How to use a VPN for beginners: Everything you need to know

To use a VPN, you’ll need to start by subscribing to a VPN service, then download and install the VPN app, log in, pick a server, and connect. This will automatically encrypt your internet traffic and keep your data private.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) works by hiding your real IP address and redirecting your internet traffic through a secure VPN server first, before it reaches the website or app you’re using. As a result, sites and platforms won’t be able to trace your real location, and you’ll stay anonymous online while bypassing geographic restrictions and avoiding ISP tracking.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use a VPN step-by-step on devices like iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more. I’ll use NordVPN as the example since it’s the fastest and most beginner-friendly VPN available. However, don’t worry – the process is basically the same for most VPN providers.

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How to use a VPN in 3 easy steps

When you use a VPN, it connects your device to a secure VPN server instead of your ISP. By doing so, the VPN hides your IP address, encrypts your internet traffic, and keeps your location and data private. It also helps you access geo-restricted content safely on any device. That said, here’s a quick guide on how to use a VPN in three simple steps:

Step 1: Choose a reliable VPN provider

Start by researching a reputable VPN provider based on what matters to you – speed, privacy, streaming access, or global server locations. A reliable VPN offers strong encryption, fast speeds, solid customer support, and a wide server network. Besides pricing, always review the VPN’s data logging policies. If you want a proven, beginner-friendly choice, NordVPN is one of the best options available.

Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your device

After choosing your VPN, download and install the official VPN client for your device – whether it’s your iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, or Smart TV. To stay safe and avoid malicious apps or security risks, always install the VPN app from the provider’s official site.

Step 3: Log in and connect to a VPN server

Open the VPN app and sign in using your account credentials. Then, choose a server location – like the US, UK, or any region you prefer. Click “Connect” (or a similar button) to activate the VPN.

Note. Once connected, your traffic will be routed through that country. To confirm it’s working, you can check your IP address on a site like whatismyipaddress.com.

Our top 3 recommended VPN services

1. NordVPN

   Best overall VPN with a strong security track record
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Fast VPN with a huge server network
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Freemium VPN ideal for beginners
   8.6

I chose these three VPNs because they offer the best mix of performance, ease of use, and privacy. NordVPN is the most well-rounded option, delivering top-tier speeds, robust security features (like Threat Protection Pro), and reliability across all platforms. It also comes with the SmartDNS feature, designed for devices that do not support native VPN apps, like some Smart TVs and gaming consoles. It’s ideal if you want fast, secure, and flexible access worldwide.

Surfshark also impresses with blazing speeds, unlimited device connections, and strong content-unblocking capabilities. It also offers its own Smart DNS feature and is perfect for families, streamers, and gamers looking for affordability and performance.

Lastly, Proton VPN earns its spot for having the best free VPN plan I’ve tested. While the free tier isn’t great for streaming, it comes with no data caps and is backed by a strict no-logs policy, making it a great option for beginners or anyone on a budget.

How to use a VPN on different devices

VPN setup steps and usage can vary depending on the device that you’re using. For instance, most VPN apps are easy to install on smartphones and computers, while Smart TVs and gaming consoles need a different approach – like Smart DNS or router setups. That said, in the sections below, I’ll walk you through how to use a VPN on different platforms:

• iPhone and Android guide
• Mac and Windows computers guide
• Smart TV guide
• Devices without native VPN app support guide

Using a VPN on phone (iPhone & Android)

If you have an iPhone, start by downloading the VPN app from the App Store. Once installed, open the app, log in with your account credentials, and choose your preferred server location. Then tap "Connect" to activate the VPN. You’ll know it’s working when the VPN icon appears at the top of your screen.

If you're using an Android device, download the VPN app from the Google Play Store. After installation, sign into your account, pick a server, and tap “Connect.” Once connected, your internet activity will be encrypted, and your real IP address will be hidden.

Using a VPN on your phone keeps your connection safe on public Wi-Fi and lets you access region-restricted content. Many VPN apps offer auto-connect, so you can stay protected without thinking. However, what’s important to note is that using a VPN can slightly reduce battery life or internet speed, especially on distant servers.

