How to set up a VPN: A step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN

How to set up a VPN on Windows 10 and Windows 11

On Windows 10 or 11, the fastest way to get started is with your VPN provider’s app. Just install the VPN, log in, and click “Connect.” Most apps will automatically pick the best server for your location, so you won't have to dig through settings if you don't want to.

Can you manually connect a VPN on Windows?

Yes. Windows has built-in support for VPNs, so you can configure a manual connection without third-party apps. Manual setup is useful if you're using a VPN protocol like L2TP/IPsec or IKEv2 or if your VPN provider doesn’t offer an app.

You can take these steps to set it up:

1. 1.Head into "Settings."
   
2. 2.Go to "Network & internet" > "VPN."
   
3. 3.Click "Add VPN."
   
4. 4.Now, fill in the fields. Select "Windows (built-in)," enter a connection name, server name or address, VPN type, and your sign-in info (usually a username and password). 
5. 5.Click on "Save."
   
6. 6.Back in the "VPN" menu, select your VPN name and hit "Connect." 
   

Check out our full guide on manual VPN connection for Windows.

How to set up a VPN on macOS

On macOS, the easiest way is to use your provider’s app. Just install the VPN, log in, and click “Connect.” Most apps auto-select the best server for your location. 

Can you manually connect a VPN on macOS?

You can. MacOS supports L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2 out of the box. Manual setup is a good fallback when you don’t want to use third-party apps.

Follow these steps:

1. 1.Open the Apple menu and go to “System settings.”
   
2. 2.Click “VPN” in the sidebar.
   
3. 3.Select “Add VPN configuration” and choose the VPN type you want to use.
   
4. 4.In the “Display name” field, enter the name of your new VPN connection.
5. 5.If you don’t need a custom configuration, choose “Default configuration.”
6. 6.Enter the server address, account name, password, and authentication method.
7. 7.Click “Create,” then hit "Connect."
   

Check out our more detailed tutorial on manual VPN connection for macOS. 

How to set up IKEv2/IPSec NordVPN on macOS

NordVPN no longer supports the IKEv2/IPSec protocol in app versions 8.5.0 and up, but if you can’t use the app, this is still a reliable way to connect manually. Follow these steps:

1. 1.Download the NordVPN certificate and install it on your System Keychain.
2. 2.Trust the certificate.
3. 3.Create a new VPN interface in "System settings" > "VPN."
4. 4.Choose IKEv2 and add server and login info from NordVPN.
5. 5.Connect.

Find more detailed steps for different macOS versions in the IKEv2/IPSec NordVPN setup guide for macOS. 

How to set up a VPN on iOS

On iPhones and iPads, the quickest way to get started is by using your VPN provider’s app. Just install the VPN, log in, and tap “Connect.” Most apps will automatically pick the best server based on your location, so you'll connect to a VPN within seconds.

Can you manually connect a VPN on iOS?

Yes. iPhones and iPads support VPN settings natively — no apps required. Manual setup makes sense if you’re avoiding extra apps or using a custom server setup.

Follow these steps to set it up manually:

1. 1.Head to "Settings" and find "General."
   
2. 2.Select "VPN & device management."
   
3. 3.Press "VPN."
   
4. 4.Tap "Add VPN configuration."
   
5. 5.Select the type of your VPN and return to fill in the details.
6. 6.Fill in the VPN’s description, server, username, and password.
7. 7.Tap "Done," then toggle the VPN switch connect.
   

If you need extra help, check out our full guide on setting up a manual VPN connection for iOS. 

How to set up IKEv2/IPSec NordVPN on iOS

NordVPN removed IKEv2/IPSec support from its app as of version 8.10.1, but you can still use this protocol if the app isn’t an option.

Take these steps to set it up:

1. 1.Install NordVPN’s IKEv2 certificate through Safari.
2. 2.Trust the profile in "Settings" > "General" > "About" > "Certificate trust settings."
3. 3.Go to "Settings" > "VPN," then add a new VPN config.
4. 4.Choose IKEv2, add NordVPN server, remote ID, and credentials.
5. 5.Save and connect.

