is a router that comes with a VPN pre-configured on it, so you don’t need to perform a setup. If you like this option, I recommend getting ExpressVPN’s Aircove router — it’s extremely simple to use, and it comes with the best VPN in 2024 pre-installed on it.

If you’d like to read more about setting up and using a VPN on a router, check out our in-depth guide.

How to Manually Set Up a VPN on Any Device

It’s also possible to manually set up VPN connections via your operating system’s VPN settings. Doing this will require you to fill out the VPN connection details with information from your VPN. You’ll need to know the VPN server address, which protocols the VPN supports via manual setups, and your VPN login credentials.

For this section, I’ll cover the manual setup steps for the latest versions of most operating systems. I’ll also only focus on built-in VPN settings on device operating systems. However, it’s also possible to use third-party VPN clients (like OpenVPN, SoftEther, and WireGuard) to manually set up a VPN connection.

Windows (10 & 11)

1. Open the Start menu and access Settings. To open up the Settings menu, you’ll need to click on the cog icon on the left.

2. Click Network & Internet. You’ll find this option on the right.

3. Now, click VPN. This option is on the left. Clicking it will open up the Windows VPN settings menu.

4. Select Add a VPN connection. You’ll find this option right at the top. Once you click it, you’ll be able to configure your VPN connection.

5. Configure your VPN connection. Here’s what you need to do for each field:

1. VPN provider. Pick Windows (built-in), which is the only option.
2. Connection name. Pick a name for the VPN connection.
3. Server name or address. Add the address of the VPN server you’ll connect to.
4. VPN type. Pick which VPN protocol you’ll use. For the best security, you should only pick SSTP or IKEv2/IPSec.
5. Type of sign-in info. Choose the way you will log into the VPN. If you’re using a VPN server from a VPN provider you signed up for, you’ll need to pick User name and password.
6. Username (optional). Add the username of your VPN account.
7. Password (optional). Add the password of your VPN account.

6. Connect to the VPN. Once you hit Save, you’ll be taken back to the VPN settings menu. Just click the VPN connection you set up and hit Connect.

macOS

1. Access the Network menu. To do this, you’ll need to open the Apple menu, select System Settings, and then select the Network tab.

2. Click the … menu and pick Add VPN Configuration. The … menu is called the Action pop-up menu, and you can find it at the bottom of the Other Services menu (there’s a question mark to the right of it).

3. Configure the VPN connection. You’ll need to pick the VPN protocol (I recommend IKEv2/IPSec), and name the VPN connection in the Display Name field. You’ll also need to enter the required VPN settings, like the server address, authentication methods, username, and password (these vary depending on which VPN protocol you choose).

4. Connect to the VPN. Click Create when you’re done configuring the VPN. Then, go back to the Apple menu, select the VPN tab, find the VPN connection you set up, and switch the slider next to it to the on position.

iOS

1. Access the iOS VPN settings. To do this, open the Settings app, and then tap VPN.

2. Tap Add VPN Configuration…. You’ll find this option at the bottom of the screen.

3. Configure the VPN connection. Choose the VPN protocol (IKEv2/IPSec is the best option), and add the necessary VPN details, like the server address, remote ID, authentication method, and username and password. When you’re done, tap Save.

4. Connect to the VPN. Head back to the VPN settings menu, select the VPN connection you just set up, and switch the slider to the on position to connect to it.

Android

1. Access the Connections menu. To do this, open the Settings app, and then tap Connections (it’s located right at the top).

2. Tap More connections settings. This option is located at the bottom of the page.

3. Tap VPN. This option is located in the middle of this page, right below Printing and above Private DNS.

4. Tap Add VPN profile. To see this option, you’ll first need to tap the three-dot menu, which is located in the upper right.

5. Configure the VPN connection. Choose the IKEv2/IPSec protocol your VPN provider supports, add the VPN server address, and add your username and password. When you’re finished, tap Save.

6. Connect to the VPN. After you tap Save, you’ll be taken back to the list of VPN profiles. Tap the one you just set up, and hit Connect. I also recommend selecting the Always-on VPN option to avoid traffic leaks.

Linux

I unfortunately can’t provide step-by-step instructions for Linux users. That’s because the steps can vary from distro to distro. It could involve you setting up the VPN inside your distro’s network settings or using command lines in the Terminal to perform the manual setup.

I strongly recommend checking the Linux manual setup guides from the VPN provider you signed up for. If the VPN supports the distro you’re using, it should have tutorials showing you how to perform a manual setup using its VPN servers.

What Devices Can I Set Up a VPN on?

Most top VPNs have apps for popular platforms, like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Many top VPN providers allow manual setups on routers, meaning you can manually configure your router to connect to their servers. A select few providers even have router apps that you can easily install on your router. If you’re interested in using a VPN on your router, check out our list of the best VPNs for routers.