Using a VPN on PC (Mac & Windows)

To use a VPN on your Mac, you can either configure it manually through macOS settings or use a VPN app from a reputable provider like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN. The latter is faster, easier, and offers more features. Here’s how to set the VPN app on your macOS:

1. Visit your chosen VPN provider’s official website and download the macOS app.
2. Open the downloaded .dmg file, drag the app into your Applications folder, and launch it.
3. Sign in with your account, choose a server, and click “Connect.” That’s it! Your traffic is now encrypted and secure.

To use a VPN on your Windows PC, the steps are similar:

1. Go to your chosen VPN provider’s website and download the Windows installer (.exe file).
2. Open the installer from your Downloads folder and follow the on-screen steps to install the VPN.
3. Launch the VPN app, log in, and connect to a VPN server in your preferred country. Once the connection is established, your internet traffic gets automatically encrypted.

Using a VPN on Smart TV

To use a VPN on your Smart TV, you basically have two main options: install a VPN app directly (if your TV supports it) or set up the VPN on your router to protect all devices connected to your home network

Option 1. Installing a VPN App Directly on Your Smart TV:

• Check for compatibility. Make sure that your Smart TV is Android-based or has access to an app store where VPN apps are available.
• Download and install. Open the app store, search for your preferred VPN provider (for example, NordVPN, Surfshark), and install the app.
• Log in and connect. Launch the VPN app, log in with your account credentials, and connect to a server location of your choice. Your Smart TV traffic is now protected.

Option 2. Using a VPN on Your Router:

• Check router compatibility. Subscribe to a VPN that supports router setup for your specific router model. NordVPN and Surfshark both offer step-by-step setup guides on their websites. In case you’re unsure if your router supports VPNs, reach out to your VPN provider’s customer support for help.
• Log in and configure. Open your router settings via a web browser and follow your VPN provider’s instructions to configure the connection manually.
• Choose a server region. During setup, select the VPN server location you want. This determines your virtual location and what content you can access.
• Connect your Smart TV. Once the VPN is active on your router, connect your Smart TV to your home Wi-Fi. From that point on, all your TV’s traffic will be protected by the VPN.

Using a VPN on devices without native VPN app support

Some devices – like Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Roku, Google TV, and certain generations of Amazon Fire TV Stick – don’t natively support VPN apps. That means you can’t simply download a VPN app like you would on a smartphone or computer. Instead, to protect such devices, you’ll need to set the VPN on your router.

Do note that the setup process varies depending on your router model, and not all routers support VPNs. However, once your VPN is configured on a compatible router, every device connected to your Wi-Fi network will automatically benefit from an encrypted connection.

Here are a few top VPNs that support router setup:

• NordVPN – offers detailed router setup guides and also offers SmartDNS for streaming.
• Surfshark – user-friendly and supports multiple connection protocols.
• Proton VPN – secure and open-source, supports manual configuration.

That said, here’s how you can use a VPN on unsupported devices via router:

1. Check router compatibility. Ensure that your router supports VPNs. You can check your model’s specs or ask your VPN provider’s support.
2. Subscribe and download setup files. Choose a VPN provider like NordVPN and download the necessary configuration files.
3. Access router settings. Open your browser and go to your router’s IP address (the default is often 192.168.1.1) to access admin controls.
4. Configure the VPN manually. Upload the configuration files and follow the VPN’s router setup guide step-by-step.
5. Connect your device. Once the VPN is running, connect your console or streaming stick to your Wi-Fi as normal. It’ll now use the VPN connection automatically, as well as every other device connected to the same network.

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VPN features and settings explained

After installing your VPN app, the next step is making sure that it’s set up correctly. Each VPN comes with a few important settings you can tweak. That said, here are the key features and configuration options to customize:

1. Choosing the right server location

VPN server location affects your connection speed, ping, and access to online content. For instance, since local servers are closer, they deliver faster speeds, while distant ones can help bypass geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer. For example, connect to a US server to stream Hulu abroad, or pick a European VPN server to access region-specific sites. On the other hand, if privacy is your main goal, choose a VPN server in a country with strict privacy laws, like Switzerland or Iceland, and avoid servers in high-surveillance regions. In short, it’s all about matching your goal: nearby servers for speed, international servers for content access, and privacy-focused countries if anonymity is what matters most.