For more detailed instructions, check out the full guide on the IKEv2/IPSec NordVPN setup on iOS.

How to set up a VPN on Android

On Android, the fastest way is to use your VPN provider’s app. Just install the VPN, log in, and tap “Connect.” Most apps automatically select the best server for your location, so you're good to go in seconds. 

Can you manually connect a VPN on Android?

Yes, Android supports manual setup directly from the settings menu.This is helpful for users who want a no-app setup or are using a protocol not supported by their provider’s app.

Here’s how to do it:

1. 1.Head to "Settings."
2. 2.Tap "Connections" > "More connection settings" > "VPN."
   
3. 3.Select "Add VPN" (or tap the three dots in the corner > "Add VPN profile").
   
   
4. 4.Fill in the "Name," "Server address," and other fields.
   
5. 5.Click "Save."
6. 6.Select the new profile, enter your account info, and tap "Connect."

If you want step-by-step screenshots, check out the full guide to setting up a manual NordVPN connection for Android. 

How to set up IKEv2/IPSec NordVPN on Android

For a more secure manual connection, you can use the IKEv2/IPSec protocol with the strongSwan VPN client. It’s an open-source app designed for this exact use case. Follow these steps:

1. 1.Download the strongSwan VPN Client from the Play Store.
2. 2.Add a new VPN profile with NordVPN server info (IKEv2).
3. 3.Use your NordVPN credentials.
4. 4.Connect.

For full guidelines, check this tutorial on the IKEv2/IPSec NordVPN setup on Android.

How to set up a VPN for home

To protect your entire home network, install a VPN directly on your router. This way, every device (phone, laptop, smart TV, and even smart fridge) is automatically covered.

To do this:

1. 1.Log in to your router's admin panel.
2. 2.Look for VPN settings (depends on the model).
3. 3.Input your VPN’s config settings (OpenVPN provides the best security).
4. 4.Save and reboot.

Keep in mind that not all routers support VPNs. Check compatibility before buying.

Need a full walkthrough? Check out our guide on how to set up a VPN on your router.

How to set up a VPN for a smart TV

Most smart TVs don’t support VPN apps out of the box, but there’s a good workaround: Set up the VPN on your router. That way, your TV connects through the encrypted network without needing its own VPN app. Follow these steps:

1. 1.Confirm that your router supports VPN connections.
2. 2.Set up a VPN on the router and connect your smart TV to the VPN-protected network.
3. 3.Double-check the connection to ensure it works properly.

Want more options or a detailed walkthrough? Read our full guide on setting up a VPN for a smart TV.

How to set up a VPN for Apple TV

Apple TVs don’t support VPN apps either. Like with smart TVs:

1. 1.Set up the VPN on your router
2. 2.Connect your Apple TV to the secured Wi-Fi network.

Check out our step-by-step guide on how to set up a VPN for Apple TV.

How to set up a VPN for Linux

Most VPN providers offer setup guides for Linux, and NordVPN supports CLI-based connections.

For manual setup:

1. 1.Head to the Linux terminal and install the OpenVPN or IKEv2 packages (depending on distro).
2. 2.Download config files from your provider.
3. 3.Use terminal commands like sudo openvpn config.ovpn to connect.

For more detailed instructions, read our blog post on how to set up a VPN on Linux.

Why is it important to choose the right VPN provider?

A VPN protects your privacy, changes your IP and your browsing activity from your ISP, encrypts your traffic on public Wi-Fi, and gives you peace of mind. But not all VPN services are created equal.

When choosing a VPN, ask a few key questions:

• How many devices do you need to connect to the VPN? If you need a VPN for multiple devices, check that the provider allows enough simultaneous connections to cover your entire network.
• How much will it slow you down? All VPNs reduce speed a bit — your data is rerouted through an encrypted tunnel, after all — but the best ones barely make a dent. Look for providers known for consistently fast performance.
• Where is the company based? Location matters. Depending on the country, VPN companies may be subject to data retention laws. Always check what kind of user data, if any, they’re required to log or share.
• Free vs. paid VPN: what’s the tradeoff? Free sounds tempting, but you’ll usually get slower speeds, fewer servers, and weaker privacy protections. Sometimes, “free” means you’re the product.
• Can you actually trust this company? Read the privacy policy — and not just the bullet points. A reliable VPN provider won’t log your IP or browsing history, and it will  use trusted encryption standards.

