The VPN router setup guide you’ve been looking for

What are the pros and cons of installing a VPN on my browser?

What is a VPN router?

In simple terms, it’s when you run a VPN on your router, effectively encrypting the data of every device connected to your network — network-wide data encryption with only one device having a VPN.

Aside from that, a VPN router can also refer to a router specially made suitable for hosting a VPN (because not every router has the option to run a VPN).

How does a VPN router work?

When you install a VPN app on your device and connect to a server, all data from browsers, apps, games, services, and other sources is sent and received via a VPN connection between your device and the VPN server.

This means you don’t have to install VPN clients on every device you own, and the VPN protection is extended even to items that don’t natively support VPN apps. So, if you have a VPN on your router, it will protect all the devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network — smartphones, laptops, TVs, smart fridges, you name it.

How to setup a VPN on a router

VPN installation begins with the VPN itself. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing a Surfshark VPN subscription.

And once you have the VPN part covered, let’s begin with the technical setup:

1. Open the router configuration panel. Access it by entering your router’s IP (Internet Protocol) address in your browser, just like a URL. If you don’t know your router’s IP address, here’s how you can find it:

• For Windows 10 users:
  • Open the Start menu, type in Command Prompt, and click Open;

• A console window will appear; type ipconfig and press Enter;

• Your router’s IP address should be on the Default Gateway line. 

• If you’re using macOS:
  • Open System Settings from the Apple menu;

• Click on Network;

• Select Wi-Fi;

• Click on Details next to the network you’re connected to;

• You will find your router’s IP address displayed next to Router.

2. Check for a VPN client tab. It is usually found under your router’s advanced settings, but depending on your router’s model and brand, this section may be elsewhere. Click around the settings to find it.

If you didn’t find it, your router is not VPN-compatible. But don’t worry — most routers can be made VPN-compatible with specific firmware (see how to make your router VPN client-compatible below).

3. Follow your VPN client’s guidelines. Most VPN providers have them on their support page; here are Surfshark’s instructions for setting up a VPN on:

• Asus routers; 
• DD-WRT routers;
• Tomato routers.

4. Make sure your connection is VPN-protected. One way to do this is to search “what is my IP” on Google and see if it shows a different location. If not, check that you followed the instructions correctly and/or contact Surfshark customer support.

Having trouble installing a VPN on your router?

If installing a VPN on your router proves to be a tougher nut than you can crack — don’t worry. Surfshark’s support team is here to help you 24/7. You can submit a request or start a live chat at our help center, and our experts will help you install Surfshark VPN on your router. So don’t hesitate to contact us.

Different types of routers that support a VPN

There are four main router types:

ISP-issued routers

This type refers to routers provided by an internet service provider (ISP), most of which don’t support a VPN and can’t be configured to support one.

Consumer routers

The consumer type means a person can buy such a router off store shelves. Most routers in this category may be compatible with a VPN but aren’t yet configured to support one.

Custom firmware or preconfigured routers

It’s a type of router that is configured (flashed) to support a VPN before being put on a shelf and already has the appropriate software installed — these typically sell for a higher price.

VPN router boxes

VPN router boxes are designed with built-in VPN capabilities. These user-friendly devices offer dedicated VPN settings and can be seamlessly configured with popular VPN services.

If you’re reading this article, there’s a high chance your router is the consumer type. Here’s how you can check if your router supports VPN software from the get-go:

How do I know if my router is VPN-compatible?

While not all routers are VPN-compatible, you can check whether yours can support VPN software by:

• Reading the manual: a printed manual should have come with the router — or you can find a digital one online;
• Check your router online: entering “[router model] VPN compatibility” in a search engine like Google should give you all the information you need.

Is your router not VPN-compatible? Here’s how to fix this

If your router is not already VPN client-compatible, you can usually set it up with third-party firmware to fix the issue. Here’s how:

1. Find out your router’s IP address. Follow the instructions from Step 1 of How to set up a VPN on a router above.
2. Access your router. To access your router, enter the IP from Step 1 in your browser like you would a URL. This should bring up a prompt that asks you for your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed them, you should find them in the router’s manual (Tip: you can access most routers by typing in admin for both username and password).
3. Get the firmware for your router. Check if your router is supported by going to the DD-WRT website. Use the search box to find the model of your router (you can also try OpenWRT or Tomato if you can’t find your model on DD-WRT).  
4. Download the bin files from the DD-WRT website for your specific router. Downloading the correct bin files for your router is crucial to prevent voiding your warranty or potentially causing the router to stop working.
5. Find the firmware install page. Many router interfaces have it under Administration. Click around until you find it.
6. Upload the DD-WRT bin file. Again, make sure it’s the right file for your router, then upload it and wait.

7. Set a username and password. The default DD-WRT IP is 192.168.1.1. Enter that in your browser as a URL, and you’ll be asked to set a new username and password. 
8. Make sure your router is connected to the internet.
9. Prepare for installation. Navigate to the VPN tab under Services and check the Enable bubble next to Start OpenVPN Client.
10. Now follow the steps above in the How to set up a VPN router section.

Or you can just ditch your current router (don’t forget to recycle) and get a VPN router instead. A preconfigured VPN router can save you some trouble!

