A shield with Surfshark’s logo on it. A TV, laptop, tablet, smartphone, router, and joystick are connected to the shield.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) offers you more safety and privacy online, but configuring one may feel overwhelming if you’re not really into tech.

Don’t worry — in most cases, you don’t have to be a computer wiz to set up a VPN. All it takes is the proper instructions to put you on the right track.

Use this simple guide to learn how to set up a VPN connection on any device in minutes.

Table of contents

    How to set up a VPN app

    Any trustworthy VPN company won’t leave you hanging and make you install a VPN on your own. They’ll provide a handy-dandy app to pass your web traffic through an encrypted tunnel.

    Follow these steps to set up a VPN app:

    1. Subscribe to a VPN: Find a VPN service that suits you — like Surfshark — and get a subscription. 
    2. Create an account: Personalize your VPN profile and customize the settings however you see fit.
    3. Download the app: Install the VPN client on your device and get it up and running.
    4. Log in and connect: Launch your VPN by connecting to a VPN server. In most cases, you just need to tap or click Connect, and you’re all ready.

    Not sure where to start? Surfshark VPN offers apps for a wide range of devices, so you likely won’t ever need to worry about manual setup.

    Setting up a VPN manually

    If you can’t use a VPN app — or simply choose not to — here are instructions for setting up a VPN on different devices.

    Before getting started, note that you can’t just abracadabra your own VPN — you’ll still need to get your VPN services from a provider first. Only with a VPN account can you move forward with configuration. 

    How to set up a VPN on Windows

    Most VPN services provide a Windows VPN app, but here’s how to manually set up a VPN on a PC if you prefer to handle things yourself:

    1. Head into your Settings. Click Network & internet, and then click VPN.
    A screenshot showing the Network & internet settings page on a Windows operating system, with the VPN option highlighted.
    1. Click Add VPN and fill out the following fields: VPN provider, Connection name, Server name or address, VPN type, and Type of sign-in info. Your VPN provider should give you the server name and address.
    A screenshot of the Add a VPN connection tab in Windows settings, showing input fields and a highlighted Save button.
    1. Click Save and return to Settings, Network & internet, and VPN. Locate your VPN and click Connect.

    Note: Check out our Windows guides for WireGuard and OpenVPN to manually connect with a specific VPN protocol.

    How to set up a VPN on macOS

    Before manually setting up your VPN on a Mac, make sure your VPN service doesn’t offer a Mac app that can configure everything automatically. If your provider doesn’t have an app, follow these steps:

    1. Go to your System Settings under the Apple menu and click VPN in the sidebar.
    A screenshot of the VPN settings page on a macOS system, showing a list of connections and the sidebar with VPN highlighted.
    1. Click Add VPN Configuration and choose your desired VPN connection.
    A screenshot showing the macOS VPN settings page with the Add VPN Configuration dropdown menu open.
    1. Fill in the Server address, Account name, Password, and Shared secret fields, and tailor the other settings to your liking. Your VPN service provider will supply you with the server name and address. In most cases, you can stick with the default configuration.
    A screenshot of the macOS configuration settings for L2TP over IPSec, with fields such as Display name and Password.
    1. Click Create and connect to your newly minted VPN.

    Note: Connect through your preferred VPN protocol using our WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 guides.

    How to set up a VPN on iOS

    Never fear iOS fans — you can typically get a VPN for your iPhone straight from the App Store. If manually setting up a network floats your boat, follow these steps:

    1. Tap Settings, General, and scroll down to VPN & Device Management.
    A screenshot of the General settings page on an iPhone, with the VPN & Device Management option highlighted.
    1. Tap VPN and press Add VPN Configuration…
    A screenshot of the iPhone VPN settings tab, with WireGuard listed as active and Add VPN Configuration highlighted in red.
    1. Choose the type of VPN you want and fill in the required information: Description, Server, Remote ID, Username, and Password. Your VPN provider will provide your server information. Fill in the other fields however you want, and tap Done.
    A screenshot of the iPhone Add Configuration menu, with sections dedicated to Authentication and Proxy settings.
    1. Return to your VPN screen and toggle the VPN Status switch to fire up your VPN.

    Note: Need more information? Check out our guides for setting up an iOS VPN using the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.

