VPN providers support a wide range of devices on which you’ll be able to install your Virtual Private Network. No matter what you want to do with it, you’ll still need to set it up correctly in the beginning.
We are going to show you how to install and set up your VPN almost all possible devices (Windows, Mac, smartphones, Playstation, Router, Linux and so on). Just check out our comprehensive guide below to find the right tutorial for you.
In most cases, installation is quick and easy, only taking minutes to complete before you can enjoy the benefits offered.
Be it free or a paid VPN for Windows installing a Virtual Private Network on Windows is extremely easy.
Of course, we highly recommend you choose a paid provider as free providers cannot offer the same comprehensive features as paid providers.
Are you ready to begin? Simply follow the steps outlined below.
It goes without saying the first thing you have to do is choose a provider.
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A good choice of provider for exceptional reliability, speed and features offered is ExpressVPN. However, alternatives you might want to consider are NordVPN and CyberGhost.
So, sign up for a plan with your chosen provider. The biggest savings are made with yearly or longer plans. However, you can also pay monthly.
For example, with ExpressVPN, you can save 49% compared to paying monthly and get three months free.
So, sign up for your plan and then continue on to setup your VPN on Windows.
Next, sign in to the account you just made with the provider and then go to the set-up or download page of the website.
At this stage, make a note of the activation code you are given. You will need this code after you have installed the app on Windows to activate the product.
Find the app you just downloaded, normally it is in the “Downloads” folder on Windows PC.
Double click the file to launch it and go through the set-up process to install the app. A window will pop up asking if you want the app to make changes to Windows, you should click “yes”.
Setup of your VPN on Windows will continue and you should click “Continue” on any additional screens that popup.
Once installed the app will ask you for the activation code, so copy and paste it or type it in and click “Sign in”.
The installation is now completed and the dashboard opens up.
Next, go ahead and choose a server to connect to using the dashboard. In the screenshot below, we show the dashboard from ExpressVPN but others will be similar.
Once you have chosen a server click on the “Connect” button. Remember, minimize the dashboard and leave it running in the background to enjoy all the benefits offered.
When you want to use the VPN in the future, all you need to do is find the icon for the app and click on it to reach the dashboard.
Congratulations, you have now completed the set-up of your VPN on Windows and are free to enjoy the many benefits.
Check out the guide below to install your VPN on Mac OS.
First, choose your provider and a plan and then continue this guide by following the steps outlined.
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Go to the setup page of the provider. Alternatively, check your email for a link to the page. The provider should send you details of your plan via the email address you used when signing up. Sign in to your account on the website.
You can now hit the download for Mac button to download the file onto your Mac. You will need to make a note of the activation code, so copy it using the button.
Once downloaded you can go ahead and click on the file to start the installation. When installing on Mac a window pops up telling you the software will determine if it can be installed. Just click on the “Continue” button.
You will then be asked where you want to install the app. You can leave the default installation location as it is, or change it, depending on your preference. When ready to go ahead and set up your VPN on Mac, click “Install”.
The installation will go ahead and a window will popup telling you the installation was successful.
When the installation is completed, the dashboard will popup so go ahead and sign in to the account you made after pasting your activation code into the box.
You can use the dashboard to choose a server. Most apps from providers choose the best server for your location automatically. However, you can always choose a specific country and server if you desire. Once you have chosen your server click on “Connect”.
Congratulations, you have completed the setup of the VPN on Mac and you can enjoy all the benefits. In future, just find the VPN icon and click it to open the dashboard.
Setting up a Virtual Private Network on Linux is a little more complex than on Windows or Mac but do not worry as we are going to show you how to do it step-by-step.
You can set-up your VPN on Linux for CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Mint and Ubuntu. Remember ExpressVPN offers 49% savings.
Save 49% with ExpressVPN for Linux>
To start choose a VPN provider and sign up for a plan. When you have done this, follow the guide step-by-step below to install and setup your VPN on Linux.
Go to the website of your chosen provider and sign in using your email and password. Go the download or your dashboard page and choose the correct installer for your version of Linux.
Our example is with VPN provider ExpressVPN who we highly recommend.
If you are unsure of which version of Fedora or Ubuntu you have, you can find out by heading to the terminal and typing in the following, “uname –m” or “arch”.
You may be able to run the installation directly, or you can use the command line to install the app.
If you are using the command line for installation, follow the steps below:
The next step to setup your VPN on Linux is to open a new terminal window then run the command “expressvpn activate”
You then need to paste or type the activation code you made a note of earlier into the terminal window.
Once more open up a terminal window and type in the following, “expressvpn connect”.
The app will connect to the last server you connected to, but if it is the first time of launching the command, the app will choose a smart location. You are now behind the security of the VPN, congratulations.
If you want to disconnect from the server type in, “expressvpn disconnect”.
To see a list of locations that are recommended type in “expressvpn list” or to see all locations type in, “expressvpn list all”.
You can also choose a specific location by typing in, “expressvpn connect [LOCATION]”. Of course, change “location” to the location of your choice, for example, USA, UK.
Choosing a different protocol to OpenVPN might give faster connection speeds. To set up a VPN different protocol you can switch between UDP and TCP, with the app choosing the best protocol for your needs.
To change to TCP open the terminal window and type in, “expressvpn protocol tcp” or to switch to UDP type in, “expressvpn protocol udp”.
If you disconnect from the server or change to a different protocol, do not forget to use the terminal window to connect to a server again to continue protection.
There is one huge benefit when you set up your VPN on a router. Any device that connects to the internet through the router enjoys the protection and benefits of your plan.