Find specific instructions for your router firmware

Surfshark’s Help Center has detailed VPN installation instructions for some routers:

• TP-Link Deco (WireGuard®)
• GL.iNet (WireGuard®, OpenVPN)
• Keenetic (WireGuard®,  OpenVPN)
• FRITZ!Box (WireGuard®)
• Asus VPN Fusion (WireGuard®, OpenVPN)
• OpenWRT (WireGuard®, OpenVPN)
• DD-WRT (WireGuard®, OpenVPN)
• OPNsense (OpenVPN)
• AsusWRT (OpenVPN)
• Portal (OpenVPN)
• Tomato (OpenVPN)
• Asus Merlin (OpenVPN)
• Sabai (OpenVPN)
• Freebox (OpenVPN)
• pfSense 2.4.4 (OpenVPN)
• Synology NAS (OpenVPN)
• QNAP (OpenVPN)
• Netduma R1 (OpenVPN)
• MikroTik (IKEv2)
• Linksys (requires flashing firmware)

Tips to get the most out of your VPN router 

1. Connect to the nearest VPN server. If you want speed, connect to a VPN server closest to your location. The more servers a VPN provider offers, the greater your options.
2. Don’t double up unnecessarily. Don’t have a VPN running on both your router and your device — your VPN-protected router has got you covered! Doubling up on the VPN connections will decrease your internet speed. 
3. Look for the latest encryption standards. Newer encryption standards are faster and more secure. WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN are the best, most secure ones on the market. However, not all VPN routers support them. Make sure your VPN client isn’t going to waste on a VPN router that can’t fully support it. 
4. Be cautious of free VPN services. Free VPN service providers may not have the security standards of paid ones. You may find yourself dealing with slower performance, intrusive ads, and possibly even having your online activity logged and sold to third parties.
5. Bookmark your router settings. That’s the router’s IP address we talked about before. Have it bookmarked on your browser so you can easily access the VPN router settings whenever you need.

Setting up a VPN on a router: pros and cons

You might be wondering why you should install a VPN on your router. The fact is, it all boils down to personal preference. Convenience might be the answer to most, but we’ve got to look at the pros and cons to form an opinion.

Pros

1. Saves time when installing the VPN. A VPN router comes with a preconfigured VPN, which makes setting up your VPN connection much quicker than managing several devices individually. This is especially true for a home network with multiple devices, as the need for repetitive installation is gone.  
2. Secures all home devices at all times. You can protect every device on your home network with a VPN router. All internet traffic under your roof enjoys an encrypted connection, minimizing the risk of leaking sensitive data.
3. Ensures buffer-free & private streaming. Routing your internet traffic through a VPN tunnel makes it easier to access streaming services without the fear of ISP throttling based on traffic type. Linking your VPN service to a router can pave the way for safer, uninterrupted streaming — even on mobile devices.
4. Protects your guests that connect to your Wi-Fi. When guests use your Wi-Fi connection, they also benefit from the security your VPN client provides. Adding more devices to your network connection won’t automatically put a heavier load on your VPN server. 
5. Also works on devices you can’t install a VPN on. Some devices are harder to connect to a VPN service than others. Setting up a VPN router extends your protection to a wider range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. 

Cons

1. Harder-to-control settings. Tinkering with a router’s settings is often more challenging than adjusting a VPN client directly. If you want to assign different settings to your devices, you may have to cozy up with a configuration file or your router’s advanced settings. 
2. Router-dependent capability. A VPN’s performance greatly relies on your chosen router’s capabilities. Some router models have limited processing power and bandwidth, and these underpowered, outdated options may struggle to deliver a secure, stable internet connection.
3. Unencrypted connection between the device and router. A VPN encrypts traffic between your router and the internet, but the connection between your device and the router itself can technically remain unencrypted. Since your device isn’t directly linked to a VPN server, data may be more exposed to prying eyes.
4. More involved installation. Some VPN users might feel overwhelmed by setting up a network connection with a router. Those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of VPN servers could find establishing a new connection or going through a configuration file a tad daunting.   

In conclusion: take your VPN router out for a spin

Setting up a VPN router may seem daunting, but it’s relatively easy when well-informed. The benefits — time saved on VPN installation, all connected devices secured in one go, and so on — speak for themselves. Having read this article, you’re now armed with the knowledge of how to set up your home VPN router.

May we suggest Surfshark? Our VPN has excellent setup guides for various routers and an optimized server network that offers great speeds. If anything goes amiss, you can rely on the 24/7 support service to help you get back on track. Even better: you can choose from a variety of pre-flashed (read: preconfigured) VPN routers (that is, with Surfshark already installed).

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

FAQ

How do I set up a VPN on a router?

• Access your router’s control panel by typing in your IP in the browser’s address bar;
• Install the VPN firmware on your router by downloading it from the DD-WRT website;
• Install a VPN app;
• Go to the VPN tab in the router’s control panel;
• Enable the OpenVPN Client and enter your server info;
• Hit Save and Apply Settings.

Can I use a VPN on a Wi-Fi router?

Yes, you can install and use a VPN on your router, but first, check the router model and whether it’s VPN-compatible. A VPN on a router encrypts ALL of your network’s data, ensuring a foolproof way of staying safe online on any device using Wi-Fi.

Can you set up a VPN on any router?

You can install a VPN on most routers, but in some instances, it’s considered illegal. ISP-issued routers naturally don’t support a VPN but can be flashed to support it; some internet providers state in their terms of service that changing their issued firmware or software may result in fines (read: illegal).

Should I put a VPN on my router?

Generally speaking, it’s more convenient and solves the problem of “my device doesn’t support a VPN app.” A router encrypting all of the passing data at once does the encrypting for every other device and removes the need to install and turn on a VPN app whenever you want to stay safe online.