How to Use a VPN

Before you can use a VPN, you need to subscribe to a VPN service. Here's what to consider:

Essential features: - privacy policy — The provider shouldn't store records of your online activity. Look for publicly documented policies (NordVPN, Surfshark) or court-reported records (Private Internet Access with its published privacy court record) - WireGuard support — The modern, efficient protocol available - Kill switch — Blocks internet traffic if the VPN disconnects - Apps for your devices — Ensure the provider supports all your platforms

Our top recommendations: - NordVPN — Strong all-around fit: strong reported performance, broad server coverage, Threat Protection - ExpressVPN — Best for ease of use: one-click connect, broad server coverage, Lightway protocol - Surfshark — Strong value: unlimited devices, verify current pricing, CleanWeb ad blocker

For a full comparison, see our VPN reviews. Once you've chosen a provider, create an account on their website and select a subscription plan.

Download and install the VPN app for your device:

Windows: 1. Visit your VPN provider's website 2. Download the Windows installer (.exe) 3. Run the installer and follow the prompts 4. Launch the app and sign in

macOS: 1. Download from the provider's website or the Mac App Store 2. Open the .dmg file and drag the app to Applications 3. Launch and sign in 4. Allow the VPN configuration when macOS prompts you

iPhone/iPad: 1. Open the App Store 2. Search for your VPN provider's name 3. Download and install 4. Open the app, sign in, and tap "Allow" when iOS asks to add VPN configurations

Android: 1. Open the Google Play Store 2. Search for your VPN provider 3. Install and open 4. Sign in and accept the connection request

The entire installation process takes 2–5 minutes on any platform.

Once installed, connecting is simple:

1. Open the VPN app — Look for it in your system tray (Windows), menu bar (macOS), or app drawer (mobile)
2. Click/tap Connect — Most VPN apps have a large connect button. The app will automatically select nearby recommended server near you
3. Verify the connection — You'll see a "Connected" status, and a VPN icon will appear in your status bar

Choosing a server location: - For strong-performing speed — Select "Quick Connect" or "Strong-performing Server" (auto-selects the nearest server) - For accessing home services while traveling — Select a server in your home region - For general privacy — Any server will work; closer is faster

Verify it's working: - Visit whatismyipaddress.com — it should show the VPN server's location, not yours - Visit dnsleaktest.com — run the extended test to confirm no DNS leaks

Once connected, all your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN server. You can browse, stream, bank, and work as normal — the VPN operates transparently in the background.

After your first connection, optimize these settings for the best experience:

Protocol Selection: - Open the app's settings - Set protocol to WireGuard (or NordLynx/Lightway if available) - This gives you strong reported performance and best battery life

Kill Switch: - Enable the kill switch in settings - This blocks all traffic if the VPN drops, preventing IP leaks - On iOS, look for "On Demand" settings

Auto-Connect: - Enable auto-connect on startup and/or on untrusted Wi-Fi - This ensures you're always protected without manual action

[Split Tunneling](/guides/vpn-split-tunneling): - Choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly - Exclude local network access (printers, NAS) from the VPN - Useful for routing only sensitive traffic through the VPN

DNS Settings: - Use your VPN provider's DNS servers (usually the default) - This prevents DNS leaks and may include ad/tracker blocking

These settings are typically found in the app's Settings or Preferences menu. Configure them once and they'll persist across connections.

Some devices — smart TVs, game consoles, older streaming devices — can't install VPN apps. Here are your options:

Smart DNS: - ExpressVPN (MediaStreamer) and NordVPN (SmartPlay) offer DNS-based solutions - Configure the DNS settings on your device to point to the VPN provider's Smart DNS servers - Changes your apparent location without full encryption - Works on any device with configurable DNS settings

VPN Router: - Install a VPN on your home router to protect all devices automatically - See our VPN router guide for setup instructions - Best option for comprehensive protection

Share your computer's VPN: - On Windows, create a mobile hotspot while connected to a VPN - Connect your smart TV or console to the hotspot - All traffic from the connected device passes through the VPN

Ethernet sharing (macOS): - Connect your Mac to VPN via Wi-Fi - Share the connection over Ethernet to your smart TV or console - Go to System Settings > Sharing > Internet Sharing

VPN won't connect: - Try a different server location - Switch protocols (WireGuard → OpenVPN → IKEv2) - Check if your network blocks VPN traffic (try OpenVPN TCP on port 443) - Restart the VPN app and your device - Ensure your subscription is active

Slow speeds with VPN: - Connect to the nearest server (distance increases latency) - Switch to WireGuard if you're on OpenVPN - Try a second nearby city — congestion is real and changes by hour - Compare with the VPN off at the same time of day. We do not publish invented Mbps tables.

Websites not loading: - Clear your browser cache and cookies - Try a different server - Disable any browser VPN extensions that may conflict - Check for DNS leaks with our DNS leak test

VPN disconnects frequently: - Enable the kill switch so a drop does not leak your IP - Switch protocols — IKEv2 often survives Wi-Fi to cellular better - Update the VPN app - Check Wi-Fi signal (weak Wi-Fi looks like a “bad VPN”)

If issues persist, use the provider’s live chat and the refund window. Dated first-party notes, when we have them, live on each review How-we-tested section.

A connected VPN does not log you out of Google. It does not fix a phishing email. It does not guarantee a streaming app will load the catalog you expect. After you connect, do the IP and leak checks above. If you only need the concept, read what is a VPN. If you are still deciding whether to pay, read do I need a VPN.