Is NordVPN easy to set up?

Absolutely. You can install NordVPN in just a few minutes. The app has a clean interface, a one-click connect option, and smart NordVPN settings that recommend the best server automatically.

It’s designed for beginners but offers advanced options for power users. For many, it’s the best VPN provider available today.

Information related to "Best VPN" is supported by multiple sources (unless specific ones are mentioned), including but not limited to editorially independent evaluations and insights as well as statements from media articles, some of which were published through paid partnerships.

How can I verify if a VPN is working?

After setup, run a VPN test to check for:

• IP address leaks
• DNS leaks
• WebRTC leaks
• Speed drops

To run a test, connect to your VPN, then visit a site like ipleak.net or use the VPN test tool provided by NordVPN. Check that your visible IP and DNS match the VPN server’s location, not your real one. If they don’t, your connection isn’t fully secure.

Should you choose the nearest VPN server location when setting up a VPN?

Usually, yes. Picking the closest server gives you better speed and lower latency, which is great for gaming, streaming, or just browsing.

If you’re looking to access your paid content from home while traveling, connect to your home region. For example, use a UK server to watch British TV channels. You can browse all VPN server locations to match your needs.

When should I turn a VPN on or off?

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

• You’re on public Wi-Fi.
• You're completing sensitive tasks.
• You're traveling or working remotely.

Turn it off when:

• You need maximum speed (and trust your network).
• Accessing local content that blocks VPNs.
• Accessing devices on your home network (some VPNs can interfere).

VPN setup FAQ

What is VPN configuration?

VPN configuration is setting up your virtual private network (VPN) to work in a specific desired way. It often involves changing default settings and customizing them to your needs.

Can I create my own VPN?

Yes, you can create your own virtual private network, but this option has more drawbacks than benefits. There are three ways to do it:

• Use a high-end router that supports VPN functionality and allows you to host a VPN server.
• Turn one of your devices (e.g., your computer) into a VPN server.
• Sign up with a cloud provider to host your VPN in a preferred location.

However, keep in mind that these options require technical expertise and often involve complex configurations. Depending on how they are set up, the security of your system may be questionable — misconfigurations or weak defaults can leave vulnerabilities. Additionally, you'll be limited to a single server, which can restrict scalability and resilience.

If you want an easy way to set up your own VPN server, you can use the Meshnet function. It is an additional NordVPN feature for protecting your online traffic and lets you join virtual LAN parties and securely access files stored on remote devices.

Can you set up a VPN for free?

Some free VPNs exist, but they often have limits: bandwidth caps, few servers, or ads. And many aren't trustworthy. If you’re serious about privacy, go with a paid service.

Is NordVPN easy to use?

Yes. It has native apps for all major platforms, automatic setup, and intuitive design. It’s one of the easiest VPNs to use out of the box.

Can I use one VPN account on multiple devices?

Yes. NordVPN, for example, allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. That means you can protect your phone, laptop, tablet, and more with one account.

How to get a VPN

Here’s how to get started:

1. 1.Choose a provider. Look for one with strong security, a no-logs policy, and solid reviews (like NordVPN).
2. 2.Go to its website. Choose a plan that fits your budget and needs.
3. 3.Download the app. Get it for your device: phone, laptop, tablet, or router.
4. 4.Log in and connect. Open the app, sign in, and hit “Connect.” Done.

Is it worth paying for VPN?

Yes, if you care about online privacy, speed, and reliability, it’s worth paying for a VPN. Free VPN services usually come with slow speeds, limited servers, data caps, and vague privacy policies. Paid options give you faster connections, stronger encryption, and far fewer headaches. In short, you get what you pay for.