How To Install and Set Up a VPN on All Devices

There are many reasons why you may be looking to set up a VPN on your devices. Maybe you’re looking to keep your data private, prevent hackers from stealing your information, or maybe you’re looking to connect to servers around the world to access different content on streaming services.

Whatever your reason for wanting a VPN, we’re here to make the process as easy, simple and straightforward as possible for you. Regardless of whether you have a Mac or a Windows computer, an iPhone or an Android, in this guide, we’ll walk you through how you can install and set up a VPN on your specific device.

How to install and set up a VPN in 3 steps

VPNs can be intimidating—we get it. These new tech platforms that swept the world by storm a mere few years ago are still a relatively new concept for many of us.

Once you’ve done what you thought was the hard part (actually choosing a VPN out of the dozens of options out there!), suddenly you’re staring at your screen, stumped.

Don’t worry—VPNs are not as complicated to set up and use as they may appear at first glance. Without further ado, here are the step-by-step instructions on how to install and set up your new VPN.

1. Download the VPN.

Once you’ve signed up for your VPN service, it will prompt you to install the VPN app on your device of choice. Hit “Install” and follow the set up instructions.

2. Connect to a server.

Once you’ve installed the VPN, you can browse through the list of servers offered. Keep in mind that in general, the closer the server is located to you, the faster the loading speed will be as you’re using the internet.

3. Start using the internet.

No really—that’s it! It’s really that simple. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the VPN, and connected to a server, you’re good to go.

How to set up a VPN Windows 10

If you have a Windows 10 operating system and you need to set up your VPN, just follow these simple steps:

1. Open the settings. On your Windows device, click on the Windows logo, then hit ‘Settings’. Click on ‘Network and Internet’ and select ‘VPN’.
2. Set up the VPN. Click ‘Add a VPN connection’. Then, select Windows (built-in), and after you click Connection, enter a name for your VPN connection. Fill out any remaining details if it prompts you to do so and hit ‘Save’.
3. Connect to your VPN. Head over to your WiFi icon. Click on the VPN you’ve just set up and connect.

How to set up a VPN on MacOS

If you have a MacOS operating system and you need to set up your VPN, just follow these simple steps:

1. Open the settings. On your Apple device, go to System Preferences, then hit ‘Network’, and click the “+” icon. When another screen appears, click on ‘VPN’.
2. Set up the VPN. You’ll be prompted to fill out details like the VPN type and protocol. Click ‘Create’. Fill out any remaining details, and hit ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’.
3. Connect to your VPN. Head back over to System Preferences. Click on ‘Network’. Choose the VPN you’ve just set up out of the list of devices and connect.

How to set up a VPN on iPhone iOS

If you have an iPhone iOS operating system and you need to set up your VPN, the easiest way to do so is by downloading the VPN app on your device. Once you’ve opened the app and filled in your account login details, all you need to do is choose a server and you’re done!

Alternatively, if you don’t want to download the app, just follow these simple steps:

1. Open the settings. On your Apple device, go to Settings, then hit ‘General’, and click ‘VPN’. Choose ‘Add VPN Configuration’.
2. Set up the VPN. You’ll be prompted to fill out details like the VPN type and protocol, and the remote ID server. Click ‘Create’. Hit ‘Done’ to save.
3. Connect to your VPN. Head over to the VPN page on Safari. You can use the toggle switch to enable (and disable) the VPN.

How to set up a VPN on Android

If you have an Android operating system and you need to set up your VPN, the easiest way to do so is by downloading the VPN app on your device. Once you’ve opened the app and filled in your account login details, all you need to do is choose a server and you’re done!

Alternatively, if you don’t want to download the app, just follow these simple steps:

1. Open the settings. On your Android device, go to Wireless & Network Settings, then hit ‘VPN’. If it’s not there, you may just need to click ‘More’.
2. Set up the VPN. On the top right corner of your device, you’ll see a ‘+’ icon. Click it. If it’s not there, open ‘Advanced Options’. Fill in the details.
3. Connect to your VPN. Hit ‘Save’, then you’re all set.

Which VPNs are the easiest to set up and use?

There are many VPNs out there, but the two that we recommend as the easiest to set up and use are ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the top VPNs in the industry. It’s quick, it’s secure, it’s reliable, it’s compatible with most devices, and it’s extremely user-friendly to use, and the same goes for the installation process.

ExpressVPN

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In a nutshell, all you’ll need to do to get started with ExpressVPN is:

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN. If you’re on a desktop, simply go to the ExpressVPN website, pick a plan, enter your payment details and basic personal information. If you’re using a smartphone, you can do this through the ExpressVPN app.
2. Check your email. You’ll receive a download link through email to confirm your email. Sign into your account using the link.
3. Choose a server. Pick a server to connect to, and you’re all set!

For the full instructions on how to set up ExpressVPN for your device, check out ExpressVPN’s website and scroll to your device on the list.

NordVPN

NordVPN is probably the most popular VPN in the world. Like ExpressVPN, it’s secure, it’s fast, it’s compatible with most operating systems, and it’s extremely easy to use. As soon as you open the app, all you need to do is click “Quick Connect”, and NordVPN will instantly connect you with the quickest server available.

To get set up with NordVPN, all you need to do is:

1. Download the NordVPN app. NordVPN has apps for most platforms. You can see a full list of the supported devices here.
2. Choose a plan. Pick the plan that suits your needs and create an account.
3. Log into your account. Log in on the app and pick a server to connect to. If you don’t have a preference, just click “Quick Connect” and you’ll instantly get connected to the fastest server around.

Should you set up a VPN on your router?

Setting up a VPN on your router is the easiest way to ensure that all your devices are protected at once, instead of having to set up a VPN on each of them separately. This is especially useful if you plan to use your VPN all the time, or if some of your devices don’t support a VPN on their own. Think of it as a “set it and forget it” method to keep your data secure.

So why don’t we all just set up VPNs on our router?

A couple reasons. Firstly, your current router may not be VPN compatible, meaning you’ll need to replace it. Routers that are VPN compatible are often costly, so it’s not the most cost-effective option.

Also, if you plan to only use the VPN sometimes, it could be complicated to switch the VPN on and off through the router—it isn’t as easy as a simple toggle switch. On top of that, some softwares and websites don’t play nice with VPNs.

Our takeaway: Installing and setting up a VPN on your devices is easy

VPNs can be intimidating—we get it. But they’re not as complicated to set up and use as they may appear at first glance.

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to install and set up a new VPN:

1. Download the VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN as the easiest VPNs to set up and use. Once you’ve signed up for one of them, you can install the VPN app on your device of choice. Hit “Install” and follow the set up instructions.
2. Connect to a server. Once you’re signed in, you can easily browse through the list of servers offered. The closer the server is located to you, the faster the loading speed.
3. Start using the internet. You’re good to go! It’s really that simple. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the VPN, and connected to a server, you’re all set.

Tara Khudairi • Author

Tara Khudairi is a freelance content writer and copywriter based in Toronto. Since 2014, she has contributed to brands and blogs alike to tackle popular topics relating to technology, personal finance, entertainment, travel and lifestyle. Whether it’s the latest streaming service or cryptocurrency, she’s passionate about making the complex simple. When she’s not busy typing away, you’ll find Tara watching Netflix’s latest true crime doc or a classic 90’s horror flick.

Desiree Wu • Editor

Desiree is a full-time Honours Business Administration student at Ivey Business School at Western University. She also served as an Editorial Intern at Flixed. Desiree is based in London, Ontario.