You can also set up a VPN on devices that don’t support VPN apps:

• Roku. It’s possible to set up a VPN on a streaming device like Roku, either by setting up the VPN on your router or sharing your VPN connection to Roku from your Windows or macOS device. Check out our Roku VPN setup guide for more information.
• Gaming consoles. If you set up the VPN on your router, you can use it on gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, or even on portable devices (like Nintendo Switch).
• Smart TVs. I’m referring to smart TVs that don’t run Android TV, Fire TV, or Apple TV operating systems. For example, LG smart TVs run the webOS system, which doesn’t support VPN apps. You can still use a VPN on these types of smart TVs, but you’ll need to perform a router setup, share your VPN connection, or use the VPN’s smart DNS (if available).

Can I Set Up a VPN on Kodi?

You don’t need to set up a VPN on Kodi. You can install a VPN app on your device, use it to connect to a server, and then run Kodi. If that sounds good, consider also taking a look at our list of the best Kodi VPNs on the market.

However, if you’re using Kodi on a device that doesn’t support VPN apps, you’ll need to either set up the VPN on your router or share your VPN connection to the device. Alternatively, some VPN providers have dedicated Kodi add-ons (like NordVPN). For more information, check out our in-depth Kodi VPN setup guide.

How to Configure Your VPN Settings

Here’s what I recommend doing after you install and run your VPN app:

• Make sure the kill switch is turned on. This is an essential security feature that protects you from traffic leaks. It stops you from accessing the web if your VPN connection drops. Most VPNs enable the kill switch by default, but I still recommend checking that the security tool is on before connecting to a server.
• Tweak the app launch settings. Most VPNs allow you to choose if you want the VPN app to automatically start on system launch or not. This is up to your personal preference — I’d just recommend making the VPN auto-run with system launch if you want to be 100% sure you don’t forget to open the VPN app.
• Configure auto-connect options. Pretty much any VPN app will allow you to choose if you want the VPN to auto-connect to a VPN server when the VPN app starts. You should set the VPN to auto-connect if you want to make sure you don’t accidentally forget to secure your data with the VPN before you go online. Generally, the VPN will auto-connect to the last used server location, the fastest server, or a server of your choice.

How to Optimize Your VPN

Here’s what you can do to improve your VPN experience, depending on what you’re using it for:

• Use a nearby server location. It’s important to connect to the nearest server location  for the fastest speeds. This way, data has a shorter distance to travel between your device and the VPN server.
• Pick the right VPN protocol. If you’re concerned about speeds, using the right VPN protocol matters. I recommend WireGuard or IKEv2/IPSec instead of OpenVPN, as they are much faster and very secure.
• Use the right server. For example, if you want to access Netflix US, you’ll need to connect to a VPN server in the US. Also, it’s best to use dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, or gaming if your VPN has them.
• Tweak split-tunneling settings. This feature lets you pick which apps or sites use the VPN, and which ones don’t. You can use it to optimize speeds by only sending traffic you want to encrypt (like P2P traffic) through the VPN. You can also use it for convenience — for example, excluding your bank’s site from the VPN connection (most banks block VPN IPs).
• Enable the ad-blocking feature. Most top VPNs come with a built-in ad blocker, which makes your web browsing smoother. This feature will also stop ad trackers from spying on you and protect you from visiting potentially dangerous sites.

When to Use a VPN

I strongly recommend using a VPN when you want to:

• Secure your web traffic. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable. This means malicious actors can’t monitor your online activities. So, you should definitely use a VPN when you need to secure your data — good examples include when you’re using public Wi-Fi (which is often encrypted), sharing sensitive data, or making online purchases.
• Protect your online privacy. VPNs stop anyone from seeing your real IP address, which reveals your location. This prevents websites and malicious actors from seeing your real-time location. Plus, it stops advertisers and ad trackers from associating your online preferences with your IP address.
• Download torrents. I strongly recommend using a VPN while torrenting since it hides your P2P traffic, and it also stops anyone in the torrent swarm (all users downloading and uploading a torrent) from seeing your IP address. If you’re interested in this, check out our list of the best VPNs for torrenting.
• Prevent bandwidth throttling. If you notice random slowdowns during peak network use times (like during weekday nights or over the weekend), your ISP might be throttling your bandwidth. This means it’s intentionally slowing down your speeds for certain online activities, like streaming, torrenting, or gaming. A VPN can prevent that since it encrypts your internet traffic, so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online.
• Access streaming sites. Many VPNs work with tons of streaming services, as well as several different international content libraries. This way, you can securely stream from anywhere.
• Play online games. You can improve your online gaming experience by using a VPN. It could potentially provide stable ping if you use a VPN server in the same country as the gaming server. It can also help you avoid IP bans and Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. If you’d like to try a VPN while gaming, take a look at our list of the best gaming VPNs in 2024.
• Save money on online purchases. You can use a VPN to hide your geo-location and save money when you book hotels, buy airplane tickets, or purchase video games.

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Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company