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This means you do not have to install apps on different devices, for example, your Windows computer, PlayStation and phone. Simply connect to the internet using the devices through the router.
To benefit from this follow the guide below to install your chosen VPN on your router.
First, choose your provider and a plan. Great savings are made if you pay upfront for a year or more. After signing up follow the guide below to install and set-up your VPN on your router.
To set up your router you need to log in to the account you made with your chosen VPN. In this example, we chose ExpressVPN but the setup with other providers will be similar. Be careful, not all VPN providers let you install your Virtual Private Network on the router.
Make a note of the activation code assigned to you.
On the set-up page, choose “Router”, and choose the specific firmware for your router and click to download it to the computer.
Using your web browser open up the configuration page for your router and sign in using the user name and password provided by the ISP.
You will then arrive at the dashboard page for your router. Then follow the steps below:
You now have to make sure you are connected to the router.
You can now go ahead and set up the VPN using the router dashboard.
So, now that you know how to set it up, check our ranking of the best VPNs for routers, all offer superb protection and good value for money.
Setting up a VPN on an Android or iOS phone (iPhone) or tablet (iPad) is very easy. First choose a provider, again, we highly recommend ExpressVPN.
However, NordVPN and CyberGhost are also good choices for Android and iOS. Sign up for a plan with the provider and make a note of the activation code, then sign in to the account you just made and continue the guide below to set up your VPN.
Head to the set-up or download page of the provider you chose and choose the correct app for the device, for instance, Android or iOS (for your iPhone or your iPad).
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You can either download the app from the link to the Google Play Store or App Store or download the APK file and sideload it onto your handset.
To sideload an app, you can:
Install the app by either clicking on “install” from the Google Play Store (for Android), App Store (for iPhone and iPad), or by finding it on your device after sideloading it through a computer.
Once installed “click open” if you downloaded and installed through Play Store or App Store or click on the icon left by the install if you sideloaded the app.
When the app opens, you can now sign in to your VPN account to configure it.
Enter your username and password and go through any additional screens by clicking “Ok” or “Continue”.
You can now choose a server from any location by clicking on the icon below the connect button.
When you have chosen a server click on the “connect” button and it turns green to signify you are connected.
That is all there is to it, just leave the app running in the background and you are protected.
Installing a VPN on a PS4 is a bit trickier. But no worries, we guide you step-by-step.
You can easily install your VPN on PlayStation to use MediaStreamer by checking out the steps below. This guide is in three parts, first obtaining a hostname, then the setup of a VPN on the PlayStation and registering the hostname with the VPN.
Again, we have chosen ExpressVPN as our provider; however, installing the VPN on PlayStation with other providers should be similar.
By changing the DNS settings of your console, you can stream from a wide choice of popular websites using the PS4.
You can fill in the DDNS hostname using the Dynu free service. So create an account at the website.
Verify your email address with Dynu then using the control panel choose “DDNS Services”.
Click on “+Add” to add a DDNS service. Enter a hostname in the box entitled “Option 1: Use our Domain name” if you do not have a domain name. If you have your own domain name you should enter this in “Option 2: Use your own domain name”.
When you have completed the above step, you will see your current IP address and hostname in the left-hand side of the panel.
This part of the setup is complete and you can move on to the VPN set-up.
Now that we have finished step 1, we can go on with the next step, which is way easier !
Sign up with your chosen VPN provider and choose a plan then move onto the next step.
Sign in to your VPN account and head to the “set-up” or “download” page. If you cannot see PlayStation listed, look for more devices and then PlayStation. Make sure you make a note of the MediaStreamer DNS server IP address at this point.
Go into the settings on your PlayStation and choose “network”. Click on it and then choose “Set up Internet Connection” on the next page.
Choose how you use the internet connection, Wi-Fi or LAN then continue.
Follow the instructions below to set up the internet connection on your PS.
You now have to register the hostname you created earlier on the VPN website. To do this, follow the steps below.
Congratulations, you have now completed the setup of the VPN for PlayStation. You will now be able to stream content using your PlayStation and enjoy a smooth experience without ISP throttling.
You can install a VPN on various SmartTVs; just follow our guide below to do it.
To use MediaStreamer using a VPN on your SmartTV you can follow the first three steps outlined above for creating a DDNS hostname for the PS using Dynu free service.
Once you have created a DDNS hostname, continue the guide to set-up your chosen VPN on your SmartTV below through the website of your provider.
First, sign in to your account with your VPN provider and head to “settings” on the dashboard.
Find “Dynamic DNS registration” then type in the hostname and save the hostname. You will get a notice when the update has taken place.
You can now go ahead and configure settings for your SmartTV so the VPN will work with MediaStreamer.
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Congratulations, give yourself a pat on the back, you have now successfully completed the setup of the VPN on your SmartTV.
Well done, we hope we have been helpful in showing you how to install and set up a VPN on your device. Wether you’re using a Mac, a Windows, an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet or even a Playstation, a router or a smart TV, you should now know how to setup your VPN on it.
As ExpressVPN, NordVPN and CyberGhost all offer an extensive range of apps for almost all possible supports; we could not possibly cover them all here. However, all providers offer helpful advice on the relative webpage, so check them if you need further advice.
You can also leave us a comment if you want us to create a comprehensive guide to manage the configuration of your VPN on a specific tool or gadget.
A professional writer with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since his youngest age, he loves everything related to internet, technology, fitness, games, and dogs! He joined our team in order to bring his deep knowledge in security services, among which VPN is of course a key component.