How to Set Up a VPN on All Your Devices — Step by Step

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, protecting your privacy from ISPs, hackers, and surveillance. But a VPN only works if it is actually running on the device you are using. Most people install a VPN on their laptop and forget about their phone, tablet, and smart TV. In this guide, we walk you through setting up a VPN on every device you own — including your router, which protects your entire home network at once.

Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN Provider

Not all VPNs are created equal. Free VPNs often log your data and sell it to third parties, which defeats the entire purpose of using one. You need a provider with a verified no-logs policy, fast servers, strong encryption, and apps for all your devices. After extensive testing, we recommend two providers:

• NordVPN — Our top pick overall. Independently audited no-logs policy, 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, the fast NordLynx protocol, and excellent apps for every platform. Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.
• Surfshark — Best value option with unlimited device connections, making it ideal for families. Strong security features, 3,200+ servers, and one of the most affordable premium VPNs on the market.

Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try them risk-free.

Step 2: Create Your Account and Download the App

Visit your chosen provider's website and select a plan. The longest subscription term always offers the best monthly rate. Create your account using an email address and a strong, unique password. After purchasing, download the VPN app for your primary device. Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and even apps for smart TVs and Fire TV Stick. You will use the same account credentials across all your devices.

Step 3: Set Up the VPN on Windows

Download the Windows app from your VPN provider's website (not from third-party sources). Install and launch the app, then sign in with your credentials. For optimal performance, go to Settings and select the WireGuard or NordLynx protocol — these are the fastest modern VPN protocols. Enable the kill switch, which blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data leaks. Enable auto-connect on startup so the VPN activates every time you turn on your computer. Finally, click the Quick Connect button or choose a specific server location. Your Windows PC is now protected.

Step 4: Set Up the VPN on Mac

Download the macOS app from your provider's website or the Mac App Store. Install and open the app, then log in. Navigate to Preferences and select WireGuardor the provider's proprietary protocol (NordLynx for NordVPN). Enable the kill switch and auto-connect features. On macOS, you may see a prompt asking you to allow the VPN to add a configuration — click Allow. macOS may also require you to approve the VPN in System Settings → Privacy & Security. Once configured, connect to your preferred server. The setup is nearly identical to Windows, so if you have already done one, the other will feel familiar.

Step 5: Set Up the VPN on iPhone and iPad

Open the App Store and download your VPN provider's app. Sign in with your account credentials. iOS will prompt you to allow the app to add a VPN configuration — tap Allow and authenticate with Face ID or your passcode. In the app settings, select the WireGuard protocol for the best balance of speed and battery life. Enable the kill switch (on iOS, this may be labeled "Block connections without VPN"). Turn on auto-connect for all networks or specifically for Wi-Fi networks, which is especially important when joining public hotspots at coffee shops, airports, and hotels. Tap Connect, and your iPhone traffic is now encrypted. For a deeper look at protecting your mobile device, see our personal security audit guide.

Step 6: Set Up the VPN on Android

Download the VPN app from the Google Play Store. Sign in and grant the app permission to create a VPN connection when prompted. Go to the app's settings and select WireGuard or NordLynx as your protocol. Enable the kill switch within the app. Android also has a system-level "Always-on VPN" feature: go to your phone's Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → tap the gear icon next to your VPN → enable "Always-on VPN" and "Block connections without VPN." This provides a double layer of protection, ensuring your Android device never sends unencrypted traffic. Android also supports split tunneling, which lets you choose specific apps that bypass the VPN — useful for banking apps that block VPN connections.

Step 7: Set Up the VPN on Your Router

Installing a VPN on your router protects every device on your network — including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices that do not support VPN apps natively. This is the most powerful setup because it covers devices you cannot install apps on. Check if your router supports VPN client connections (many Asus, Netgear, and TP-Link models do). Log in to your router's admin panel and navigate to the VPN section. Your VPN provider's website will have router-specific setup guides with downloadable configuration files. For NordVPN, go to their website, generate an OpenVPN or WireGuard configuration file for your preferred server, and upload it to your router. Note that router-level VPN will typically be slower than app-based connections because consumer routers have less processing power. For the best router VPN experience, consider a router with a powerful processor or a dedicated VPN router. Pair your VPN with two-factor authentication on all your accounts for comprehensive protection.

Step 8: Test for DNS Leaks

Setting up a VPN is not complete until you verify it is actually working correctly. A DNS leak occurs when your device sends DNS requests (the queries that translate website names into IP addresses) outside the VPN tunnel, exposing your browsing activity to your ISP. To test, connect to your VPN and visit dnsleaktest.com. Click "Extended Test" and wait for the results. If the test shows only your VPN provider's DNS servers, you are properly protected. If you see your ISP's DNS servers, you have a leak. To fix a DNS leak, make sure your VPN app's DNS leak protection is enabled (most providers enable this by default). On Windows, you may also need to disable the "Smart Multi-Homed Name Resolution" feature in Group Policy. Additionally, visit ipleak.net to verify your IP address matches your VPN server location and not your real location. Run these tests on every device where you installed the VPN to confirm full protection across your entire setup. With a verified, leak-free VPN running on all your devices, your internet traffic is encrypted and your real IP address is hidden from prying eyes.