2. VPN protocols explained – OpenVPN, WireGuard & more

VPN protocols are the technologies that decide how your VPN connection is secured and transmitted. You can think of them as different roads your data can travel – some are faster, some are safer, and some balance both.

• OpenVPN (TCP and UDP) is the industry standard – like a well-paved highway, it is widely trusted and supported across most platforms. Both versions are secure, but they serve different purposes. TCP offers a more stable and reliable connection, which is great for browsing or downloads, while UDP prioritizes speed, making it better for streaming and gaming. So if you want proven, consistent protection, OpenVPN is a great choice.
• WireGuard, on the other hand, is like a newer, high-speed express lane. It’s lightweight, super fast, and secure, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and mobile use. However, since it’s newer, it may not be supported on every device or router just yet. Some VPN providers, like NordVPN, have even built their own advanced protocols on WireGuard’s foundation – NordLynx being a prime example.

Other VPN protocols you might encounter include IKEv2/IPSec, which is great for mobile users due to its fast reconnect capabilities, and L2TP, which is older and mostly outdated.

In the end, each VPN protocol has its use case. For best results, let your VPN auto-select the protocol – or try WireGuard for speed, OpenVPN for balance, and IKEv2 for on-the-go reliability.

3. Kill Switch – why it’s essential for security

A VPN kill switch is a safety feature that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Think of it as a circuit breaker for your online privacy. If your VPN drops for even a second, the kill switch cuts off your internet connection to prevent data leaks. Let’s say you’re using public Wi-Fi to check sensitive emails, and your VPN briefly disconnects. Without a kill switch, your information is exposed. With it, your connection is blocked instantly until the VPN reconnects. It’s an essential layer of security, especially for users who care about their privacy, anonymity, or bypassing censorship. Overall, it’s standard in most top-tier VPNs and should always be enabled.

4. Split Tunneling – how and when to use it

Think of split tunneling as using two lanes on a highway: one encrypted, one not. It lets you route some traffic through the VPN – like your email or downloads – while letting others, like local websites or apps, use your regular internet connection. Split tunneling is perfect if you want to watch local news while keeping your browsing private. It’s also ideal when you want privacy for sensitive activity, but don’t want to slow down all your traffic. Most VPN apps let you enable split tunneling in settings, but the feature’s availability also depends on your operating system – some platforms, like iOS, may not support it natively.

5. Specialized servers – best for streaming, gaming and privacy

Not all VPN servers are equal when it comes to performance. That’s where Specialized servers come in – they’re designed to improve performance for specific tasks like streaming, gaming, and privacy protection.

• Astreaming VPN server is built to help you bypass geo-restrictions on services like Disney+, HBO Max, or regional Netflix libraries. These servers provide high speeds and reduce buffering for smoother streaming, even when you are connecting to a distant server.
• Gaming VPN servers focus on reducing latency and avoiding lag spikes – key for competitive games like Call of Duty or Fortnite. Some even help avoid ISP throttling or protect against DDoS attacks.
• For privacy, many VPNs offer double VPN or onion-over-VPN servers, which route your traffic through multiple encrypted tunnels. These options are useful for users who prioritize anonymity or live in countries with internet censorship.

That said, when using a VPN, selecting the right specialized server can improve your online experience – whether you’re trying to binge-watch content or stay anonymous.

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Troubleshooting common VPN issues

Using a VPN isn’t always seamless – things like connection drops, speed loss, or blocked websites can happen. The good news is that most problems are rarely permanent. That said, here are the most frequent problems users face and the step-by-step fixes to get your VPN running smoothly again:

❗VPN not connecting: here’s what to do

If your VPN isn’t connecting, don’t worry – it’s usually something simple. First, 1️⃣make sure your internet connection is working. Try opening a website or switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data to rule out connection issues.

Next, 2️⃣reset the VPN app or restart your device. Apps can freeze or glitch, especially after an update, and a fresh start can fix most connection bugs. If the issue persists, 3️⃣try changing your VPN server location – the one you selected might be overloaded or temporarily down.