    How to set up a VPN on Android

    You can easily set up a VPN on an Android with an app, but if you’re looking to do it manually, here’s how:

    1. Head to Settings, tap Connections, and then hit More connection settings.
    A screenshot of the Connections tab in Android Settings, with the More connection settings option highlighted in red.
    1. Tap VPN and then Add VPN. Select the three vertical dots on the right and choose Add VPN profile.
    A screenshot of the Android VPN tab under More connection settings, with the Add VPN profile option highlighted in red.
    1. Fill in the Name, Server address, Username, and other required fields on the Edit VPN network screen. You can find your server information on your VPN service’s website. Tap Save.
    A screenshot of the Edit VPN network page of Android settings, showing input fields and the Save button highlighted in red.
    1. Enter your username and password and tap Connect to activate your VPN.

    Note: Wondering about specific protocols? Take a look at our guides for manual setup on an Android device via WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.

    How to set up a VPN on Linux

    Don’t have a Linux VPN app? No problem.

    Here’s how you can set one up by yourself:

    1. Download your configuration files: These will come from your VPN provider and will be in a specific format, depending on your choice of VPN protocol.
    2. Place files in the right folder: Move your configuration files to the appropriate directory.
    3. Connect to your VPN: Use your terminal to activate your VPN with the configuration files.

    Note: Since using Linux often requires more technical knowledge, we recommend consulting our guides for WireGuard and OpenVPN.

    How to set up a VPN on your router

    Even the best home VPN needs to be installed on each device to work — unless you set it up on your router.

    By doing so, you won’t have to bother connecting every device on your home network to a VPN one by one. You can protect your whole network — computers, phones, smart TVs, etc. — with an encrypted connection in one fell swoop.

    Wi-Fi router routes the data flow between home devices - smartphone, laptop, fridge - and a server.

    To set up a VPN on your router, follow these steps:

    1. Check router compatibility: Not every router can be called a VPN router. Ensure your router supports VPN connections. If unsure, check the router’s manual or manufacturer’s website.
    2. Log in to your router: To access your VPN router’s settings, type the IP (Internet Protocol) address into your web browser, then log in with your admin username and password.
    3. Find the VPN settings: Navigate to the VPN section in the router’s settings menu.
    4. Enter VPN details: Input the VPN server address, your username, password, and any other required information provided by your VPN provider.
    5. Save and connect: Save your settings, activate the VPN, and connect your devices to the router’s network.

    Note: This process can differ depending on the type of VPN router you’re using. For more help, use our dedicated guide on setting up a VPN on a router.

    Final thoughts: should you set up a virtual private network?

    Manual VPN setup is a good option for users who want more control over their devices and don’t mind tinkering with their system preferences. For most users, though, an app from a reliable service is all that’s needed for simple VPN installation.

    A tool like Surfshark makes VPN configuration a breeze, even on multiple devices. You likely won’t need to worry about manual setup, but if a problem ever pops up, Surfshark has a 24/7 customer care crew to assist you.

    If you’re looking for an easy VPN setup, save yourself the hassle and go with Surfshark to enjoy greater online privacy today.

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    FAQ

    How do I set up a VPN on streaming devices? 

    Setting up a VPN on streaming devices and smart TVs can be straightforward with the right VPN client. Here are our tips for the most popular devices using Surfshark:

    • Android TV: Install the Android TV Surfshark app, plug in your login credentials, and you’re all set;   
    • Apple TV: Download Apple TV’s native Surfshark app (or use your mobile device), add your authentication settings, and enjoy your VPN connection;
    • Fire TV Stick: Look up Surfshark in the search bar, download the app, and enter your login information. Click Quick-connect (or choose a different VPN server), and you’re good to go.

    Can I set up a VPN for free?

    Yes, you can set up a VPN for free using open-source software or free VPN services. However, free VPNs have many limitations. They often lack security features like a kill switch, have slower internet speeds, and don’t include the option to connect to a different server.

    For better performance and security, it’s recommended that you use a paid VPN client like Surfshark, which offers the best value for the price. 

    What is the easiest way to set up a VPN?

    The easiest way to set up a VPN is by using a VPN app and following these steps:

    1. Subscribe to a VPN service — like Surfshark.
    2. Download and install the app. 
    3. Connect to a VPN server. 

    What is VPN configuration?

    VPN configuration refers to setting up a VPN connection and using an authentication method — entering a VPN name, network, and password — to connect to a remote server securely. It can also refer to the specific way a VPN client is set up on your device.  

    Can I create my own VPN?

    Yes, it’s technically possible to create a VPN using a dedicated server or a compatible device like a VPN router — but it isn’t advised. Setting up a VPN is usually quite challenging and time-consuming, so using a trusted VPN service like Surfshark is much easier.