You can also experiment with different VPN protocols in your settings. 4️⃣Switching from WireGuard to OpenVPN, or vice versa, can resolve compatibility problems.

Still stuck? 5️⃣Double-check your login credentials and make sure that your subscription hasn’t expired. If nothing works, contact your VPN provider’s support team – they can help troubleshoot specific error codes.

Remember, a VPN not connecting can be frustrating, but it’s rarely permanent and almost always fixable with a few quick checks.

❗Slow VPN speeds: tips to improve performance

If your VPN feels slow, don’t panic – there are a few ways to improve VPN speed without diving into anything too technical. 1️⃣Start by switching to a different server, since the one you’re connected to might be overcrowded or too far from your physical location. Choosing a server closer to you often results in better speeds.

Another useful trick is 2️⃣tweaking your VPN connection protocol settings. Many VPNs default to the most secure protocol, but sometimes testing a different one – like WireGuard or OpenVPN – might instantly improve your VPN speed.

Don’t forget that your device plays a role too. Closing unused apps, disconnecting other devices from your network, and making sure no software updates are running can help improve the overall VPN performance. Little adjustments go a long way.

If you’re still stuck, 3️⃣try connecting via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection.

❗Websites blocking your VPN: how to bypass restrictions

If you’ve run into websites that block your VPN, you’re not alone. Many services try to detect VPN traffic, but there are proven ways to bypass VPN restrictions.

First, 1️⃣try using an obfuscated server, which disguises your VPN activity to make it look like regular internet traffic. This helps you slip past firewalls on sites that would normally detect and block VPNs.

Some VPNs also offer a 2️⃣stealth mode or “camouflage mode” that hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. These are especially useful in restrictive networks like schools, workplaces, or countries with heavy censorship.

Other VPN performance tips include 3️⃣switching to a different VPN server, testing alternative VPN protocols, or enabling Smart DNS for region-specific access without full encryption (if your VPN provider offers it).

Not every VPN can handle restrictions, so make sure you’re using a reputable VPN with advanced tools that work even on platforms with aggressive blocking.

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Is using a VPN legal? What you need to know

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and the majority of Europe. However, some regions – such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – either restrict VPN usage, monitor it through government authorities, or ban it outright. In those cases, using a VPN could violate local laws.

However, it’s important to understand that VPNs themselves aren’t illegal – they’re privacy tools. What’s illegal is using them to break the law. So, for more details on VPN laws, you can consult trusted sources like Freedom on the Net or your country’s official government site.

If you live in a country with no restrictions, you can freely use a VPN for secure browsing, streaming, and online privacy. Just make sure to choose a reliable provider. For that, NordVPN is a top choice – it’s easy to use, enforces a strict no-logs policy, and performs reliably worldwide.

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FAQ

How does a VPN work?

A VPN works by creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. It encrypts your traffic and sends it through a remote and private VPN server. This hides your IP address, protects your data, and helps you stay anonymous online.

What to do before using VPN?

Before using a VPN, choose a trustworthy provider and install the app on your device. Decide what you want to use it for – privacy, streaming, or secure browsing – then log in and choose an appropriate server for your location or content needs.

Do you turn on VPN before or after connecting to WiFi?

Turn on your VPN after connecting to Wi-Fi. Whether you’re using a VPN on iPhone, Android, or PC, the VPN can only secure your internet traffic once the device is connected.

Is it OK to leave my VPN on all the time?

Yes, it’s OK – and generally recommended – to keep your VPN on at all times. It ensures your internet traffic stays encrypted, your IP address remains hidden, and you’re protected while browsing, streaming, or using public Wi-Fi.

How do I know if my VPN is working?

To check if your VPN is working, visit a site like “what is my IP” before and after connecting. If your IP address changes and matches the VPN server’s location, it’s active.

What is the best VPN for beginners?

The best VPN for beginners is NordVPN. It’s simple to set up, has helpful tutorials, and works great for privacy, streaming, or secure browsing. It works on all major platforms, like iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, Smart TVs, and routers.